Conscripts from the third cohort of basic military training swore a solemn oath to the Homeland on Friday. The ceremony was held at four different military locations across Croatia, where participants confirmed their obligation to the state. A portion of the conscripts took their oath at the "123rd Brigade of the Croatian Army" barracks in Požega, while others did so at the "Lieutenant General Andrija Matijaš Pauk" barracks in Knin. An additional part of the training concluded at the "Eugen Kvaternik" military polygon near Slunj, and conscripts from the training in Vinkovci took their oath together with those from Požega.
One thousand male and female conscripts were sent to training on 17 August, representing an increase compared to the start of the programme. State Secretary Branko Hrg stated that the programme began with 800 participants, and capacity has now been expanded to one thousand. For the first time, training for this cohort was held at the "5th Guards Brigade Slavonian Falcons" barracks in Vinkovci. The Ministry of Defence reported that 1.3 per cent of young people in this cohort expressed conscientious objection.
State Secretary Tomislav Galić highlighted that Croatia has one of the most successful models for the return of basic military training in Europe. State Secretary Drago Matanović added that by mastering military skills, conscripts learn to handle new challenges. Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Tihomir Kundid sent congratulations to the conscripts in Požega, emphasising that the military profession allows for education, career progression, promotions, a stable livelihood, and respect.
The mayor of Požega, Borislav Miličević, and the deputy Požega-Slavonia County prefect, Ivan Radošić, were present at the solemn oath-taking in Požega. Conscripts were urged to continue their careers in the Croatian Army. State Secretary Branko Hrg announced that the Government and the Ministry of Defence would expand the capacity of the basic military training programme in the future.
