Croatia reinstates mandatory military training as new recruits take oath

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Croatia has taken a step in restoring mandatory military training, with the first generation of recruits in 18 years formally swearing their oath of service on Friday.

A total of 800 recruits, including 82 women, pledged their allegiance to the country during ceremonies held simultaneously at three military locations: the “123rd Croatian Army Brigade” Barracks in Požega, the “Major General Andrija Matijaš – Pauk” Barracks in Knin, and the “Eugen Kvaternik” military training ground near Slunj.

The ceremonies mark the return of compulsory basic military training in Croatia, reintroduced as part of broader efforts to strengthen national defence capabilities.

In a symbolic tribute to the recruits, a Croatian Air Force Rafale fighter jet performed flyovers above each of the three locations during the ceremonies.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić, speaking in Požega where 400 recruits are undergoing training, congratulated the new generation and highlighted their strong response to the programme.

“Despite many doubts, the first generation of recruits has shown with an almost 100 per cent response that young people want to wear the uniform of the victorious Croatian Army and serve their homeland,” Anušić said.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

He stressed that the role of Croatian soldiers remains the defence of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of its citizens.

“That is the same mission the Croatian Army had during the decisive moments of creating a free Croatian state in the 1990s, and it remains our responsibility today and in the future,” he added.

Anušić also praised the families of the recruits for instilling patriotism and paid special tribute to the 82 women who voluntarily joined the programme.

(Photo: MORH)

Anušić noted that Croatia had managed to reintroduce mandatory training quickly compared with other NATO members.

“We are probably the only NATO country that has managed in such a short time to restore compulsory military training,” he said, adding that many countries struggle to achieve political consensus on such reforms.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Tihomir Kundid, congratulated the recruits and thanked them for their decision to undertake basic military training.

(Photo: MORH)

He said the oath represents a commitment to loyalty and service to the homeland and that recruits will now enter an intensive training phase designed to improve their physical and psychological readiness.

“The Croatian Armed Forces offer a wide range of opportunities where everyone can find an area of interest and professional development,” Kundid told the recruits.

President Zoran Milanović, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, congratulated the recruits and praised their decision to spend two months undergoing military training.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Among those taking part is top Croatian athlete Mia Wild, who volunteered for the programme.

“It was spectacular and emotional. I will remember this oath forever,” Wild said after the ceremony, adding that she had already formed lifelong friendships with fellow recruits.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Another recruit, Niko Ratković, who took the oath in Slunj, said the moment was one of the greatest honours for a young person in Croatia.

“I expect two very high-quality months of service and excellent training. Our instructors’ experience gives me confidence in that,” he said.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Details of the training programme

The first generation of recruits began their basic military training on 9 March, which will run until 9 May 2026.

Training is overseen by 80 instructors from the Basic Military Training Battalion of the Croatian Army’s Infantry and Armour Training Centre.

The recruits are organised into four companies:

• Two companies in Požega

• One in Slunj

• One in Knin

Currently, 400 recruits are training in Požega, while 200 each are stationed in Knin and Slunj.

Of the total 800 recruits:

• 446 are volunteers (55.75%)

• 354 are conscripts born in 2007 who are required to complete training

• Only 10 declared conscientious objection

(Photo: MORH)

Among the volunteers are 82 women, representing 10.25 per cent of the total intake.

The programme also includes five elite athletes, who will serve as future contract reservists.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

Up to 4,000 recruits planned annually

Croatia plans to train up to 4,000 recruits each year, organised into five generations.

(Photo: MORH)

However, because the programme began in March this year, four generations will be trained in 2026.