In the ceremonial setting of the 5th Guards Brigade "Slavonian Hawks" barracks in Vinkovci, Brigadier Željko Marinov officially assumed the position of commander of the Guards Armored Mechanized Brigade (GOMBR) of the Croatian Army on August 6, 2024.

Major General Blaž Beretin, the commander of the Croatian Army, personally attended the event, congratulating Brigadier Marinov on taking over the new responsible position. General Beretin expressed his belief that Brigadier Marinov, with his experience and knowledge, will enhance the brigade's work and face the new challenges that lie ahead.

A new vision and strategy for GOMBR
Brigadier Marinov, known for his dedication and expertise, presented his vision for the future of the brigade. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of innovation and modernization to maintain the unit's operational capability and readiness. The introduction of new technologies and the improvement of soldier training will be key priorities during his term. Marinov emphasized that the collective effort and dedication of all unit members will be crucial to achieving the set goals.

Experience leading to success
Brigadier Željko Marinov was born in 1969 in Osijek and joined the army in 1991. During his long career in the Croatian Army, he gained extensive experience in various command positions. His professional journey includes numerous responsible duties that have allowed him to develop the skills necessary to lead a large and complex military unit. For his work and contribution, he has been praised and awarded multiple times and has also been decorated for his merits in service. Marinov is known as a leader who supports the development of his subordinates and encourages team spirit.

Support from colleagues and associates
Alongside Major General Blaž Beretin, the handover ceremony was attended by other senior officials of the Croatian Army, including Brigadier General Valentin Skroza, Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Croatian Army, as well as department heads and key figures from the GOMBR command. Their presence at the event symbolizes the strong support and trust enjoyed by the newly appointed commander Marinov. His leadership team in the brigade also expressed excitement about the opportunity to work under the guidance of an experienced and innovative commander.

Future challenges and development plans
Brigadier Marinov recognizes that a series of challenges lie ahead, including adapting to global security changes and aligning with modern military standards. Despite the challenges, he is optimistic about the future of GOMBR and plans to work on strengthening international cooperation and exchanging experiences with other military forces. Focusing on international cooperation will provide the brigade with access to new technologies and training methods, thereby enhancing its operational capabilities.

With dedication and clearly defined goals, Brigadier Marinov leads the Guards Armored Mechanized Brigade toward a successful and innovative future development, ready to face challenges and build an even stronger and more efficient military unit.