First generation conscript training ends, best selected

The training of the first generation of conscripts in basic military training ended on Saturday with a ceremonial parade in the barracks in Požega, Knin and Slunj, the Ministry of Defence reported, adding that the best among them were also selected in the final conscript competition.

During the two-month training, conscripts at three military locations acquired basic military skills in handling personal weapons and using modern equipment, including drones, providing first aid and basic self-defense.

The training, according to the Ministry of Defense, was significantly enriched by the support of the Croatian Air Force, which provided the young conscripts with additional knowledge and experience in a modern military environment.

The young conscripts of the first generation demonstrated their acquired knowledge, skills and readiness during the last week of training at the competition for the best among them at the training ground of the "123rd Brigade HV" barracks in Požega.

The competition was organized by the Basic Military Training Battalion of the Infantry and Armor Training Center of the Training and Doctrine Command of the Croatian Army, and 12 male and 6 female conscripts participated. It began with a physical fitness test and a written test, and the final challenge was a pedestrian obstacle course where 15 work points had to be successfully completed in the shortest possible time.

Best conscripts Helena Petrović and Damir Pastvečko

The best female conscript is 19-year-old Helena Petrović from Slunj, and the best male conscript is 23-year-old Damir Pastvečko from Kršinci near Našice. Both of them applied for Basic Military Training voluntarily.

“I plan to stay in the Croatian Army, that's why I came. I am surprised and proud of myself, grateful to the instructors who encouraged me and to my parents who were with me the whole time. These two months have passed quickly, every day has been full,” said Helena Petrović.

Damir Pastvečko wants to become a member of the active-duty Croatian Army.

“I am happy to be here, to serve my military service in Požega. From the first day, we all became friends here, supported and helped each other. As for the training, it was not a problem for me, but you need to have a high level of physical and mental fitness,” he emphasized.

After the competition, the commander of the Infantry and Armored Training Center, Brigadier Zlatko Radočaj, congratulated the best. He said that the commanders and instructors at the TVO had the opportunity to see how Croatian youth acquire knowledge, and at the competition how bravely these brave colleagues fight.

“Two months have passed quickly. May Croatia always be in your hearts and be loyal to your homeland!” said Brigadier Radočaj.

Source: HRT