Croatia Brings Back Mandatory Military Service — Here’s What Every New Recruit Will Face in 2025

Croatia’s Ministry of Defence (MORH) has opened a public consultation on a set of regulations that will govern the country’s newly restored two-month Basic Military Training (TVO), scheduled to take effect on 1 January next year.

Once the rulebook is formally adopted, the armed forces will begin issuing medical screening invitations and dispatching the first groups of conscripts to bases in Knin, Slunj and Požega.

Two-Month Training, Modernized Curriculum

The programme will run for eight weeks and cover fundamental soldiering skills, weapons handling, first aid, basics of self-defence, and familiarisation with modern equipment, including small unmanned systems. Attendance will be mandatory for men, while women may volunteer.

Medical and psychological evaluations will be conducted by authorised specialists. Only candidates deemed “fit” will proceed to service. All records and administrative procedures will be handled through MORH’s military personnel information system.

Allowances, Equipment and Incentives

According to the ministry, conscripts will receive pay, transport allowances, accommodation, food, insurance and issued military gear. High performers may earn a reward weekend and a “Best Recruit” badge.

The new regulations also formalise procedures for maintaining registries, issuing summonses, and handling individuals who fail to report when called.

Standards of Conduct and Appearance

A draft of the TVO rulebook specifies that recruits will live and operate under the same service standards applied in the Croatian Armed Forces. They must maintain a neat appearance, keeping hair, beards and moustaches tidy.

Haircuts will not be mandatory for the two-month training cycle. Long hair is permitted if securely tied and kept above the shirt collar, without interfering with caps, protective masks or other issued headgear.

The reintroduction of mandatory service marks a significant shift in Croatia’s defence posture, reflecting broader regional trends toward strengthening reserve forces amid heightened security concerns across Europe.