At a press conference, Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić disclosed plans for a new cycle of basic military training scheduled from March 9 to May 9. A total of 800 recruits will participate in this program, divided among three military barracks located in Knin, Slunj, and Požega. Anušić specifically noted that 446 of these recruits, making up 55.75% of the total, are volunteers, including 82 women, which is approximately 10.25% of the recruits.

In addition to the volunteers, the remaining recruits include 354 conscripts born in 2007 who are obligated to serve. Ivan Jušić, Director of the Human Resources Management within the Ministry of Defense, reported that in January, 1500 young men were screened for health assessments, of which 1200 were born in 2007. He highlighted that around 10 to 15 percent of those examined did not meet the health criteria, indicating that this rate is consistent with previous years when only voluntary military training was offered.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to bolster the military's ranks with a mix of volunteers and conscripts, following concerns over preparedness and the importance of military readiness in the current geopolitical climate. The involvement of a significant number of young volunteers is a positive sign for the military, suggesting a growing recognition among the youth about the values of military service and national duty.