First group of basic training recruits is sworn-in

The first group of conscripts began basic training on Thursday at military bases in Knin, Požega, and Slunj, marking the return of mandatory service in Croatia.

Around 800 men and women started the two-month program on March 9. More than half volunteered, including 82 women serving in Požega. Croatia reintroduced mandatory military training this year.

The conscripts took an oath to defend the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and to uphold the principles of freedom and equality.

Dassault Rafale jets flew over the bases at exactly 10 a.m., following the oath ceremony.

Mandatory military service in Croatia was abolished in 2008. Under the new system, up to 4,000 conscripts across five intakes will undergo basic training each year.

Defense Minister Ivan Anušić attended the ceremony alongside military leaders and the conscripts’ families.

Officials described basic training as a key step in building readiness, discipline, and professionalism among future members of the Croatian Army. During the two-month program, participants will learn essential skills, including survival and self-defense tactics, first aid, and FPV drone operation.

Anušić acknowledged there had been resistance to reintroducing the program, but said nearly all those called up responded and chose military service over civilian alternatives.

“I am positively surprised because almost 100 percent of those invited responded. You said: we want to serve the Croatian people and the state, and we believe this is our duty to the homeland,” Anušić said, thanking the first generation of recruits for proving initial doubts unfounded.