Second Generation of Croatian Army Conscripts Takes Oath of Allegiance

The ceremonial oath-taking of the second generation of conscripts undergoing Basic Military Training was held today at military facilities in Požega, Knin and Slunj. A total of 900 conscripts swore allegiance to their homeland at the “123rd HV Brigade” Barracks in Požega, the “Brigadier General Andrija Matijaš – Pauk” Barracks in Knin, and the “Eugen Kvaternik” Military Training Ground near Slunj.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić attended the ceremony in Slunj, where he congratulated the conscripts on taking the oath.

“I wish you every success, good health and happiness. Thank you for your decision to pledge allegiance to the Croatian state and to serve your homeland during these two months of military training,” Minister Anušić said.

He also highlighted the important role of parents in raising younger generations and expressed hope that some of the conscripts would choose to pursue professional careers in the Croatian Armed Forces after completing their training.

“I would also like to thank your parents for raising you and instilling in you a sense of patriotism,” the Minister said.

Concluding his address, he reminded the conscripts: “Do not forget that you are wearing the uniform of the victorious Croatian Army.”

The Chief of Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, who attended the ceremony in Knin, addressed the conscripts:

“By taking this oath, you commit yourselves to loyalty to your homeland. The military profession is not an easy one. Through Basic Military Training, you will gain experience that will provide you with a new perspective on values and responsibility. Military service is associated with a high level of discipline—not discipline as coercion, but discipline that keeps you standing firm in the most difficult moments, discipline that prevents you from giving up when faced with your first obstacles. Embrace the challenges of the training ahead as an opportunity to become stronger, more determined and more confident in yourselves.”

Commander of the Croatian Army, Major General Blaž Beretin, congratulated the conscripts on taking the oath, emphasizing that their decision demonstrates courage, responsibility and patriotism. He emphasized that during basic military training, they will acquire military knowledge and skills, but also adopt the values ​​of unity, discipline, and service to the homeland.

“The Croatian Army sees new strength in you. We are not looking only for soldiers; we are looking for leaders, professionals and individuals on whom the homeland can rely at any moment,” Major General Beretin said.

Conscript Karlo Pejić pointed out that during the training so far he had gained new knowledge in first aid, orientation in nature, handling personal weapons and unmanned systems, and expressed satisfaction with the training so far.

“I am extremely proud and very happy. I am particularly interested in tactics and field training. My message to future conscripts is not to be afraid. The most important thing is to stay calm, listen to the instructors and learn, because highly qualified professionals are sharing valuable knowledge and experience with us,” conscript Pejić said.

Conscript Antonio Matanović said he was proud to have become part of the Croatian Army after taking the oath and expressed hope that he would continue his career within the defence system after completing the training.

“The feeling after taking the oath is phenomenal, I am proud and satisfied. I am glad to have become part of the Croatian Army and I hope to remain in the system in the future. During the training so far, we have gone through the basics of first aid, learned about weapons and basic military skills, and I am especially looking forward to tactical training and being in the field. I would like to tell future conscripts not to be afraid because this is nothing scary. In these two months, they will gain new knowledge, experience and friendships,” Matanović said.