President Milanović: The Croatian Defence Academy must be prestigious and exclusive
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a ceremony marking the 32nd anniversary of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman“ Croatian Defence Academy.
In his speech he underlined the importance of education and knowledge in the army. “It’s a good thing that out of the need for education – which was encompassed with the concept of a college – we came to the point that we’re thinking and working on founding a University and a Military Academy that won’t be an academic consistent unit but part of the military system. You are the army, and the army is a rigid hierarchy with strict rules of communication, commanding and obedience, so that a person who is not ready to suppress their ego and their personality probably did not choose the right profession. This must always be a prestigious and exclusive place even more so than it has been until now”, the President of the Republic said about the Croatian Defence Academy.
“You are a college for reasons that are limited in nature considering that the founders were not megalomaniacs because they realized that they had to start from a college which should be called as such, and they treated the magnitude of the challenge of military education with respect and dignity. Yet, your path is surely for you to become an academy per se”, President Milanović added, and wished everyone at the Croatian Defence Academy Merry Christmas and a happy and successful New Year.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić who said that at a time of significantly changed paradigms more than ever we have to be aware that a military education is essential, but also demanding and specific. “Members of the Armed Forces are expected to have vast knowledge, skills and aptitudes. I am certain that with teamwork we will together create modern and strong leaders for our Croatian Army”, he noted.
“The increase in the Defence Ministry’s Plan for 2024 as related to 2016 amounts to 644 million euros or 122 percent. The process of procuring coastal patrol boats has started. The congress centre where we are, and the restored and refurbished building within the Croatian Defence Academy are part of a major impulse to create quality living and working conditions for members of the Croatian Army. I have been saying since the first day I assumed this office: infrastructure, equipment and arms – absolutely, but they have a purpose only if members of the Croatian Armed Forces are motivated”, Minister Anušić stated.
Also speaking at the ceremony besides the President of the Republic and the Defence Minister were the commander of the Croatian Defence Academy Major General Slaven Zdilar, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj.
In accordance with the constitutional and legal powers vested in him, the President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović reached Decisions on Decorations, Promotions and Commendations on the occasion of “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defence Academy Day.
For exceptional and successful command of Croatian Armed Forces units and for outstanding military merit in their organization and development, the Order of Ban Jelačić is bestowed on Colonel Marijan Kretić, and the Order of Ban Jelačić is bestowed on Colonel Ivica Pejaković for outstanding military merit in the organization and development of the Croatian Armed Forces.
For outstanding services to the Republic of Croatia in war and in extraordinary circumstances in peace, the Order of the Croatian Trefoil is bestowed on Lieutenant Colonel Dragan Barić, and Sergeant Major Zlatko Vitić.
For outstanding contribution to the development and standing of the Republic of Croatia and the welfare of its citizens, the Order of the Croatian Interlace is bestowed on Colonel Darko Marković, Commander Tino Sumić, Lieutenant Colonel Željko Đurković, Sergeant Major Jozo Milardović, and Master Sergeant military specialist Ivan Triplat.
For honourable and exemplary service, the Homeland Gratitude Memorial Medal is bestowed on Colonel Mate Radoš, Colonel Ante Samardžić, Colonel Božo Vukasović, Lieutenant Colonel Dragan Barić, Major Siniša Pavličić, Major Damir Petrović, Master Sergeant Goran Horvat, Master Sergeant Željko Kuzmanović, and employee Erol Bošnjak.
Captains Hrvoje Heštera and Leopold Gelemanović are promoted to the rank of Major. The first officer’s rank of Second Lieutenant is awarded to four cadets (one female and three male cadets) from the graduate and undergraduate university study programmes of the 16th and 17th generations of Naval Studies, Military Engineering and Military Leadership and Management to Mateja Bjelobrk, Marko Katić, Dominik Kunić and Marijo Pasler.
For outstanding above average results in the performance of assigned tasks, Captain military specialist Zdravko Šoltić is presented a commendation from the Commander in Chief. Accompanying President Milanović were the Adviser to the President for Defence Ivica Olujić, Special Adviser to the President for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković, the Head of the Military Office in the Cabinet for Defence and National Security of the Office of the President Ivica Kranjčević, and the Aide-de-camp to the President Vlado Čulina.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan