Defence Minister J. Naď: “With this new tradition, we pay our homage to Service retirees for their life-long contribution to the Slovak Armed Forces”

A farewell meeting between President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces Zuzana Čaputová and former Commander of the SVK Army Maj Gen Jindřich Joch, retiring from active service, took place at the Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava today (14 July 2020). This is a new tradition of a formal military ceremony for senior military leaders retiring from the Slovak Armed Forces. The farewell ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď.

Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: “I am very delighted that today Madam President and I once again thanked Maj Gen Jindřich Joch for his life-long and highly valued contribution to the Slovak Armed Forces and that, even in this way, we expressed our recognition and admiration for his job well done.” At the same time, the Minister appreciated the initiative of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovak Armed Forces Zuzana Čaputová to set up a new tradition of a formal military ceremony for senior military leaders as they retire from Service.

Former Commander of the SVK Army Maj Gen Jindřich Joch concluded his military career after 38 years of service. As part of his military career, he held several senior positions, for example, Commander of the Strategic Crisis Management Centre and 2nd Deputy Chief of Defence. His last senior appointment was Commander of the SVK Army from 1 April 2017 to 9 July 2020.