19th Anniversary of Croatian Military Academy

Celebration began with Holy Mass in the Chapel of St. Michael the Archangel led by military bishop Monsignor Juraj Jezerinac. Then the HVU delegation laid wreaths at the memorial of Major General Blago Zadro – legendary defender of Vukovar.

Congratulating the anniversary to the HVU staff and students on behalf of the Minister of Defence Branko Vukelic, MOD State Secretary Mate Raboteg said that the Military Academy gave perhaps the strongest weapon to soldiers, NCOs and officers in the Homeland War and that was knowledge. “Knowledge is a living organism, which should be always supplemented, updated and adjusted”, Secretary of State said, emphasizing that the Military Academy has long time ago recognized this fact. “As a result, under all its training programs, Academy creates superior military experts who confirm their knowledge on a daily basis, in Croatia and beyond”, the MOD State Secretary concluded.

Envoy of Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Zdenko Simicic said that the Military Academy had the characteristics of a modern educational institution that adapts to new tasks and trends. “This Academy is a respected institution abroad, as confirmed by an increasing number of foreign students who attends various training events on Military Academy”, Rear Admiral Simicic said. He also pointed out the success of “Kadet” civil-military program.

Director of the HVU Major General Mirko Sundov spoke about the history of the Academy, recalling the Homeland War. “Back then HVU had directly contributed to the Croatian defence through training and education of students who came directly from the battlefield. Current programs are mostly designed for participation of the Croatian Armed Forces members in international peacekeeping operations and NATO integration”, the General said. Talking about future plans, General Sundov stressed the interconnection with civilian educational system, with the main aim of accreditation.