This is the first generation this year, consisting of a total of 289 voluntary conscripts of whom 243 are men and 46 are women, including six top athletes (four men and two women).

We learn many useful things; we have made many acquaintances and friendships

Some of the conscripts who took the oath today shared their experiences, expressing pride and contentment with their decision to undergo voluntary military training.

“We learn many useful things and I hope that this knowledge will help me in my future military career,” is the message of one of the conscripts, while his colleague pointed out that since arriving at the Požega barracks, she has made many acquaintances and friends from all parts of Croatia and explained her reasons for attending voluntary military training.

“I decided to serve voluntary conscription period primarily because of my father, who works as a pyrotechnician, and that is my greatest motivation and it is an honor for me to be in Croatian Army,” she said, and emphasized: “I invite all young people to join the army and take a chance at this challenge, because it is truly an honour to serve the Homeland and be loyal to it.”

State Secretary Hrg: With this oath you have taken a big step and I hope that after completing your training you will join the Croatian Army

On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Branko Hrg congratulated the conscripts on taking the oath, expressing contentment with increased interest among young people in voluntary military training.

“I am happy to see young people in this square who have made a decision to voluntarily complete their training. With this oath, you have taken a big step and I hope that after completing your training, you will join the Croatian Armed Forces,” the State Secretary said to the gathered conscript. He emphasized that the Ministry of Defence, as before, will continue to improve the substantive rights of Croatian soldiers as well as to equip and invest in the Croatian Army, guided by the fact that the man is the most important part of the Croatian Army.

General Kundid: Face the challenges of training with faith in yourself and determination

Congratulating the conscripts on their decision to undergo voluntary military training, the Chief of the CAF General Staff LTG Tihomir Kundid said that today’s act of taking the oath represents a solemn promise of loyalty to the Homeland as well as respect for the law and ethical norms.

“The experience, knowledge and skills you will gain here will ennoble and toughen you. The military profession is not easy, it is a continuous process of training and learning. The Croatian Army is not only an armed force, but also a guarantor of peace and security of the Croatian people. That is why military profession is also an opportunity for professional development of young people and a place where you can find your area of interest,” he said.

General Kundid added that he believes most of the conscripts will decide to sign a professional contract and become active duty military personnel after the eight-week training. He said that today’s military organization is high-tech and as such attractive to young people. It also provides education, advancement in service like nowhere else, and also financial security.

“With faith in yourself and determination face the challenges of the training ahead of you. I wish you a lot of luck and success in this and I invite you to become an integral part of our Armed Forces”, LTG Tihomir Kundid said.

In addition to female and male conscripts, their family members and friends, commanders and instructors, the ceremonial oath-taking was attended by the President of the Republic of Croatia and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović, the envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić, State Secretary Branko Hrg, Chief of the CAF General Staff LTG Tihomir Kundid, Commander of the Croatian Army MG Blaž Beretin, Commander of the Fran Krsto Frankopan Training and Doctrine Command Colonel Dražen Batrnek, Commander of the “123rd Brigade of the Croatian Army” barracks and the Logistics Training and Doctrine Centre Colonel Mile Valentić, and Commander of Damir Tomljanović Gavran NCO School Colonel Stjepan Krešić.

About voluntary military training

This year’s first cycle of voluntary military training lasts 40 working days and ends on 9 April 2025. The intensive training that conscripts undergo includes handling weapons, physical preparation, tactical training, and basic military skills.

Voluntary conscripts who successfully complete the training receive the military occupation specialty (MOS) of a marksman (11A) and are qualified for the duty of an infantry marksman. This fulfils one of the prescribed conditions for admission to active duty military service.

Since the beginning of introduction of voluntary military training in 2008, 11,787 conscripts have completed training in voluntary military training, of which 10,100 are men and 1,687 are women.

Objava 289 volunteer conscripts take an oath to the Homeland: It is an honour to serve in the Croatian Army pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

Pointing out that members of the Croatian Armed Forces participate in training and exercises with the aim of further developing the operational capabilities, the MOD’s State Secretary Zdravko Jakop explained that this Decision authorizes the Croatian Armed Forces to cross the border of the Republic of Croatia in order to participate in 47 exercises abroad with the armed forces of allied member states, and also authorizes the armed forces of allied member states to cross the border in order to hold two training activities and 20 exercises in Croatia.

Of the major exercises planned to be held in the Republic of Croatia in 2024, the State Secretary highlighted “STABILITY 24” and “LIFT 24” exercises. The “STABILITY 24” exercise will be held in April for the purpose of training and evaluating parts of the Croatian Armed Forces for deployment of the forces declared in the combat structure of the leading nations within the framework of NATO and EU initiatives to the area of operations. The “LIFT 24” exercise will be conducted in May and June with the aim of training the Croatian Armed Forces to provide logistical support and the host nation support (HNS).

