As part of the final phase of a six-week intensive training course, participants of the 12th generation of the "Marko Babić" Leadership Development Center began their demanding march of 88 kilometers on October 15, 2024, stretching from the "Josip Jović" barracks in Udbina to the historic Knin fortress. The march lasts 34 hours and encompasses passage through three Croatian counties - Lika-Senj, Zadar, and Šibenik-Knin - and is a crucial part of military training, where the physical strength as well as the leadership abilities of the participants are tested.

This final march symbolizes the transition from the status of a trainee to that of a leader, ready to take on command responsibilities within the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia. Throughout the march, 32 participants and 4 female participants, under the supervision of instructors, face numerous physical and mental challenges. They traverse forest paths, asphalt roads, and demanding natural terrains, and in addition to military preparation, this phase places special emphasis on building character and leadership skills that are crucial for successful command in complex conditions.

A special part of the march is the passage through Gračac and Otrić, where participants set up temporary camps, and the march continues towards Knin. This training phase requires a high level of endurance, and each participant must prove themselves through demanding field exercises and simulations of real combat conditions. The Knin fortress, as a symbol of Croatian military history and victory in the Homeland War, marks the final point of their march. Upon reaching the fortress, the participants raise the Croatian flag, thereby marking the official end of the training.

One of the most significant moments at the ceremony held on October 16 is the presentation of certificates of completion of the training and special recognitions for the best participants. The best participant receives a pistol with an inscription from the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, which is a symbolic reward for success and exceptional effort throughout the duration of the training. Throughout this six-week program, the participants went through various phases of military exercises, including combat simulations, exercises in water and stressful conditions, and the building of military discipline.

The importance of leaders in the Armed Forces

The "Marko Babić" Leadership Development Center was established with the mission of developing leaders at the basic levels of command in the Armed Forces. Their training is not only physically demanding but is also based on the development of leaders who, using knowledge, adaptability, and mental strength, will successfully lead their units through various military challenges. Special attention is paid to functioning under stress and in difficult conditions, as it is precisely these challenges that define the capabilities of the modern military leader.

The center is named after Colonel Marko Babić, one of the key leaders of the Homeland War, whose military achievements and contributions to the liberation of Croatia serve as a source of inspiration for new generations of leaders. To date, more than 500 participants have successfully completed this demanding training through the center. Thanks to a high level of training and development, participants are ready to transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to their military units and assume command responsibilities.

Particular emphasis in this training is placed on connecting with the tradition of the Homeland War, where lessons are learned from the examples of heroes like Marko Babić, whose experiences from Vukovar and the Homeland War serve as inspiration for new generations of soldiers. The training also includes various scenarios specifically tailored to modern military challenges and is designed to provide participants with all the necessary skills to tackle complex military tasks.