- by croatiaweek
- January 17, 2026
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(Photo: KNGS)
Medical examinations for candidates applying for basic military training in Croatia officially began on this week at the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Zagreb and the Institute of Maritime Medicine in Split.
Croatia reintroduce basic military training for young citizens after the Croatian Parliament passed amendments to the Defence Act and the Armed Forces Service Act late last year.
On Friday, the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General-Colonel Tihomir Kundid, visited candidates undergoing health assessments at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, which operates within the Military Health Centre of the Support Command in Zagreb.
During the visit, Brigadier Mile Vukičević, Commander of the Support Command, and Brigadier Tomislav Barčan, Director of the Institute of Aviation Medicine, briefed General Kundid on the organisation and implementation of medical examinations for future conscripts.
(Photo: KNGS)
The delegation also toured the institute’s facilities and gained insight into its daily operations.
General Kundid was accompanied by Major General Boris Zdilar, Assistant Chief of the General Staff for Health Affairs, Brigadier Dragan Ljubičić, Commander of the Military Health Centre, and the First Sergeant Major of the Croatian Armed Forces, Warrant Officer Filip Tunjić.
(Photo: KNGS)
Next steps for candidates declared fit
Candidates assessed as medically fit for military service will be assigned to basic military training. In accordance with Croatia’s Defence Act, they may also declare conscientious objection and opt for civilian service instead.
The law allows for deferral in specific cases, including for students and professional athletes.
Those declared fit will receive their official call-up orders in February 2026. Basic military training is scheduled to begin in early March at military barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega.
(Photo: KNGS)
Up to 800 conscripts are expected to take part in the first intake across the three locations.
What basic military training includes
Basic military training lasts two months and covers essential soldiering skills, including weapons handling, the use of modern military equipment such as unmanned systems, first aid, basic self-defence and an introduction to key military operations from Croatia’s Homeland War.
During training, conscripts are entitled to a monthly net allowance of approximately €1,100. The period also counts as two months of recognised work service, and participants receive a one-time advantage when applying for permanent positions in state and local government bodies under equal conditions.
(Photo: KNGS)
For individuals already in employment, employment rights are placed on hold during training, and dismissal is prohibited throughout the training period.
Upon completing basic military training, participants may apply for professional service in the Croatian Armed Forces and pursue a military career. Those who choose not to do so will be assigned to Croatia’s reserve forces.
The start of medical examinations marks a key step in Croatia’s renewed system of basic military training and the strengthening of its national defence capabilities.