Sixth generation of voluntary recruits sworn-in
The solemn oath of the sixth generation of soldiers on voluntary military service took place today, Sunday, 15 May 2011, at the Centre for Basic Training in Pozega. Solemn oath took 300 volunteer recruits, among whom were 269 men and 31 women.
The oath ceremony was attended by the President and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Ivo Josipovic, Minister of Defence Davor Bozinovic, Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Drago Lovric, Army Commander Lieutenant General Mladen Kruljac, as well as other representatives of the Armed Forces and MOD, representatives of the City of Pozega, Pozesko-slavonska County, and representatives from the Veterans’ Associations.
When congratulating voluntary conscripts on given oath the President and CAF Commander in Chief Ivo Joispovic said that he was proud of the sixth generation of voluntary recruits, as well as on veterans who 20 years ago proudly defended Croatia and its independence. “The Croatian Armed Forces are part of our society and contribute to better quality of life, security and the Croatian economy. Membership in NATO and the soon Croatian accession to the European Union opens many possibilities, but it is also an obligation of the CAF in raising all standards. Currently Croatian Armed Forces in international peacekeeping missions have been participating with 500 soldiers, of which 334 of them participating in ISAF peace support operation in Afghanistan. Such involvement contributes to stabilization, growth and development of Croatia”, the President said. President Josipovic also stressed the importance of voluntary recruits and future CAF active military personnel who with their tasks in the country and abroad would contribute not only to Croatia but also to whole world.
Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic in his address expressed the hope that the majority of voluntary conscripts would become professional soldiers, and that as active military personnel they would achieve full affirmation in NATO, together with the most modern armies of the world. “Membership in NATO opens up many possibilities, but also implies the obligation of the CAF in raising all the standards”, said the Minister adding that CAF members must make with their work, lifelong learning and engagement maximum effort to contribute to collective defence system of the Republic of Croatia and that MOD and the Armed Forces considered human resources as the most valuable, and provide them with opportunities for development and advancement. He also said that he expected from voluntary conscripts to continue the tradition of recognizing the Croatian Armed Forces as a reliable and responsible partner in NATO. Commenting on the creation of the Croatian state, the Minister expressed hope that these voluntary conscripts should continue the tradition of Croatian Veterans and the Croatian Armed Forces which this year celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Conscripts were also addressed by Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Lovric who said that the military profession was one of the most honourable professions that require some effort, but it represented an invaluable experience. “Serving in the Armed Forces and promoting its interests around the world through the military profession is one of the most difficult tasks”, General Lovric said. He commended the interest for voluntary military service, which from generation to generation was increasing, and that so far for voluntary military service applied more than 6600 people.
After the oath ceremony President Ivo Josipovic, Defence Minister Davor Bozinovic and Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Drago Lovric with their associates visited the premises of living and training of volunteer recruits, and weapons display. On this occasion, President Josipovic stressed that the conditions for training and living were very well, as well as all military equipment.
During the visit to Požega Barracks, President Josipovic awarded retired Colonel Zeljko Samardzija with the Order of Ban Jelacic decoration for extraordinary successful command of troops of the Croatian Armed Forces.
The sixth generation of voluntary conscripts began with the service on 29 April 2011. Voluntary military service lasts for eight weeks and includes the implementation of basic and specialized training in the Pozega Barracks. Upon successful completion of training programs in accordance with the results achieved during training, selected conscripts will be offered the possibility of concluding the Agreement on training for active duty soldiers and the training of officers, and by signing they acquire the status of active military personnel.