On Tuesday, 29 September, the University of Defence held a military ceremony at Šumavská Barracks to mark the opening of the 2026/27 academic year. Alongside permanent staff and returning students, 342 new recruits who had successfully completed the Basic Training Course attended this traditional ceremony for the first time, ahead of beginning their studies at the military university. The ceremony therefore opened with introductions to the university’s senior leadership, heads of its constituent units and the Chair of the Academic Senate.
The university’s Rector-Commandant, Brigadier General Jan Farlík, wished both new and returning students every success in the academic year ahead. Reflecting on his attendance at the opening of a new exhibition at the National Memorial on Vítkov Hill, he spoke about the significance of national symbols and traditions. “As soldiers, you are here today to study. In the future, when you join your units, you will be there to defend these symbols and ideals,” General Farlík said.
The new recruits had begun preparing for their future roles during the Basic Training Course. At the ceremony, the Rector-Commandant presented financial awards to seven of them in recognition of their outstanding performance. Professor Šárka Mayerová, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Physics at the Faculty of Military Technology, then received the University of Defence Rector’s Plaque for her exceptional personal contribution to preparing, organising and promoting the fifth CNDCGS international conference. Held at the university in early September, CNDCGS 2026 focused on current defence and security challenges in the context of the present geopolitical situation.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to promote a retired member of the university community who had made a significant contribution to the university’s reputation and the development of military higher education. The Deputy Commander of the Regional Military Command in Brno presented retired Lieutenant Colonel Milan Podhorec with the rank insignia of colonel. “For decades, Colonel Podhorec has instilled in generations of graduates the qualities they have carried into their careers: fairness, teamwork, a balanced outlook, professional expertise and personal commitment,” Chancellor Miloš Dyčka said, explaining the reasons for the promotion.
The university’s ties with its local community were highlighted by an address from Filip Leder, Mayor of the Brno-Žabovřesky district. “You have chosen a demanding path. A path that requires knowledge, discipline and determination, but above all a willingness to take responsibility for yourselves, for others, and perhaps one day for the security of us all,” Mayor Leder told the students. The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by the university’s chaplain, Captain Tomáš Harastej.
Author: Viktor Sliva
