President Milanović Tells Voluntary Military Training Soldiers: Your fundamental duty is the defence of the Homeland and its borders
“You took an oath that says everything – a call to honour, responsibility and freedom. You have a responsibility towards the Homeland because without responsibility there is no community, state or army. You have the honour to serve, to be members of the army and to stand on the shoulders of titans and the few good people who first defended and then liberated Croatia. You also have personal freedom as individuals and as persons and no one can ever take that away from you; it’s what makes you human,” the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović told the 41st generation of soldiers enrolled in voluntary military training at a swearing-in ceremony at the “123rd HV Brigade” Barracks in Požega.
“Your fundamental duty is the defence of the Homeland and its borders. Only after that comes our obligation to others, to third parties. Loyal and devoted, but not naive. It would be irresponsible for us to turn our backs on our partners and allies in these difficult times, but also to blindly obey everything they tell us,” said President Milanović, urging the young men and women to consider becoming professional soldiers.
“Croatia abolished conscription at a time when the number of those who decided to enrol in civilian service began to exceed the number of those who truly wanted to enlist in military service and acquire basic military skills. It used to last longer; however, today it lasts 8 weeks. A hard-working and motivated person can achieve a lot in 8 weeks,” he said, warning that we are living in difficult times because the world is changing in a way that it hasn’t in decades.
One hundred and sixteen soldiers – 105 young men and 11 young women – took the solemn oath today. President Milanović congratulated them on taking the oath and for choosing to enrol in voluntary military training.
In addition to President Milanović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić also addressed the soldiers at the ceremony. “You are our pride and the best thing we have. You put on a Croatian uniform on which you put Croatian symbols. You are the successors of the victorious Croatian Army created in the Homeland War, which has liberated and guarded our borders for a full 35 years,” he said, adding that efforts aimed at improving the status and material conditions of Armed Forces members will continue.
President Milanović was accompanied by the Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defence and National Security of the Office of the President Ivica Kranjčević and Aide-de-Camp to the President of the Republic Vlado Čulina.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan