VIDEO: Croatian army sees highest intake in five years
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: MORH/J. Kopi)
A record number of young recruits have begun voluntary military training in Croatia, marking the largest intake in nearly five years.
Nearly 300 recruits, both men and women, have today commenced voluntary military training at the Basic Military Training Battalion of the “Fran Krsto Frankopan” Training and Doctrine Command of the Croatian Army in Požega.
This is the 44th generation of recruits, specifically the fourth intake of 2024.
(Photo: MORH/J. Kopi)
With 299 recruits arriving in Požega, this group is the largest in nearly five years. The last time numbers were higher was in February 2020, when 345 young men and women participated in the voluntary training programme.
(Photo: MORH/J. Kopi)
To highlight the increase in interest in voluntary service, 2020 has been used as a point of comparison, as the number of volunteers started to decline significantly that year due to the pandemic.
Compared to 2023, the number of recruits in this year’s voluntary military training programme has risen by a remarkable 116.87%. In 2023, 326 recruits completed the training, while this year, including the 44th intake, the total will reach 707.
“I plan to acquire basic military skills during the training, learn to work as part of a team, and improve my physical capabilities,” explains Mladen Šiljeg, a 25-year-old from Ljubuški. He adds that his main motivation for enlisting is the respect he has for Croatian veterans and the sacrifice they made for the country’s freedom.
(Photo: MORH/J. Kopi)
“I expect discipline, hard work, and order from this training,” says Marija Šušak, a doctor from Vinkovci. She acknowledges that the physical aspect will be her biggest challenge.
She encourages those considering basic military training to take the opportunity now, saying, “Now is the best time as you are young, brave, and in your prime to become part of the Croatian Army.” The 26-year-old aspiring military doctor from Vinkovci is enthusiastic about her future role.
(Photo: MORH/J. Kopi)
“It is great to see a consistent increase in the number of recruits,” stated Minister Anušić.
Out of the 299 recruits who arrived in Požega today, 289 are participating in the standard programme, of which 33 are women.
An additional ten candidates, eight of whom are women, have joined the shortened programme. Alongside the 40-day standard programme, the military also offers a shorter 15-day course for elite athletes, military specialists, and candidates for medical officer roles.
“I am extremely pleased with the steady rise in the number of recruits joining the voluntary military training this year, particularly this surge in interest. It’s been almost five years since we last saw nearly 300 recruits in Požega.
I’m proud that more young men and women are choosing to build their futures with the victorious Croatian Army. The increased interest confirms that the decisions we have made over the past year have been effective.
(Photo: MORH/J. Kopi)
The government has raised the salaries of active military personnel by an average of 30%, increased allowances for those serving in missions, operations, and activities by 25-30%, and raised the stipend for voluntary service from 700 to 900 euros.
The Ministry of Defence and the Government of Croatia continue to invest in equipping and modernising the Croatian Army, which is crucial for enhancing national security and attracting young people to the armed forces,” stated Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić.
