Minister Anušić: The Response is Excellent – These Young People are the Future of Croatia

The first conscripts arrived today, 9 March 2026, to begin basic military training at the Eugen Kvaternik Military Trainig Area near Slunj, at the 123rd Croatian Army Brigade Barracks in Požega and at the Major General Andrija Matijaš – Pauk Barracks in Knin.

The conscripts at the Eugen Kvaternik Military Training Ground Area near Slunj were welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid. They extended their welcome to the conscripts and wished them success in completing their basic military training.

Addressing the conscripts, Minister Anušić expressed his satisfaction with the excellent response:

“With the arrival of the first conscripts at the barracks, we began basic military training after compulsory service was abolished in 2008. The response has been more than excellent. Only one per cent of conscripts submitted a conscientious objection.”

The minister emphasised that thorough preparations had been made for the implementation of basic military training and that young people are aware of the benefits it offers.

“I am extremely satisfied with the response; these young people are the future of Croatia. This is a unique opportunity for them to acquire basic military knowledge and skills. They have responded to the call of their homeland and will spend the next two months serving their country and their people,” Minister Anušić stressed.

Minister Anušić also told the conscripts to listen to their commanders and instructors, noting that they will gain valuable experience and acquire basic military knowledge and skills through military training.

General Kundid: The Basic Military Training Programme and Approach are Modern and Focused on Young People

Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Tihomir Kundid, pointed out that following the abolition of compulsory military service, around 300,000 individuals did not undergo military training. This had negative implications for manning levels and the age structure of the reserve component.

Speaking of the basic military training programme, General Kundid added, “Through basic military training, the first conscripts will gain specific knowledge, skills and competencies and will improve their psycho-physical readiness. They can expect a valuable and useful experience that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”

“Our programme is modern and tailored to young people, taking into account their needs and interests. Its aim is to achieve the standards we expect of them so that they can develop the abilities and skills required to serve in the reserve component and, if they choose, become active-duty members of the armed forces,” General Kundid said.

An instructor at the basic military training programme, Sergeant Marin Kirasić, explained how the training is organised: “The training is divided into three phases. The initial phase lasts two weeks and includes arrival, the issuing of equipment, and adaptation to military life. After this phase, conscripts undergo more intensive training, followed by an evaluation phase.”

A total of 800 conscripts will report to three military locations: 200 in Knin, 200 in Slunj, and 400 conscripts – including female conscripts – in Požega. Of the total number, 446 are volunteers, representing 55.75 per cent, while 354 are recruits born in 2007 who are subject to compulsory military training. Only ten conscripts declared conscientious objection. Of the 446 volunteers, 82 are women, accounting for 10.25 per cent of the total number of conscripts.

During the two-month basic military training programme, conscripts will acquire basic soldiering skills, survival and self-defence tactics, FPV drone operation, and first aid skills. Training will be conducted by 80 instructors.

Conscripts are entitled to a monthly allowance of approximately EUR 1,100 net, and the two months spent in training will be counted toward pensionable service. Under equal conditions, they will also receive priority in employment within state administration bodies and local self-government units.

Upon completion of basic military training, individuals may, if they wish, apply for active military service and pursue a professional career in the Croatian Armed Forces. Those who choose not to pursue a military career will be assigned to the reserve component with the status of an assigned reservist.