PHOTOS: New basic military training begins in Croatia – 800 recruits in Knin, Slunj and Požega

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

ZAGREB, 9 March 2026 – Basic military training has begun in Croatia for a new intake of 800 recruits, marking the start of the programme nearly two decades after compulsory military service was abolished in 2008.

The first recruits arrived on Monday at three military locations across the country: the Eugen Kvaternik military training ground near Slunj, the “123rd Croatian Army Brigade” barracks in Požega, and the “Major General Andrija Matijaš – Pauk” barracks in Knin.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić, together with Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces General Tihomir Kundid, welcomed the recruits at the Slunj training ground and wished them success during the training period.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Anušić said the response to the programme had exceeded expectations.

“With the arrival of the first recruits in the barracks, we have begun basic military training after compulsory service was abolished in 2008. The response has been more than excellent. Only around one per cent of recruits filed a conscientious objection,” he said.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

He added that extensive preparations had been carried out ahead of the programme and that young people recognised the benefits of the training.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

“These young people are the future of Croatia. This is a unique opportunity for them to learn the basic disciplines and knowledge of military service. Over the next two months they will serve their homeland and gain valuable experience,” Anušić said.

The defence minister encouraged recruits to listen carefully to their commanders and instructors in order to gain skills and experiences that can only be learned in the armed forces.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Modern training programme

General Kundid highlighted that since compulsory military service ended, around 300,000 people have not completed any form of military training. This has had a negative impact on the filling of the reserve forces and their age structure.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

He said the new programme has been designed with younger generations in mind.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

“Through this training, recruits will gain new knowledge, skills and competencies and significantly improve their physical and mental readiness. It will be a valuable experience they will remember throughout their lives,” Kundid said.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

“Our programme is modern and tailored to young people, their needs and interests. It aims to reach the standards required for service in the reserve forces, and potentially for those who choose to pursue a professional military career,” he added.

Training structure

Instructor Corporal Marin Kirasić explained that the training is divided into three phases.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

The first phase lasts two weeks and includes arrival, equipment allocation and adaptation to military life. This is followed by a more intensive training phase before recruits undergo final evaluation.

During the two-month programme, recruits will learn core military skills including survival tactics, self-defence, first aid and the operation of FPV drones. A total of 80 instructors will oversee the training.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Mix of volunteers and conscripts

Of the 800 recruits taking part, 446 are volunteers, representing 55.75 per cent of the intake. The remaining 354 recruits were born in 2007 and are required to complete the training under the new system.

Only ten recruits submitted conscientious objections.

Women also make up part of the intake, with 82 female volunteers representing just over 10 per cent of the total number of recruits.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

The distribution of recruits across the bases is as follows: 200 each in Knin and Slunj, and 400 in Požega.

Salary and career opportunities

During the training period, recruits will receive a monthly salary of around €1,100 net and the two months will count towards their employment service record.

Participants will also receive priority consideration when applying for jobs in state administration and local government under equal conditions.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

After completing basic military training, recruits may apply to join the Croatian Armed Forces as professional soldiers. Those who choose not to pursue a military career will be assigned to the Croatian Army reserve as classified reservists.