The Academy of the Armed Forces reopens the university studies after 10 years of interruption, Xhaçka: We aim to bring it to the level of NATO countries academies

Published: Monday, 02 November 2020 18:26

The Academy of the Armed Forces reopened the studies at the bachelor level after 10 years of interruption. 60 young men and women started their studies this Monday at the Faculty of Defense and Security.

In the ceremony held on this occasion, Defense Minister Olta Xhaçka noted that it took a lot of effort and determination to reopen the Academy of the Armed Forces, the closure of which, as she pointed out, was one of the most incomprehensible catastrophes of the transition.

“If we want to build a modern force, if we want to build a professional force, and above all if we want to build a force based on meritocracy, the path is through the Academy. It is impossible to build a force of NATO standards constantly relying on the generosity of partners and allies to train our officers", - said Minister Xhaçka in her speech.

Defense Minister emphasized that the diplomas that the youngsters will receive at the end of their military studies, will give them extraordinary opportunities to employment and career, not only in the Armed Forces of Albania, but everywhere in NATO structures! According to the Minister, the challenge now is to raise the level of this Academy to the level of a NATO country.

Minister of Education Evis Kushi, present at the ceremony, described the reopening of the Academy of the Armed Forces as an historical event. Minister Kushi emphasized that it was not pleasant at all to express her congratulations on the eve of the academic year with an empty auditorium, but the pandemics has created circumstances which cannot be avoided, circumstances that should only be faced with calm and patience.

Chief of the General Staff, Major General Bajram Bega, said that the young people who will graduate from this academy will shape the future of the Armed Forces.

About 600 young people applied to study at the Academy of the Armed Forces, but only 60 of them were selected. Among the winners 13 are young ladies.