Minister Anušić: More and more young people are entering military barracks; we have increased the third TVO intake to 1,000 conscripts

The third intake of conscripts began basic military training today, on 17 August 2026, at the Croatian Armed Forces barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega, and, for the first time, at the “5th Guards Brigade Slavonski sokolovi” Barracks in Vinkovci.

A total of 1,000 male and female conscripts – 947 men and 53 women – have been assigned to basic military training. Of these, 243 candidates volunteered to join, including 190 men and 53 women.

During the call-up of recruits for the third intake, only 1.3 percent of candidates filed an objection on grounds of conscience.

Ivan Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence highlighted that the introduction of the fourth location for the implementation of Basic Military Training (TVO) in Vinkovci has increased the capacity to a total of 1,000 conscripts per intake.

“For the first time, 100 recruits are undergoing training in Vinkovci as of today, and we are continuing to increase, intake by intake, the number of young people entering our barracks. In a short period of time, we have increased the capacity from 800 conscripts per intake to 1,000 in this intake of Basic Military Training,” Minister Anušić said.

The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the response of young people to Basic Military Training, noting that a large number of candidates are responding to the call-up, while the number of those filing conscientious objections remains very low.

“We are continuing with Basic Military Training. It is one of the most successful projects of the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces in recent years, and it has been a complete success,” the Minister said.

He added that the experience of previous intakes shows that young people complete the training satisfied, having gained new knowledge and experience, while some of them recognize the Croatian Armed Forces as an opportunity to pursue a professional military career precisely during their Basic Military Training.

First Conscripts in Vinkovci

Among the first 100 conscripts to undergo training in Vinkovci are young men from Vukovar-Srijem County. Their first impressions reflect a range of motivations for joining – from the desire to gain new experiences and military knowledge to considering a future career in the Croatian Armed Forces.

Tomislav Paljušaj from Bogdanovci was called up for Basic Military Training, while Luka Trnjar from Privlaka voluntarily applied because he wanted to experience military training and, as he put it, decide after completing it whether pursuing a military career would be right for him.

Antonio Macakić from Ivankovo voluntarily enrolled with the intention of remaining in the Croatian Armed Forces after completing Basic Military Training.

His school friend Leon Cajbert also decided to experience Basic Military Training firsthand rather than relying on the experiences of others.

“I do not have any particular expectations at the moment; we will see how things develop over time. I also plan to continue with specialist military training afterwards.”

Matej Klišić from Nuštar is also considering pursuing a military career. His decision to try military service was further influenced by his family’s ties to the Armed Forces and friends who have already chosen a military career.

“I decided to apply voluntarily for Basic Military Training and perhaps continue my career in the Croatian Armed Forces.”

Instructors with extensive experience working with soldiers and conscripts have also been assigned to conduct the training in Vinkovci.

Sergeant First Class Josip Kokić has 13 years of experience as an instructor and senior instructor in specialist military training, while Corporal Ivana Sadrić, a member of the Guards Mechanized Brigade, has taken on an instructor role for the first time.

“I will be training eight conscripts in my group, and I believe they will be motivated to successfully master all tasks.”

Basic Military Training Capacity Increased to 1,000 Conscripts

For this intake, training capacity has been increased by 100 places, which have been provided at the barracks in Vinkovci.

Of the total 1,000 male and female conscripts, 300 will undergo training in Knin, 400 in Požega, 200 in Slunj and 100 in Vinkovci.

Training capacity has been gradually increased since the first intake, when 800 places were available. For the second intake, capacity was increased to 900, while for this, the third intake, it has been increased to a total of 1,000 male and female conscripts.

Over the course of two months, conscripts will learn basic military skills – from handling personal weapons and using modern equipment, including drones, to providing first aid and learning the fundamentals of self-defence. As part of their training, they will also learn about key military operations from the Croatian Homeland War.

The training is conducted by experienced Croatian Armed Forces instructors with many years of experience working with conscripts.

The aim of Basic Military Training is to enable young people to acquire fundamental military knowledge and skills needed in crisis situations and to contribute to national security.

Upon completion of the training, conscripts become part of the reserve component of the Croatian Armed Forces, thereby contributing to strengthening the country’s defence readiness.