Anušić presents government's plan to reintroduce mandatory military service

The details of government's plan to reintroduce basic military training for all men between the ages of eighteen to thirty were presented in Zagreb on Wednesday. Future conscripts will spend two months in basic training provided they pass the medical exam.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia General Tihomir Kundid officially presented the basic documents to reintroduce compulsory military service, which was abolished in 2008. The documents regarding basic military training include the National Defense Strategy and the Long-Term Development Plan of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia, as well as amendments to the Defense Act. The proposal will now go into public consultation.

"An employed conscript undergoing basic military training is entitled to a compensation of 1 100 euros net per month, paid food and transportation costs, paid leave and all other applicable rights. An unemployed person who has completed basic military training will enjoy priority in employment in state administration and units of local government. Why will they have priority? Because a person who completes basic military training has put themselves at the disposal of Croatia and its citizens until the age of 55, as they will be obliged to serve as a reserve member of the Croatian Armed Forces until the age of 55," Minister Anušić said.

Conscientious objectors will have the option of three months of training in the civil protection system, or four months of work in local government. Fines for men who do not serve will range from €250 to €1320.

Training, both military and civilian, can be postponed until the age of 29 in the case of academic pursuits, while athletes can postpone their service by one year in order to participate in world and European championships, but also, no later than the age of 29.

Source: HRT