Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy celebrates 32nd anniversary
Soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers are at the centre of our policy, and their better substantive rights are a priority of my mandate and of the Croatian Government, Minister Anušić said
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić attended the 32nd anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Dr. Franjo Tuđman Croatian Defence Academy (CDA), which was held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in the Congress Centre at the Petar Zrinski Barracks in Zagreb.
The anniversary celebration was attended by Croatian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović, representative of the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Ante Deur, Chief of the CAF General Staff Admiral Robert Hranj with his associates, Military Ordinary in the Republic of Croatia Monsignor Jure Bogdan, CDA Commandant Major General Slaven Zdilar, and other guests.
On this occasion, the most deserving employees of the Croatian Defence Academy were awarded commendations and decorations, and were also given promotions and awards. Cadets were also awarded ranks and daggers.
Minister Anušić congratulated all the employees of the Croatian Defence Academy on the 32nd anniversary and pointed out, referring to the Homeland War, that in the beginning the tactics of warfare were learned on the battlefield, but thanks to the development and activities of the Croatian Defence Academy during and after the Homeland War, generations of soldiers, officers and non-commissioned officers were built and educated at the CDA as professional members of the Croatian Armed Forces.
“Investing time in your knowledge is the smartest investment and the foundation of the young people’s future”, Minister Anušić pointed out, adding that the combination of knowledge, courage and military skills results in soldiers who are regarded as the pride of the nation, both in the Homeland War and today in the young generations who are studying at the Croatian Defence Academy.
He also pointed out that in times of changed security paradigms, military education has become very demanding and complex, and that members of the Croatian Armed Forces are expected to have a wide range of knowledge, skills and capabilities.
“I am certain that we will all work together as a team to continue to create modern and strong leaders for our Croatian Armed Forces. I have been saying this since the first day I was appointed to this duty – infrastructure, equipment and weapons have their purpose only with motivated members of the Croatian Armed Forces. Soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers are at the centre of our policy, and their better substantive rights are a priority of my mandate and of the Croatian Government,” Minister Anušić said.
“The Croatian Defence Academy must always be a prestigious and elite place of military education. I hope that it will further confirm its elite and prestigious status”, President Milanović said.
Chief of the CAF General Staff Admiral Robert Hranj said that today the Croatian Defence Academy has become a recognized organization in the system of military education and beyond.
“The Croatian Defence Academy has been recognized by the academic community as a high-quality educational institution. It is constantly working on improving the military system of education and training of our future military leaders”, Admiral Hranj said, congratulating the 32nd anniversary of CDA’s establishment.
In his address, CDA Commandant Major General Slaven Zdilar thanked all previous commandants who led and directed military education. “At its 32nd anniversary of its establishment, we can proudly say that this institution has become the cornerstone of Croatian military education. The high level of military professionalism and military ethics of our defence academy has been recognized by many friendly countries that send their members to military training here at the CDA”, he pointed out.
He also referred to investment plans in infrastructure, i.e. modernization of living and working conditions in order to meet the highest standards of military education.
“We are planning to expand classroom capacity, modernise military simulations centre, build modern laboratories and cabinets, as well as further improve accommodation and sports facilities in order to further encourage a healthy lifestyle and team cohesion among all Defence Academy students”, General Zdilar said, talking about the future plans for the Croatian Defence Academy.
Currently there are 527 students at the Croatian Defence Academy at all levels. 20 foreign students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Slovenia and the Federal Republic of Germany undergo progressive officer education.
