Increased youth interest in military service in Croatia

(Patria) - 181 young men and women arrived at the barracks in Požega for the 43rd intake of voluntary military training, the Croatian Ministry of Defence (MORH) announced yesterday, stating that interest among young people in military service has increased.

The third intake of conscripts for voluntary military training this year, the 43rd intake, has begun basic military training in the Battalion for Basic Military Training, Centre for Infantry and Armour Training of the Croatian Army Training and Doctrine Command in Požega.

According to MORH, the third cycle of voluntary military training this year began with a shortened program on August 14 for officer candidates, medical doctors, and aviation technician scholarship holders, and will last until August 30, 2024, while the regular program for conscripts begins today and lasts until October 11.

A total of 181 conscripts reported for voluntary military training at the "123rd Brigade HV" barracks in Požega, of which 154 are in the regular program, including 14 women, while a total of 27 candidates, including nine women, reported for the shortened program. This is the highest turnout this year and confirms the increased interest of young people in military service, states MORH.

They add that "an increasing number of young people recognize the opportunities that a military career can offer and the chance to gain new skills and experiences through military training, which has certainly been contributed to, among other things, by the increase in material benefits and living and working conditions for Croatian soldiers".

This year, salaries for all active military personnel have been increased by an average of 30 percent, daily allowances for members of the Armed Forces in operations and other activities abroad have been increased by up to 30 percent, and compensation for voluntary military training has increased from 700 to 900 euros per month.

Some conscripts from this year's third intake also cited the promotion of military service, "Become a Croatian Soldier", held on June 15 in Osijek, as a motivation for voluntary military training, MORH states.

"Such promotional activities organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Croatian Army, which include military demonstrations and displays of the Croatian Army's capabilities, will continue throughout Croatia, as the first such promotion of military service in Osijek contributed to the motivation of some of the new conscripts," the statement emphasizes.

Conscripts will practice basic military skills at the "123rd Brigade HV" barracks in Požega and its training grounds.

Conscripts who successfully complete the training are one step closer to a professional military career, as basic military training is one of the main prerequisites for continuing a military career. Those who do not opt for military service become members of the classified reserve.

The first two weeks are dedicated to introduction and adaptation to the military environment, and after taking the solemn oath, the main training period follows.

This includes improving physical and mental fitness, preparatory shooting, individual soldier tasks in real conditions, and at the end of the five-week period, all knowledge and skills acquired through the training so far are consolidated.

The end of voluntary military training includes final assessment, followed by a competition for the best male and female conscript.