After a 17-year pause, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia has officially begun preparations to reintroduce mandatory military service, with the first 1,200 call-up notices already sent to young men for medical examinations scheduled for the second half of January next year.
Speaking to RTL, military analyst and retired general Slavko Barić said he believes preparations for the return of conscription have been carried out thoroughly and expects an exceptionally high response rate. According to his estimates, around 98 percent of those summoned will attend the medical checks.
Barić also addressed the issue of conscientious objection, stating that he does not expect the number of young men opting out on these grounds to exceed three to four percent, which he noted is in line with averages seen in other countries. He explained that applications for conscientious objection can only be submitted after candidates complete their medical examinations.
Those who pass the health checks will be sent to training centres, where they will undergo a standardised induction process. This includes receiving personal equipment and weapons, familiarisation with daily routines, and learning basic military discipline. Barić said recruits will quickly be trained in fundamental skills such as forming up and following commands.
Within the first two weeks, recruits are expected to take the military oath, after which training will continue with instruction in weapons handling, primarily rifles and pistols, first aid, use of CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) protective equipment, and movement techniques. Training will also cover everyday aspects of military life, including conduct in barracks and maintaining personal living space.
In the context of current geostrategic and political conditions, Barić described the reintroduction of military service as one of two key defence projects for Croatia, alongside the procurement of new weapons and military equipment. The goal, he said, is to create a broad base of trained and disciplined citizens capable of fulfilling defence duties if required.
The move marks a significant shift in Croatia’s defence policy and represents the most substantial step toward rebuilding a large-scale reserve force since conscription was suspended in 2008.
@hrvatska_vojska_hv Od prvog pozdrava ???????? zastavi do prvog adrenalinskog izazova: #TVO otvara potpuno novi svijet vještina, discipline i dobre ekipe! ✌️ Imamo odgovore zašto izabrati #TVO. ???? #hrvatskavojska #postanihrvatskivojnik #temeljnovojnoosposobljavanje ♬ original sound – Hrvatska vojska