Fifth generation of voluntary recruits sworn in

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Slavko Baric, Army Deputy Commander Brigadier General Zvonko Peternel, Commander of the Army Training Command Brigadier General Ivan Juric, Commander of the Army Center for Basic Training Colonel Robert Krncevic, representative of the Minister of Defence Director of Human Resources Directorate Nenad Smolcec, as well as other representatives of the Croatian Armed Forces and MOD,  City of Pozega, Pozesko-slavonska County, and veteran’s associations.

Congratulating the voluntary conscripts on the given oath, the representative of the Minister of Defence Director of Human Resources Directorate Nenad Smolcec expressed his hope that the majority of voluntary conscripts would become professional soldiers and that they would get full affirmation in NATO system, together with other most modern armies of the world. “Membership in NATO opens up many possibilities, but also implies the obligation of the CAF in raising all the standards”, said Smolcec adding that CAF by its work, lifelong learning and engagement must make a maximum effort to be recognized as reliable and responsible partner in NATO. Smolcec also commented on the creation of the Croatian state saying that it was voluntary conscripts’ fathers responsible for the independence of the country that we celebrate today, on October 8.

Conscripts were also addressed by Deputy Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Slavko Baric, who emphasized that the military profession was one of the most honourable professions that require certain efforts, but represented an invaluable experience. “Serving the country and promoting its interests around the world through the military profession is one of the most difficult tasks in all armies of the world including CAF,” said General Baric in his address to conscripts aligned in Pozega barracks.

After the ceremonial swearing-in in Pozega Centre for Basic Training, Lieutenant General Slavko Baric and his associates visited the rooms and training facilities for voluntary conscripts renovated to meet NATO standards.

The fifth generation of voluntary recruits started the service on 24 September 2010. Voluntary military service lasts for eight weeks and includes the implementation of basic and specialized training in the barracks in Pozega. Upon successful completion of training program and in accordance with the results achieved in the training, selected conscripts will be offered the possibility of signing the Contract on training for active duty soldiers and the training for officers. By signing the Contract, the person acquires the status of active military personnel, according to the needs of the Croatian Armed Forces.