Among the exercises to be held abroad, he highlighted the “ADRION 24” exercise, which will be conducted in May and June in the Hellenic Republic in order to practice NATO procedures for planning and implementing naval crisis response operations, and the “STRONG BASTION 24” exercise, which is planned for October and November in the Slovak Republic in order to increase the operational capability of the HQ Multinational Division Centre.

Objava Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted a Decision on authorizing the armed forces to cross the state border due to implementation of training and exercises pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

Considering that a slightly shorter time format was planned for this session, Defence Minister of Northern Macedonia, Ms. Slavjanka Petrovska, addressed the participants on behalf of Albania, Croatia, Montenegro, and Northern Macedonia. Through a joint declaration, Croatia expressed its unwavering support for Ukrainian and Georgian sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. Croatian representatives also voiced their concern about Russia’s actions in Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans and praised the efforts of Ukraine and Georgia to resolve tensions peacefully through diplomacy. Finally, support was once again expressed for the conclusions of the NATO summit in Bucharest in 2008, NATO’s Open-Door Policy, and the right of each country to decide on its own security arrangements.

The meeting of defence ministers ended with a special session dedicated to NATO-EU cooperation, attended by partners from Finland and Sweden and Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. On that occasion, those present expressed satisfaction with the partnership between NATO and the European Union, one they consider stronger than ever before, which is especially important in the current security situation in Eastern Europe. NATO and the EU work together in many areas critical to European security, such as maintaining stability in the Western Balkans, cyber co-operation, and maritime security in the Mediterranean. Both organizations are working on their new strategic documents – NATO’s Strategic Concept and EU’s Strategic Compass. Although these documents differ in approach, the participants agreed on the need for their complementarity to ensure coherence in the global approach to security. Minister Banožić reiterated Croatia’s position on the current security situation in Eastern Europe. He stated that two basic principles must be adhered to – that resolving conflicts by force is unacceptable and that every nation has the right to choose its own path. In addition, Minister said that for Croatia, as a member of both organizations, it is of the utmost importance to maintain cohesion between NATO and the European Union as well as mutual solidarity because we share responsibility for the security of the Euro-Atlantic area. Mr. Banožić also pointed out that NATO will remain the foundation of European collective security. He agreed that the development of the NATO Strategic Concept and the EU Strategic Compass should be guided by complementarity as a fundamental idea. Minister also expressed hope that the NATO-EU declaration on joint co-operation would be adopted as soon as possible.

Objava Meeting of NATO ministers of defence pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

Minister Banožić said that Croatia and Qatar are friendly countries with good relations in all areas of cooperation. Potential defence cooperation between the two countries was discussed at the reception.

“I would like to thank the State of Qatar for its assistance in bringing Croatian citizens back home from Afghanistan in 2021. We appreciate the help you have provided to NATO,” said Minister Banožić and briefed the Qatari ambassador on the capacities of the Croatian defence industry.

The Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Mr Yousef J. J. Al-Thani, presented Minister Banožić with an invitation for DIMDEX 2022.

“Thank you for the invitation to visit DIMDEX 2022. I am sure that this year’s edition of this famous exhibition will be an extraordinary event “, said Mr Banožić.

The Qatari Ambassador thanked the Minister at the reception and added that Croatia and Qatar have excellent relations that will continue to improve in the future.

Objava Minister Banožić with the Ambassador of the State of Qatar, H.E. Yousef J. J. Al-Thani pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

The Agreement, outlining the material, logistic, administrative and personnel support to be provided by the Ministry of Defence for the operation and development of the MSAP TC, has been signed by State Secretary for Defence Tomislav Ivić and by the Director of the Multinational Special Aviation Programme Lieutenant Colonel Tomislav Pušnik.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj, acting Head of the Defence Policy Directorate Dunja Bujan, Director of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Major General Ivica Olujić, Chairman of the MSAP Multinational Executive Board (MEB) Colonel Dean Kranjčec, MSAP TC Director Lieutenant Colonel Tomislav Pušnik, MSAP TC Deputy Director Lieutenant Colonel Peter Simon, Croatian MEB member Colonel Branko Tubić, MSAP TC Standardisation / Flight Safety Officer Lieutenant Colonel Teodor Rashkov and the MSAP TC Training / Planning Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tomaž Oblak.

The Republic of Croatia and the MSAP partner nations have undertaken an important step towards further development of NATO capabilities

State Secretary Ivić said that by taking the role of the Host Nation Croatia undertook an important step towards further development of the Alliance through an international training programme as a comprehensive co-operation framework.

“We are proud that the Centre will provide special air operations integration training for the best pilots and special forces reps from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia, and I am extending congratulations to the member countries on their achievements up to now”, said State Secretary Ivić.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Hranj said he firmly believe the MSAP TC has chance to become a NATO Centre of Excellence, if continue with professional work on a high level NATO standards.

The Director of MSAP, Lieutenant Colonel Tomislav Pušnik said that MSAP establishment has a huge importance for all participating countries, in view of NATO SOF standards applied in training, and the enhanced interoperability of special air forces.

“The project is still in an initial phase, but we have high ambitions, and we believe that through hard work we can achieve our goal – to become a NATO Centre of Excellence for Special Air Operations, said Lt. Col. Pušnik.

