Nine Hundred Conscripts of the Second Intake Begin Basic Military Training

The second intake of conscripts today began Basic Military Training (BMT) at Croatian Armed Forces barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega.

A total of 900 male and female conscripts have been assigned to Basic Military Training. The intake comprises 847 male conscripts and 53 female conscripts, with women accounting for nearly six percent of the intake. A total of 274 conscripts volunteered for Basic Military Training, representing 30.4 percent of the intake.

Among the conscripts is the elite wrestler Veronika Vilk.

The overall rate of conscientious objection requests among eligible conscripts from both intakes ‒ namely young men born in 2007 ‒ stands at only 3.3 percent.

Basic Military Training capacities are being gradually expanded. As of 18 May 2026, the capacity of the Knin barracks has been increased by 100 conscripts, bringing the total number trained there to 300. Training capacities now stand at 400 conscripts in Požega and 200 in Slunj. An additional 100 places are planned for the August intake at the barracks in Vinkovci, which will increase the training capacity per intake to 1,000 conscripts. In just a few months since the reintroduction of BMT, the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces will have increased training capacity per intake from 800 to 1,000 conscripts.

This year, Croatia reintroduced Basic Military Training after an 18-year suspension. The first intake of 800 conscripts completed training on 9 May 2026, while 260 of them expressed interest in pursuing careers in the Croatian Armed Forces.

Conscripts’ Expectations – New Friendships and New Skills

Eighteen-year-old Lovro Bratušek from the Velika Gorica area shared his first impressions and expectations ahead of his training at the “Eugen Kvaternik” military training area near Slunj.

“I expect to gain discipline, improve my physical fitness and meet new people. I am looking forward to acquiring new knowledge and learning skills we have never practised before, such as rifle disassembly obstacle course training and other military skills,” said Lovro Bratušek.

Jure Pavković from Zagreb volunteered for BMT and said: “I expect to gain new skills and meet new people. I am especially looking forward to marksmanship training and learning new tactics and movement techniques.”

Elena Novak from Čazma will attend BMT in Požega: “I expect to acquire new skills and continue developing myself through Basic Military Training. I have wanted to pursue a military career since childhood.”

Petra Topolčić from Zadar said: “I expect new experiences and friendships, and I am especially looking forward to learning how to operate drones. I have been preparing over the past six months through gym workouts and group training sessions.”

Military Training During BMT

The two-month training programme includes handling personal weapons and modern military equipment, operating FPV drones, providing first aid, learning the basics of self-defence, and familiarisation with key military operations from the Homeland War.

During Basic Military Training, conscripts receive a monthly net allowance of approximately 1,100 euros. They are also entitled to pensionable service credit and are given priority, under equal conditions, in recruitment procedures for positions in state administration bodies and local self-government units.

Upon completion of training, conscripts become part of the reserve component of the Croatian Armed Forces. Those who choose to do so may also continue their careers in the Croatian Armed Forces.