What does compulsory military service mean for Croats?

Compulsory military service, or basic military training, is scheduled to begin in January at three locations: in Knin, Požega, and at the Military Training Area "Eugen Kvaternik" in Slunj, where most of the practical content will be conducted. Young men who turn 18 will be registered in the military registry, and at 19 they will receive a call to serve. The first generation of recruits will be born in 2007.

Young men who turn 18 will be registered in the military registry, and at 19 they will receive a call to serve. The first generation of recruits will be born in 2007. After receiving the call, a mandatory medical examination follows and they arrive at the military facility closest to their place of residence.

Each training cycle will last two months, it will include about 800 recruits, and five cycles are planned to be held during each year.

The training ground in Slunj will be able to accommodate up to 200 participants at a time.

Staff Sergeant Neven Koštigar explained that the training program is designed to combine theory and practice evenly. First, all theoretical content is covered, followed by the practical part, with the gradual acquisition of increasingly demanding knowledge and skills. The recruits will be introduced to regulations, tactics, safety basics, and handling weapons that each of them will be issued with.

In addition to professional knowledge, the goal is to develop coexistence in a collective and adopt the basic elements of military life that are significantly different from those in civilian life. Koštigar emphasizes that physical fitness upon arrival is not crucial because all necessary abilities are developed throughout the program itself.

Upon arrival at the military facility, recruits will be provided with fully prepared accommodation. They will sleep in larger dormitories with ten to eighteen beds, with new mattresses, pillows, and complete military and sports equipment.

In addition to uniforms, boots, helmets and masks, each recruit will also be issued with their own weapon, which is stored in specially arranged storage areas.

Although the days are filled with activities, the trainees will also have free time, and the use of mobile phones is not prohibited.

The daily rhythm begins with waking up at 5:30 or 6 am, followed by personal hygiene, tidying up the rooms, morning exercise and breakfast. Then the flag is raised and classes begin, which include theoretical and practical parts. After lunch, there is a break, and then the training content continues. The day ends with dinner and preparation for rest, while light’s out is at 10 pm.

Trainees who have already completed the training recall that the first few days were the most demanding for them, mainly due to adjusting to living with a large number of unknown people.

Antonio Matić, a former volunteer, emphasizes that community develops quickly and the trainees soon begin to help each other.

Martina Cindrić, now a member of the Artillery-Missile Regiment, had a similar experience, and she volunteered for military training in 2016, seeking new experiences and stepping out of her comfort zone.

After completing basic training, each recruit will have the opportunity to pursue a professional career in the Croatian Army, while those who do not choose to do so will be assigned to the reserve forces of the Armed Forces.

Source: HRT