The 46th generation of conscripts who attend voluntary military training took oath in Požega

Today, on 29 May 2025, at the “123rd Brigade of the Croatian Army” barracks in Požega 154 conscripts, 125 men and 29 women, swore allegiance to the Homeland.

In his address to conscripts, envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and the Minister of Defence, State Secretary Drago Matanović, reminded that the oath to the Homeland is a noble act and a proof of patriotism: “Croatian Army is changing, modernizing in all its parts. However, the most valuable thing we have and which we are infinitely proud of are you, members of the Croatian Army. By systematically improving material and financial conditions, we have proved that the human being is in focus of the Ministry of Defence and the entire defence system.”

Envoy of the Chief of the CAF General Staff, Chief of the Operational Directorate, BG Ivan Raos, reminded the conscripts of yesterday’s 34th anniversary of formation of the Croatian Army, that was lined up at the stadium in Kranjčevićeva Street in Zagreb. In circumstances of threatening aggression, it swore allegiance to the Homeland. He also reminded of the daughters and sons from whose ranks emerged the units that defended and protected our Homeland in the Homeland War and liberated the Republic of Croatia in actions of liberation.

Dynamics of the basic military training is somewhat different than training, conscript Tvrtko Ljutić, a professional skier said

Conscript Tvrtko Ljutić, a professional skier, said that he was used to exercise and discipline, although the schedule and dynamics of basic military training are somewhat different than the training, preparations and camps he passes through as an athlete. He was motivated to gain new experience and to convince himself what it is like to be a Croatian soldier.

Top athletes Roko Farkaš and Filip Pravdica, decorated with medals from the recent Hanžeković Memorial in Zagreb, also spoke about their valuable experiences.

For the athlete Rok Farkaš, being part of the Croatian Army is a positive and nice experience. Like his colleague Filip Pravdica, he made a decision to become a conscript in cooperation with Croatian Olympic Committee, and as an athlete he is aware of the importance of serving Croatian state and promoting it in the world. Filip’s goal is to repay the debt he feels he owes to himself and to society by serving in Croatian Army as a Croatian citizen.

Dedicated instructors, diverse lectures, stimulating environment

For Danijela Marasović from Split, the decision to join Croatian Army is a combination of patriotism and a unique experience that she cannot get anywhere else. “This is a unique opportunity to be placed in the barracks, feel the system and discipline and be part of such an organized organization.”

Marin Karavidović comes from Čepin, he enlisted in the army out of love for his Homeland and a sense of civic duty. “My father and grandfathers were defenders and I feel grateful to them and to all defenders. After basic military training, I intend to continue my career in Croatian Army,” he said.

Kristina Grubiša came to Požega from Drvenik on Makarska Riviera, and she applied for voluntary military training out of a desire for further personal development and to gain new experiences: “My experiences so far have been absolutely positive, instructors are very dedicated, lectures are diverse, and the environment itself fosters a very nice sense of community. I recommend this experience to all young people interested in further improvement.”

Ljuba Leko comes from Imotski and says that she has always wanted to serve her Homeland. Her father was a volunteer in the Homeland War, and her brother and sister are members of the Croatian Navy. Her plan is to enrol in specialist military training after voluntary military training and to become a professional member of the Croatian Armed Forces.

A total of 150 conscripts undergo eight-week training

On 19 May 2025 conscripts of the 46th generation began voluntary military training at the Battalion for Basic Military Training in Požega. A total of 150 conscripts are undergoing eight-week training in basic military skills according to the standard programme. They were joined by four top athletes, who, after oath taking, will continue their training in their home clubs. Completion of the training of this year’s second generation of conscripts is scheduled for 15 July 2025.

In addition to conscripts, their family members and friends, commanders and instructors, the ceremonial oath-taking was attended by the envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Defence Advisor, Major General Ivica Olujić (retired), envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, State Secretary Drago Matanović, envoy of the Chief of the CAF General Staff , Chief of the Operational Directorate, Brigadier General Ivan Raos, the Chief of Staff – Deputy Commander of the Croatian Army, BG Valentin Skroza, Commander of the Fran Krsto Frankopan Training and Doctrine Command Colonel Dražen Batrnek, Commander of the Logistics Training and Doctrine Centre, Colonel Mile Valentić, and Commander of the Damir Tomljanović Gavran NCO School, Colonel Stjepan Krešić.

All conscripts who successfully complete the training will be qualified for the duty of a rifleman of infantry branch. This fulfils one of the prescribed conditions for admission to active duty military service. Those conscripts who do not wish to continue active duty military service or are not accepted into active duty military force are assigned to classified reserve.

Since the introduction of voluntary military training in 2008, 12,070 conscripts have completed voluntary military training, of which 10,340 are men and 1,730 are women.