Mandatory basic military training to resume on Monday

A new generation of 800 military conscripts will arrive Monday at barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega, as Croatia reintroduces basic military training after a 17-year break. 

The training will last two months. So far, only 10 recruits have filed appeals citing conscientious objection.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić recently explained the purpose of the program.

"The goal of basic military training is not to send soldiers to the front lines of any war. It is a place where young people will learn new skills that will prepare them for life, and in possible emergency situations they will know how to act," Anušić said.

One of the instructors, Sergeant Milan Adžić from the Požega barracks, described what the conscripts' first day will look like.

"They arrive at a scheduled time and register at the barracks. They are informed about the rules of conduct and checked for contraband. Then they are introduced to the officer in charge. After that, instructors take them to their sleeping quarters, where they are shown their beds and lockers. Once most of the recruits have arrived, they are issued their equipment," he said.

In line with broader European trends, changing security circumstances and increasingly frequent natural disasters and crises, Croatia has decided to reintroduce basic military training after nearly two decades. During that period, around 300,000 citizens received no military training.