Four hundred and eight contract soldiers, completing the basic training have taken the military oath at the HDF Central Training Base in Szentendre.

Following a six-year break the contract soldiers took the military oath to defend the fatherland on 26 November. Minister of Defence, Dr Csaba Hende, General Dr Tibor Benkő Chief of Defence Staff of the HDF and family members of the soldiers were present at the swearing-in ceremony in Szentendre. Minister of Defence Dr Csaba Hende emphasized at the event that the fresh soldiers had undertaken a great task and a real mission. They all volunteered to defend the fatherland. Csaba Hende added:’ ’The new MOD management is aware of the significance of this decision. This is why the military oath was made public after a six-year break. All of us had to thank for this decision and the spoken words of the oath.’’ As it is known officers take the military oath at Heroes’ square, Budapest on 20 August each year, while NCOs have the swearing-in ceremony in Szentendre every July. However, the public has been completely excluded from the swearing-in ceremony of the contract servicemen. Consequently, the HDF Central Training Base (Szentendre) suggested that the contact soldiers should take the oath in public. The idea was supported by the leaders of the HDF, as well. As a result, on 26 November two hundred and eleven soldiers took the oath together with one hundred ninety-seven officers and NCOs in public. Hundreds of people watched the event with great interest.