Minister Anušić: You Have Made Your Families, Croatia, and the Croatian People Proud

The ceremonial oath of conscripts undergoing mandatory basic military training, the first in 18 years, was held today in the barracks in Požega, Knin and Slunj.

A total of 800 conscripts, including 82 women, took the oath to the Homeland at three military locations: the 123rd Croatian Army Brigade Barracks in Požega, the Major General Andrija Matijaš-Pauk Barracks in Knin, and the Eugen Kvaternik Military Training Area near Slunj.

Rafale Flypast in Honour of the Conscripts

In honour of the conscripts, one Croatian Air Force Rafale multirole fighter aircraft conducted a flypast over each of the three locations.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić addressed 400 conscripts undergoing training in Požega, congratulated them on taking the oath, and said, “Despite numerous doubts, the first generation of conscripts, with an almost 100 per cent response rate, has demonstrated that young people want to wear the uniform of the victorious Croatian Armed Forces and serve their homeland. In doing so, they have clearly disproved claims that Croatian soldiers and conscripts would be sent to fight for foreign interests. As stated in the oath, the duty of Croatian soldiers and conscripts is to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia and the security of the Croatian people. This is the same mission the Croatian Armed Forces had in the decisive moments of creating a free Republic of Croatia in the 1990s, and it remains their responsibility today and in the future.

I thank your families for instilling in you a sense of patriotism, and I would especially like to commend the 82 young women who have voluntarily joined basic military training. To the pride of your families, our Armed Forces, and the entire Croatian people – congratulations on taking the oath!”

The minister also stated, “We are probably the only country within NATO that has managed, in a very short time, to reintroduce compulsory military training. Many others are still unable to do so, either due to a lack of political consensus, perhaps a lack of courage, or because they do not have people like the Croatian people.”

Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Tihomir Kundid, congratulated the conscripts on this solemn occasion and thanked them for choosing to join basic military training.

He emphasised that by taking the oath, the conscripts will pledge allegiance and service to their homeland. An intensive phase of training will follow, during which they will further develop their physical and mental readiness.

“You have a wide range of opportunities within the Croatian Armed Forces, where everyone can find an area of interest, as well as a path for professional development,” said the Chief of the General Staff.

He concluded with the message: “Embrace the challenges ahead of you not as obstacles but as opportunities to develop new skills, to become stronger and more determined, and to build greater self-confidence.”

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Drago Matanović spoke at the military training area near Slunj and congratulated the conscripts. “This is a moment of pride – for you, for your families, and for all of Croatia. This oath also reminds us of Croatian veterans whose courage and sacrifice made possible the freedom we enjoy today,” he said.

Addressing the conscripts in Knin on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Branko Hrg stated: “Your response and readiness to participate in basic military training confirm that today’s young people clearly recognise the importance of the security of their homeland.”

The President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, also addressed the conscripts by saying, “I congratulate you and express my satisfaction with your personal, conscious decision to spend two months here in training and to learn military skills.”

Conscripts also shared their impressions following the oath.

Mia Wild, a top track-and-field athlete who voluntarily enrolled in basic military training, said, “It was spectacular and emotional – this is something I will remember for the rest of my life.” She added that she had formed lifelong friendships and bonded with other female conscripts who had also volunteered.

Niko Ratković, who took the oath in Slunj, expressed pride in swearing allegiance to the Homeland:
“I believe this is the greatest honour for a young Croatian,” he said, adding that he expected two highly valuable months of service with excellent training. “My confidence comes from our instructors and their many years of experience,” he concluded.

Basic Military Training instructor Corporal Luka Biondić highlighted that the conscripts are highly motivated, disciplined and engaged, as well as interested in continuing their careers within the armed forces.

Basic Military Training

Basic military training of the first generation of conscripts is conducted from 9 March to 9 May 2026. A total of 80 instructors from the Basic Military Training Battalion of the Infantry and Armour Training Centre of the Croatian Army are responsible for delivering the training.

Conscripts are divided into four companies: the 1st and 2nd companies are based in Požega, the 3rd company in Slunj, and the 4th company in Knin.

A total of 400 conscripts are undergoing training in Požega, 200 in Knin, and 200 in Slunj. The intake also includes five top-level athletes who will become contractual reservists.

Of the total 800 conscripts, 446 are volunteers, representing 55.75 per cent, while 354 are recruits born in 2007 who are required to undergo compulsory military training. Only ten conscripts have declared a conscientious objection. Among the 446 volunteers, 82 are women, which accounts for 10.25 per cent of the total.

Up to 4,000 conscripts are planned each year across five intakes. As training commenced in March, there will be four intakes this year.