Croatia ready to reinstate military service

(Patria) - Sixteen years after its abolition, Croatia is reinstating compulsory military service.

Military obligation for all men over 18 is expected to come into effect on the first day of next year.

The defence minister says everything is ready for the introduction of military service and only the political procedure is awaited.

- Compulsory military service is planned to last between two and three months. What is important to emphasise is that we have increased the compensation, which is now 900 euros per month.

And what will also be the case during compulsory military service, that compensation will probably remain the same - said the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Croatia, Ivan Anušić.

The idea is to retain as many young people as possible within the defence system, and according to estimates, 15,000 of them should undergo training annually.

- Security challenges are such that they impose on all of us the obligation to consider, not only Croatia but also many countries in the world and Europe, how to activate that model - stated the Minister of Croatian Veterans, Tomo Medved.

In Croatia, compulsory military service was abolished in 2008 and voluntary service was introduced.

- That decision was correct at that time, and new circumstances and a new period require new decisions. Therefore, more details when we learn the details - said the Chairman of the Defence Committee, Arsen Bauk.

Back then, 16 years ago, nearly 90 percent of young people invoked conscientious objection. However, for those who now refuse to shoulder a rifle - there is another plan.

- They will carry rakes and hoes, for example, sandbags when embankments are being placed against possible floods, they will carry other things - they will not have to carry weapons, but they will have to fulfil their duty and obligation to the state - Anušić states.

That part of the training will be the task of the civil protection system. They will be taught, as they say, life skills.

The Croatian Generals' Association also emphasises the importance of training young people for self-protection.

- From providing first aid, reacting to natural disasters, accidents and catastrophes, all the way to recognising various forms of unconventional threats and challenges - said retired Lieutenant General Mladen Kruljac.

However, for those who perform civilian service - the training will last longer and with significantly fewer benefits.