by croatiaweek
May 8, 2026
in
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
Croatia’s first generation of recruits has completed its basic mandatory military training programme, with Defence Minister Ivan Anušić describing the initiative as a successful project and announcing an expanded second intake later this month.
Speaking to the media in Đakovo, Anušić said the two-month training programme had passed quickly and produced encouraging results for the future staffing of Croatia’s armed forces.
Out of 800 recruits who took part in the first intake, around 260 have already expressed interest in remaining in the Croatian Armed Forces.
According to Anušić, this represents a significant boost for the military and reserve forces, as well as a positive sign for the wider military training programme.
“The two months passed very quickly and out of the 800 recruits undergoing basic military training, around 260 have shown interest in remaining in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia,” Anušić said.
He added that the number was “a great hope” for strengthening the armed forces and reserve units.
The second generation of recruits is due to enter military barracks on 18 May, with the intake increasing from 800 to 900 participants.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
The new intake will include 847 young men and 53 women, who will undergo training in barracks located in Knin, Slunj and Požega.
Anušić said the response to the programme remained strong, similar to the first intake.
He also noted that between two and three percent of those called up had invoked conscientious objection, a figure he said was lower than expected.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
“We expected a much higher percentage, but this is phenomenal,” the minister stated.