1,000 male and female recruits of the 3rd generation of BMT take their oath

A total of 1,000 male and female recruits of the third generation of basic military training (BMT) solemnly took their oath in barracks in Požega, Knin, and Slunj. For the first time, recruits will also be trained in Vinkovci. In the "Major General Andrija Matijaš - Pauk" barracks in Knin, 287 of them swore an oath to their homeland.

Accompanied by their families and friends, the recruits of the third generation of basic military training took their solemn oath to the Homeland today at the "123rd HV Brigade" barracks in Požega, the "Major General Andrija Matijaš Pauk" barracks in Knin, and the "Eugen Kvaternik" military training ground near Slunj.

Recruits currently training in Vinkovci took their oath at the barracks in Požega.

On August 17, one thousand male and female recruits were sent for training across four military locations – in Knin, Slunj, and Požega, and, for the first time, to the "5th Guards Brigade Slavonski sokolovi" barracks in Vinkovci. Meanwhile, only 1.3% of young people in this generation invoked conscientious objection.

"The stay has been excellent so far, we marched a lot and prepared for the oath, and now the real part begins after the oath with weaponry and rifles," said recruit Filip Pehar.

"I expect there will be plenty of tears and sweat, but that it will pay off in the end. I was already mentally prepared when I arrived, and I believe I will continue to build my character, discipline, and perhaps strive for that perfection that is demanded in the military," stated recruit Luka Lulić.

"Today the recruits took their oath, and starting next week, training begins according to the basic military training program, which covers the areas of handling personal weapons, first aid, and other basic military skills," explained Corporal Kristijan Šeić, an instructor at the Leader Development Center.

Kundid: Anyone can find their area of interest

State Secretary Branko Hrg addressed the male and female recruits at the Požega barracks.

"It is beautiful to be here in Požega today, it is beautiful to hear young people taking the oath so harmoniously and so powerfully," he said.

"I invite you to decide to join the Croatian Army, to enter the professional military and take advantage of the benefits that this system offers, which is different from all other systems in the Republic of Croatia. On the other hand, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Defense will use every opportunity to better equip and expand the basic military training program. We started with eight hundred male and female recruits, and now we are at a thousand. Only 1.3% of young people invoked conscientious objection in this generation, which means we will continue to expand capacities to accept all those young people who want to experience this challenge and acquire this kind of knowledge," State Secretary Hrg emphasized.

State Secretary Tomislav Galić addressed the recruits at the military training ground near Slunj.

"Today's oath symbolises the commitment and responsibility of you – young recruits – to your homeland. You recognized that your homeland needs you. You are the young strength of the Croatian Army and our future," he stressed.

State Secretary Galić also expressed satisfaction that Croatia has one of the most successful models in Europe for the return of basic military training.

In Knin, State Secretary Drago Matanović addressed the recruits.

"By mastering military skills, you will learn to push your own limits and deal with new challenges, and I believe that many of you will feel the calling to become professional soldiers and build both yourself and a career in the Croatian Army. By serving your country, you show maturity, patriotism, and courage of which your family, and indeed the whole of Croatia, can be exceptionally proud," he said.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, Tihomir Kundid, extended his congratulations to the male and female recruits in Požega. He highlighted the benefits of basic military training and military service, and invited the recruits to continue their careers in the Croatian Army upon completing their basic military training.

"Ahead of you is intensive military training through which you will, above all, raise the level of your psychophysical abilities. Choosing the military profession as your calling means that a wide spectrum of diverse opportunities is available to you, in which anyone can find their area of interest and professional development. The greatest value offered by the military profession is that it enables your education, career advancement in the service, promotions, a stable livelihood, and respect, because through the military system, you serve your homeland. The experience you will gain in basic military training is a special dimension of value that you will receive," General Kundid said.

Source: HRT