After a 17-year break, Croatia is reintroducing basic military training (TVO), with the first conscripts expected to arrive at military barracks on 1 March, according to unofficial information from the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia (MORH).
The Ministry of Defence is set to send between 1,200 and 1,300 invitations for medical examinations on 29 and 30 December. Medical checks are expected to begin in the second half of January, initially at military medical centres in Zagreb and Split, with organised transport provided for candidates from other regions.
The invitations will be delivered by registered post and will apply to men born in 2007 with registered residence in Croatia, referred to by MORH as the “zero generation”. Failure to attend a properly delivered medical examination summons may result in misdemeanour fines ranging from €500 to €5,000. Women may apply voluntarily at any time, with officials estimating participation at around 15 percent.
Two-Month Training Programme
Those who pass medical examinations in February will receive official call-up papers for military service. The first intake is expected to report on 1 March to barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega, where they will undergo a two-month training programme.
During training, 19-year-olds will acquire basic military skills and crisis-response training. Recruits will receive a monthly allowance of approximately €1,100, have their service counted toward employment tenure, and gain priority in employment within state and local government bodies.
Each intake will consist of around 800 recruits, with approximately 4,000 conscripts annually across five intakes. Training will be conducted by around 80 instructors.
Conscientious Objection and Deferrals
Conscientious objection may be declared after medical examinations. MORH will forward requests to the Ministry of the Interior, where a special commission will decide within 30 days. If approved, conscripts will be assigned to civil protection units or local government services. Rejections are not expected, officials say.
Deferrals may be granted to students, interns, new business owners, or others with legally recognised reasons, but only after completing medical examinations.
Life in the Barracks
Daily military life will follow a standard schedule, with reveille at 6 am, lights out at 10 pm, and the only non-working day being Sunday. A ceremonial oath will be held on the 12th day of service, attended by family members. Training will include the use of the VHS assault rifle, the standard weapon of the Croatian Armed Forces.
Mobile phones may be used during free time, while leaving the barracks requires commander approval. Hairstyles must comply with military regulations, while tattoos will not be an obstacle.
Upon completing basic training, participants will be offered the option of professional military service. Those who decline will remain in the Croatian Armed Forces reserve until the age of 55, MORH officials confirmed.
The Rulebook on Basic Military Training was published in the Official Gazette today and enters into force tomorrow, formally paving the way for the return of compulsory service.
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