Deputy Director of MSAP TC Lieutenant Colonel Peter Simon commended the development and operation modality of the MSAP, and emphasised that it had been supported by NATO SOF Headquarters and the U.S. Special Operations Command since the very beginning.

”I am extending warm appreciation to the Republic of Croatia for hosting the programme and the commitment which is vital for its success, on behalf of the international members and trainees“, said Lt. Col. Simon.

Lt. Col. Rashkov and Lt. Col. Oblak agreed that the exchange of expertise and knowledge is the essential aspect of the training, and that investment into special air forces is a right direction for development of the armed forces.

Objava Technical Agreement between MoD and MSAP TC pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

In Zagreb the delegations of the Ministry of Defence and of the Croatian Armed Forces headed by the State Secretary for Defence Tomislav Ivić and by the Chief of the General Staff Admiral Robert Hranj laid wreaths at the tomb of the wartime Defence Minister and the first Commander of the Croatian National Guard General Martin Špegelj, of the Defence Minister Gojko Šušak and of the late chiefs of the General Staff Staff General Petar Stipetić, of Staff General Zvonimir Červenko and of General Imra Agotić.

Delegations headed by Colonel Alan Srpak paid respects to the former Defence Minister Branko Vukelić at Vukmanički Cerovec, a delegation headed by Colonel Darko Podrug laid wreaths at the tomb of the Defence Minister Šime Đodanm, and a delegation of the Ministry of Defence and fot he Croatian Armed Forces headed by Colonel Predrag Krapljan paid respects to the former Chief of the General Staff Staff General Janko Bobetko at the Viktorovac Cemetery in Sisak respectively.

The delegations also paid respects to the fallen members of the Croatian Army and to the victims of the Homeland War at cemeteries in Split, Dubrovnik, Karlovac, Vukovar, Varaždin, Pula, Zadar, Ploče, at Miroševac Cemetery in Zagreb, at cemetery in Osijek, at the monument to the Croatian victory “Oluja 95” in Knin and at the memorial monument to the fallen Croatian defenders in memorial park of the Homeland War in Sinj.

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Objava The marking of 29th anniversary of Croatian Armed Forces pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.

The meeting agenda featured defence co-operation, the current issues related to the EU and NATO, the regional security situation, and the ministers agreed that Croatia and Italy were continuing the active support to the countries in southeast Europe with their Euro-Atlantic integration.

Defence Co-operation Agreement between Croatia and Italy

Ministers Krstičević and Guerini signed the Defence Cooperation Agreement between Croatia and Italy, setting a solid framework for na further development

Minister Krstičević emphasised: “I wish to express satisfaction over signing the Defence Co-operation Agreement between Croatia and Italy after 20 years. The two countries have run an excellent defence co-operation, and this Agreement is an additional proof to that”.

Ministar Krstičević underlined the co-operation of the two navies and air forces: “We are two neighbouring countries boasting a long maritime tradition, and our navies also have an excellent co-operation, within the multilateral initiative ADRION and in the Virtual Regional Centre for Maritime Transportation and agreed that in the future period the co-operation will intensify”.

“Frecce Tricolori” to take part at CROIMAS in Zadar

Speaking of the co-operation of air forces of Italy and Croatia Minister Krstičević underlined the cooperation of the aerobatic groups “Wings of Storm” and “Frecce Tricolori” and announced the participation of the famous Italian aerobatic group at the first ever Croatian military air show CROIMAS, marking the 30th anniversary of the state of Croatia.

“I am announcing that the Frecce Tricolori are going to take part in the Air Show in Zadar and wish to appreciate Minister Guerini for the decision. The participation will be another proof of excellent neighbourly and friendly relations”, said Minister Krstičević.

Minister Guerini confirmed the participation of the Italian aerobatic group at the CROIMAS:

“I have the pleasure to confirm the participation of the “Frecce Tricolori” will have the honour to take part at the air show in Zadar this year. It will affirm both the friendly relations of the two countries and governments and contribute to development of our defence co-operation”.

The Italian Ministry appreciated the Croatian counterpart for the confirmed participation of the Croatian aerobatic team “Wings of Storm” at the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the “Frecce Tricolori”.

“We also discussed the co-operation in education and military technical co-operation. We shall continue discussion at the informal EU defence ministers meeting”, said Minister Krstičević.
 
Minister Guerini agreed that the meeting affirmed the good co-operation of the two countries and ministers too.

“The excellent relations have received a new confirmation with the signature of the Defence Cooperation Agreement”, said Minister Guerini.

The Minister extended best wishes to Croatia for its Presidency of the Council of the EU at a complex moment, characterised by a migrant crisis and corona virus outbreak. He also expressed conviction that during the Presidency important decisions concerning the European integration of the countries of southeast Europe, aimed at stabilisation of the area and future development of the EU.

Objava Minister Krstičević meets with Italian Defence Minister pojavila se prvi puta na MORH.