President Milanović Tells Soldiers: We will always think very carefully about the engagement of the Croatian Army outside our homeland, there will be no adventurism
“As the Commander in Chief of the Croatian Army, I can promise that in every consideration and decision regarding your engagement outside the homeland, we will carefully deliberate before making a joint decision on where you will go, what you will do, where you will be subjected to risk, and which interests you will protect beyond Croatia’s borders,” the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović said today at the “123rd HV Brigade” Barracks in Požega, where a swearing-in ceremony was held for the 45th generation of soldiers enrolled in voluntary military training.
“These are increasingly complex decisions with ever more uncertain outcomes. There will be no adventurism or excessive ambition. We will be guided by shrewdness and sound human scepticism, carefully considering each time what awaits us, whether we should go, the risks to our people, and the tangible benefits for Croatia. Your oath speaks solely of Croatia – its freedom, democracy, and defense. Croatia is defended within our borders, first and foremost. Not exclusively, but above all,” explained President Milanović.
“As the President of Croatia and Commander in Chief, I took an oath a few days ago – for the second time in my life – an oath that is not much different from the one you have taken. In essence, these oaths are almost identical: loyalty to the homeland, its legal system, the Constitution, human rights and freedoms, and above all, the defense of the Croatian people and territory, its integrity, Croatia’s independence, and our freedom,” added the President.
Furthermore, President Milanović stated that those managing the system – through logistics, the ministry, and the Croatian Government – should do everything they can, whenever they can, to ensure the best possible conditions for Croatian soldiers. “We talk about allocating two percent, or even five percent, of GDP to defense. What matters less is the exact figure, and more what can be bought and secured with that money. In a world where we rely on a limited number of suppliers, the prices of essential equipment are skyrocketing. Like all other countries, Croatia will face serious challenges and pressures to use its resources wisely – to create, acquire, buy, and produce everything needed to fulfil your mission and uphold your oath,” he said.
Congratulating the soldiers on their career selection, President Milanović said that, in his experience, most of them will continue their military careers. However, he noted that those who choose not to can still serve as part of the Croatian reserve – “the basic national guard we need to build, which we are gradually losing.” He continued: “For 18 years, we have not had mandatory military service, which means that the military reserve – without which an army cannot function – is steadily shrinking as people grow older and are no longer able to perform military duties or remain in the profession. Croatia needs a professional army, which it has, but it also needs a reserve force. And by the nature of things, we are losing it – so we must build it,” said the Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces.
“In recent years, I have seen fewer people here, and that has reflected – or failed to reflect –the events around us, the upheavals in the world, and people’s reactions to them. When times were uncertain, unhealthy, and dangerous, fewer people came. I interpret today’s turnout as a sign of optimism and faith that things are already better today and will be even better tomorrow. Choosing this path is a career decision – a signal and promise of military careers and a life of service. This is no ordinary job. It is tough, not for everyone. It is elite, physically and mentally demanding, and requires both knowledge and intelligence,” concluded President Milanović, referring to the large number of soldiers who took the oath today at the barracks in Požega.
A total of 287 soldiers took the oath, including 281 who completed the regular programme, 44 of whom were women. Additionally, six candidates completed the shortened programme for top athletes, including two women.
In addition to President Milanović, the swearing-in ceremony was attended by the State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense and delegate of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Branko Hrg; Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid; Commander of the Croatian Army, Major General Blaž Beretin; Commander of the “Fran Krsto Frankopan” Training and Doctrine Command, Colonel Dražen Batrnek; Commander of the Infantry and Armoured Units Training Centre, Colonel Milan Čorak; Commander of the NCO School, Colonel Stjepan Krešić; and the Commander of the “123rd HV Brigade” Barracks, Colonel Mile Valentić.
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces was accompanied by the Adviser to the President of the Republic for Defense, Ivica Olujić; the Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defense and National Security of the Office of the President, Brigadier General Ivica Kranjčević; and Aide-de-camp, Colonel Vlado Čulina.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan