The Ministry of Defence of Croatia continues its intense efforts towards modernizing the military, highlighted State Secretary Branko Hrg during the ceremonial oath of the 43rd generation of recruits in Požega, held on August 30, 2024. This ceremony marks an important moment for the young female and male soldiers who have chosen voluntary military training as the beginning of their military careers.

Oath ceremony in Požega
At the “123rd Brigade of the Croatian Army” barracks in Požega, a total of 167 recruits took the oath, among whom are 140 participants of the 43rd generation of voluntary military training and 27 participants of the shortened program. The shortened program includes the 17th generation of candidates for medical officers, the 8th generation of military scholarship holders, and the 7th generation of candidates for officers through a public competition. This event gathered numerous family members and friends of the recruits, as well as high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia.

Challenges and opportunities in the army
The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Croatia, General Brigadier Tihomir Kundid, emphasized in his address to the recruits that they face training challenges that will enable them to acquire fundamental military skills as well as specialized knowledge necessary for further development of their military careers. General Kundid expressed his belief that most participants will continue their careers in the army through specialized military training, thus becoming active soldiers of the Croatian Armed Forces.

The recruits showed a high level of motivation for continuing their careers in the army, highlighting the positive atmosphere and professionalism of the instructors during training. Dora Kalaus Žulj, a psychologist and former Croatian handball representative, joined voluntary military training out of love for the Homeland and sports. During the training, she highlighted the similarities between sports and military life, particularly in terms of discipline and responsibility.

Motivation and career guidance
Dr. Milijana Danilović, a specialist in general surgery, anticipates the rapid start of the Basic Officer Training, and her motivation to join the military lies in family tradition and opportunities for further professional development, both in medical and military contexts. She was accompanied by family members at the ceremony, and Danilović expressed hope that she would pass on the values of honor and service to the Homeland to her sons through her example.

Matea Maleš from Slavonski Brod decided to serve the Homeland through a military career, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the country's sovereignty. Although she participates in the standard training program, she holds a university degree in sociology and Spanish and hopes to become an officer in the future. Matea highlights that there is a family-like atmosphere among the recruits, while instructors continuously pass on their knowledge and experience to the participants.

Call to the army and future in aviation
Josip Bilandžić from Sinj, the son of a Croatian war veteran, felt the call to the army due to the honor and duty towards the Homeland, as well as interest in the dynamics of military service. Bilandžić emphasizes that all recruits must meet strict physical fitness criteria, and instructors help them face psychological challenges by setting clear boundaries and discipline. His ultimate goal is to become a member of the elite unit "Spiders".

Dominik Konestabo from Bibinje sees his future in the Croatian Air Force. He completed training as an aircraft technician with an MoD scholarship, and the procurement of new aircraft such as Rafale, Black Hawk, and Kiowa Warrior further motivates him to advance in his career. Konestabo highlights that becoming a soldier of the Croatian Army is the realization of his dream and he looks forward to future challenges in aviation.

Increase in interest in military careers
Interest in military careers among young people in Croatia is rising, as evidenced by the large number of new recruits who have started voluntary military training this year. Požega has recorded the highest number of applications for voluntary military training this year, with a total of 181 recruits. The increase in interest is partly attributed to the improved conditions in the military, including a 30% salary increase and increased allowances for participation in missions abroad.

In addition, promotional campaigns like the one held in Osijek in June 2024, titled "Become a Croatian Soldier," have significantly contributed to the increased interest in military service. The campaign allowed young people to see firsthand what a military career offers, with military demonstrations and a showcase of the capabilities of the Croatian Army.

Significance of voluntary military training
Training for the 43rd generation of voluntary military training under the standard program runs from August 19 to October 11, 2024. Participants in the shortened program, which includes candidates for officers, medical specialists, and aircraft technicians, began their training on August 14 and completed it on August 30, 2024, on the day of the ceremonial oath.

The main organizer of the program is the Training and Doctrine Command (ZOD) "Fran Krsto Frankopan" of the Croatian Ground Army, while the training in Požega is conducted through the Infantry and Armored Training Center (SOPiO). Recruits who successfully complete the training acquire the military specialty of a rifleman (11A) and are trained for the position of infantry rifleman. This training fulfills one of the prescribed conditions for admission to active military service, and since the program was introduced in 2008, more than 11,000 participants have successfully completed this program.

Conclusion of training and future careers
The final part of the training includes the assessment of each recruit's achievements, followed by a competition for the best recruit. This final phase allows recruits to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills and to stand out as potential leaders within the military system. Additionally, this training provides a foundation for further military challenges and professional development within the Croatian Armed Forces.

Along with the recruits and their families, the ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic and the Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, Zoran Milanović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Branko Hrg, Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Brigadier Tihomir Kundid, Commander of the Croatian Ground Army, Major General Blaž Beretin, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Brigadier Dražen Batrnek, Commander of the Infantry and Armored Training Center, Brigadier Milan Čorak, and other representatives of the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Armed Forces.