The service of 13 members of the Army of Montenegro has concluded with dishonorable discharges due to identified security obstacles, while the process for four additional members is still ongoing, as reported by the Ministry of Defense in response to an inquiry by “Vijesti” regarding actions taken against those affected.

The Deputy Prime Minister revealed last week that security obstacles have been determined for a total of 29 individuals in the Army, along with three issues concerning access to classified information. Aleksa Becic (Democrats).

“Security issues have been flagged for 17 active service personnel in the Army of Montenegro, with an additional 12 individuals not being accepted into service,” the Ministry clarified in a statement.

The Ministry further stated that individuals who were deemed to have obstructed access to classified information, or whose clearances were not renewed, were released from their posts that require such clearance.

When asked by “Vijesti” if any soldiers or officers were found to have security issues and the count of each, the Ministry did not provide a response.

A source from the Ministry informed “Vijesti” that the observed security concerns included associations with organized crime groups, topics of security interest, substance abuse, trafficking activities, and undeclared outside employment not sanctioned by the Army, along with interactions with political entities from themselves or their families, and gathering information about the Army from fellow members.

The informant clarified that the relevant commission assesses security concerns and access to classified information by first gathering operational data on individuals in question, and decides whether a security concern or access obstacle exists.

Numerous Checks Ongoing

The Ministry of Defense could not specify the number of ongoing security checks within the Army.

“Since the data regarding security screenings is classified, we cannot disclose the exact total of ongoing checks, but we can confirm it’s a substantial number,” the minister’s office stated. Dragan Krapović (Democrats).

Last year, the Ministry stated that from 2016 to July 2024, twelve individuals lost their Army positions with a “dishonorable discharge” due to established security threats, in accordance with the Law on the Army of Montenegro.

According to Article 145 of this Law, an individual’s service may be terminated if a security obstacle is identified or if they concealed information detrimental to their admission or rank determination upon entering service.

As per the Law on the Army, an individual may be admitted to service if they meet the conditions, which include not having any security obstacles.

The Intelligence and Security Directorate under the Ministry of Defense is tasked with conducting security checks and identifying security obstacles for employees and personnel within the Ministry and Army, as stated in the Law on Military Intelligence and Security Affairs.

The Ministry outlines security obstacles as per Article 47 of the Army Law.

“Not a Vendetta or Political Showdown”

The Ministry of Defense asserts that security checks are essential for maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the services that protect the nation.

They emphasize that the Montenegrin Army is a crucial component of the national security framework that must remain steadfastly loyal to the Constitution, laws, and citizens.

“This process is not a vendetta or political confrontation; it is a necessary historical step toward cleansing an institution that must truly represent Montenegro. Security concerns should not be viewed through a political lens but as professional and institutional decisions,” the Ministry asserts.

They stressed that Montenegro will never again allow those who have betrayed the state to hold defense responsibilities.

“All who vowed allegiance to the flag and acted in the interest of Montenegro’s security should recognize that a new phase characterized by responsibility is dawning,” the Ministry declared.

News