PHOTOS: Croatia begins second compulsory military training intake

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Croatia’s second intake of recruits has begun basic military training today at Croatian Armed Forces barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega.

A total of 900 recruits have started the programme, including 847 men and 53 women, with women making up almost six per cent of the intake.

According to official figures, 274 recruits, or 30.4 per cent of the intake, applied voluntarily for the training.

Among those beginning training is elite wrestler Veronika Vilk.

The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that the rate of conscientious objection among both intakes of eligible recruits born in 2007 currently stands at 3.3 per cent.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Croatia reintroduced basic military training earlier this year after an 18-year break. The first intake of 800 recruits completed training on 9 May 2026, with 260 expressing interest in continuing careers within the Croatian Armed Forces.

Training capacities are now being gradually expanded. Since 18 May 2026, capacity at the Knin barracks has increased by 100 places, allowing 300 recruits to train there. Facilities in Požega can accommodate 400 recruits, while Slunj has capacity for 200.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

From the third intake planned for August, an additional 100 places are expected to open at barracks in Vinkovci, increasing the total intake capacity to 1,000 recruits per generation.

The Ministry of Defence said the Croatian Armed Forces would therefore increase training capacity from 800 to 1,000 recruits within just a few months of reintroducing the programme.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

The two-month training programme includes handling personal weapons and modern military equipment, operating FPV drones, first aid training, self-defence basics and lessons on key military operations from Croatia’s Homeland War.

During training, recruits receive a monthly net allowance of around €1,100, while also gaining recognised employment service time and priority consideration for jobs in state administration and local government under equal conditions.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Upon completion, recruits join the reserve forces of the Croatian Armed Forces, while those interested can continue military careers on a professional basis.

Several recruits shared their expectations ahead of the training.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Eighteen-year-old Lovro Bratušek from the Velika Gorica area said he hoped to gain discipline, improve fitness and develop new skills during training at the “Eugen Kvaternik” military training ground near Slunj.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Jure Pavković from Zagreb, who applied voluntarily, said he was most looking forward to marksmanship training and learning movement tactics.

(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)

Elena Novak from Čazma said she hoped the programme would help her progress towards a future military career, while Petra Topolčić from Zadar highlighted her interest in learning to operate drones and said she had spent the past six months preparing through gym and group training sessions.