New Chief of General Staff, General Kundid, assumes post

General Tihomir Kundid assumed the post of Chief of General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces from his predecessor, Admiral Robert Hranj, at a change of command ceremony in Zagreb on Friday also attended by President Milanović Zoran Milanović and Defense Minister Ivan Anušić.

Admiral Robert Hranj said he was confident Gen. Kundid would continue to lead the military down the path of modernization.

"The work that my team did not manage to finish will be completed by Gen. Kundid. I offer him my full support and invite all of our members of the armed forces and the ministry to give him their full backing because these kinds of projects demand teamwork. I am confident Gen. Kundid will continue to modernize our military faster and better than I was able to,” said Adm. Hranj.

Gen. Kundid described the moment as the most significant in his military career.

“For me, assuming the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces is a special honor, a great challenge, but an even greater responsibility,” he said, adding, "My priority will be to strengthen and develop the Croatian Armed Forces through modernization, equipping, and new capabilities in line with the newest security challenges and threats,” said Gen. Kundid.

Making a relatively rare public appearance, retired General Ante Gotovina also attended the change of command ceremony. He wished Admiral Hranj success in his new post, describing the new chief as an experienced and responsible soldier under whom the military will be ready to respond any and all challenges and threats.

He was also asked about what he thought about bringing back mandatory military training.

"I think we need it. It's good for every young man or woman, if she that is what she wants. It is also important for our military because the future is uncertain,” said Gotovina.