First impressions as compulsory military training starts again in Croatia

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt/J. Šeri)

A new generation of Croatian recruits has begun basic military training this week, arriving at three Croatian Armed Forces facilities across the country.

The new mandatory basic military training comes nearly two decades after compulsory military service was abolished in 2008.

Recruits from different parts of Croatia reported on Monday to training locations in Knin, Slunj and Požega.

Instructors responsible for the training programme say they have been pleasantly surprised by the high level of motivation shown by recruits from the very first day.

Strong motivation among recruits

According to instructors, between 50 and 60 percent of recruits joined voluntarily, while the rest were called up as part of their military obligation. Despite this mix, trainers say the overall attitude has been very positive.

Instructor Corporal Fabijan Mašina said both instructors and recruits are highly motivated for the training.

“We instructors feel we are part of something important, restoring values that perhaps should never have disappeared from society. During training we will influence these young people not only in terms of the military profession but also life in general,” he said.

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

Such enthusiasm is seen as crucial at the beginning of training, as the first impressions often shape the tone for the entire programme.

First impressions from recruits

Among the first recruits to arrive was one from Kraljevica who said he regularly follows Morhologija, the Ministry of Defence podcast, to stay informed about military topics.

Josip Boban from Klis said he volunteered because he wanted to experience military life first-hand.

“I applied voluntarily because I wanted to see what military life looks like. I hope to gain a lot of knowledge and skills during training and would like to remain in the army in the future as a professional soldier,” he said.

Duje Grgat from Knin also joined voluntarily and said he has strong family ties to the military.

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

“My sisters are in the army and my father was a Croatian war veteran, so the military profession has always been close to me,” he explained. “I have already met some great people here and we connected quickly. I hope to continue my career in the army after training.”

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

After the initial arrival process, recruits were assigned accommodation before receiving their uniforms and military equipment.

They then gathered for their first formation, where instructors introduced the basics of military discipline and appearance, from how to correctly wear a cap and uniform to how to stand properly in formation.

Although these tasks may appear simple, they form the foundation of military culture and discipline.

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

Among the recruits is Renata Gazibarić, who travelled from Germany to take part in the programme.

“I have been living in Germany for the past five years, but since childhood I have wanted to complete military training. I thought it would not be possible after moving abroad, but the Croatian consulate informed me that it was,” she said.

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

Gazibarić added that military service runs in her family. Her father and uncles served in the army, and one of her uncles was killed during the war while serving in the Military Police.

Friends Antonio Fišli and Mateo Marinković from Slatina also arrived together for training. Fišli joined voluntarily, while Marinković was called up as a conscript.

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

“So far it’s relaxed, but I expect discipline and hard work,” Marinković said, adding that he will decide whether to remain in the army after completing training.

Another recruit, Blaženka Bošnjak from Nova Gradiška, is a mathematics teacher who sees the programme as an opportunity to gain new experience.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

“I believe two months is not long and that everyone can complete this training. The programme seems well designed and I think it will provide valuable skills,” she said, noting she plans to return to teaching after finishing the course.

(Photo: : MORH/ T. Brandt)

The basic military training programme is designed to provide recruits with fundamental military knowledge, discipline and practical skills.

(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)

For some participants it represents the start of a potential professional military career, while for others it is an opportunity to gain new experiences and personal development.