VIDEO: Record number of foreign participants in military leadership training in Croatia

(Photo: SzRV)

Croatia is hosting a record number of foreign military personnel as part of its latest leadership development training programme, with 19 international participants among a total of 35 officers and non-commissioned officers from six countries.

The 13th cohort of the Croatian Armed Forces’ “Marko Babić” Leader Development Centre has completed a demanding maritime phase of training on the island of Korčula this week.

Participants come from the armed forces of Croatia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro. The programme is conducted entirely in English.

The maritime phase forms part of the wider leadership development programme and combines physical challenges with tactical tasks designed to test participants’ ability to work as a team, adapt to changing circumstances and make decisions under pressure.

(Photo: SzRV)

During the training on Korčula, participants tackled water obstacles, practised rowing and carried out a series of complex tactical exercises.

The activities were designed not only to test physical endurance but also independence, adaptability and leadership skills in demanding situations.

(Photo: SzRV)

Focus on teamwork and decision-making

Corporal Fabijan Mašina, an instructor at the “Marko Babić” Leader Development Centre and head of the maritime phase, said the aim was to bring together skills participants had developed during the training in Udbina with the challenges presented by the maritime environment.

“Particular emphasis is placed on teamwork, safety and the ability of future leaders to take responsibility for their team in unforeseen circumstances,” Mašina said.

(Photo: SzRV)

One of the more challenging exercises involved intentionally overturning inflatable boats.

Participants were required to organise the crew, return the boat to its original position and ensure the safety of team members and equipment.

The exercise also tested their ability to remain calm and effective while working under pressure.

(Photo: SzRV)

International experience

The multinational composition of the group provides participants with an opportunity to exchange experience and learn about different military practices and approaches to teamwork.

Slovenian Armed Forces Corporal Gregor Fištravec said he had applied to take part because of the demanding nature of the programme.

Participants are “continuously testing our own limits in different situations”, Fištravec said, adding that the international composition offered an opportunity to learn from different military practices and ways of working.

(Photo: SzRV)

The programme is also providing an opportunity for participants from countries with different geographical and military environments to work together.

Lieutenant Flora Thace of the Kosovo Security Forces is among the first participants from Kosovo to take part in the programme.

She said the maritime phase had been particularly demanding because she comes from a landlocked country and had needed time to adapt to the environment.

With support from colleagues and instructors, however, she said the challenges could be overcome.

(Photo: SzRV)

The participation of 19 foreign personnel makes this the largest international contingent in the history of the leadership development training programme.

The programme is intended to develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills through a combination of classroom, field and specialised training activities.