Croatia’s new basic military training: 800 recruits, 82 women, 10 opt for civilian service

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Croatia will begin its renewed basic military training programme on 9 March 2026, with 800 recruits set to start training at military barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega.

The programme marks the return of compulsory military training after a 17-year break, following amendments to defence laws adopted by the Croatian government in October 2025.

Of the 800 recruits beginning training, 446 have volunteered, accounting for 55.75 percent of the total intake.

Among the volunteers are 82 women, representing 10.25 percent of all recruits.

The remaining 354 recruits were born in 2007 and are part of the generation required to complete the training under the new system.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the response has been strong. Only 10 conscripts submitted a conscientious objection request, opting instead for civilian service.

Applications from volunteers continue to arrive, with around 200 already registered for the next training intake scheduled for May.

Training locations and structure

The first group of recruits will be divided between three Croatian military facilities:

• Knin barracks – 200 recruits
• Slunj barracks – 200 recruits
• Požega barracks – 400 recruits, including all 82 female recruits

The training programme lasts two months and will be overseen by 80 instructors.

During the course, recruits will learn:

• Basic military skills
• Survival and self-defence tactics
• First aid
• Operation of FPV drones
• Core field training and discipline

Five elite athletes will also join the programme as future contract reservists.

Recruits will receive a monthly allowance of around €1,100 during the training period.

The two months spent in training will count towards employment service, and participants will also receive priority consideration for jobs in state and local public administration under the same conditions as other candidates.

Because the training begins on 9 March rather than the start of the month, the first intake will receive their allowance in three instalments paid in April, May and June.

The final payment will include compensation for the nine days of training completed in May, ensuring the total monthly amount remains the full €1,100.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić said the government was very satisfied with the strong turnout.

He thanked young people for recognising the importance of military training and for demonstrating their commitment to both personal safety and national security.

Anušić also expressed hope that some recruits would choose to continue their careers in the Croatian Armed Forces after completing the programme.

Croatia plans to train up to 4,000 recruits annually across five generations. However, as the programme begins in March this year, four generations will be trained in 2026.

The government has also announced additional investment in military infrastructure, with upgrades and expanded capacity planned at barracks in Benkovac, Dugo Selo, Požega, Vinkovci and Beli Manastir.