9th generation of cadets sworn in
The ninth generation of cadets – 81 of them who signed scholarship agreement with the Ministry of Defence, sworn in today, Saturday, 15 October 2011, at the Croatian Military Academy “Petar Zrinski” in Zagreb, in the presence of senior civilian and military officials.
Ministry of Defence signed a contract on scholarships to undergraduate studies at universities in Zagreb and Split in the school year 2011/12 for 81 cadets – 64 men and 17 women, who in addition to regular college programs of study will have specific military courses in the military camps and through basic officer training. During the schooling, a scholarship, free accommodation, food and necessary literature is provided to them, and upon graduation, they start to work in the Croatian Armed Forces.
The solemn oath ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Croatia and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Ivo Josipović, Defence Minister Davor Božinović and Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Drago Lovrić.
“By today’s oath you pledged allegiance to the country, to respect the Constitution and laws, and that you will conscientiously and responsibly perform tasks that are before you”, Chief of General Staff Drago Lovrić said. By this the ninth generation of cadets became a part of civil-military system that has proved effective for the training of new military personnel.
Defence Minister Davor Božinović said to cadets that by today’s oath they joined the great family of the Armed Forces, and to be an officer of the Croatian Army is a life vocation. He pointed out that for this they were alone responsible, as they passed the demanding tests on basis of which they became part of the education system that has already proven its quality.
“Being a member of the Armed Forces is a great honour and responsibility for the glorious past that has brought freedom to our nation”, said Josipović in his address to the cadets and their families. The mission of the Armed Forces today, the President said, is something quite different, and it involves ensuring the safety of citizens and defending Croatian independence and democracy.
From 2003 to date, 4,000 candidates showed the interest for the “Cadet”, and contracts with the MOD through the last eight generations signed 543 cadets, 54 of them candidates for military pilots. So far, the school completed 147, including 41 pilots. 262 cadets, including ninth generation, are being studied.