Croatia has begun the process of basic military training after it announced the return of compulsory military service two months ago. The country’s Ministry of Defence (MORH) has issued its first official call for mandatory medical examinations to young men born in 2007 on Monday (December 29), and it applies to all Croatian citizens with permanent residents within its borders.

Around 1,200 candidates have been invited for medical examinations as part of the first intake of conscripts. These examinations are scheduled to take place in the second half of January. Amid heightened tensions in Europe, Croatia’s parliament voted in favour of the restart of compulsory military service on October 24, with 84 voting in favour, 11 against and 30 abstentions in the 151-member Parliament. The decision marked a return to conscription, which had been suspended in 2008 when the country transitioned to a voluntary system.

The MORH hopes to teach young Croatians the basic skills and knowledge which would be needed in “crisis situations”, so they would be able to contribute to national security. Conscientious objectors are reportedly allowed to choose civilian service instead, and the law also provides for deferral in certain cases, including for students and professional athletes.

The medical assessments will be conducted at the Ministry of Defence’s Military Health Centre in Zagreb, as well as at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, and at the Institute of Maritime Medicine in Split, according to CroatiaWeek. Examinations will also be conducted at local occupational health institutions nationwide.

The examination includes psychological testing, a general medical check-up, body mass index assessment, blood and urine tests, ECG, vision and hearing tests, as well as a review of medical records. Those who are deemed medically fit for service will then be assigned to basic military training.

Those declared fit will receive their call-up orders in February. Training is expected to begin in early March at military barracks in Knin, Slunj and Požega. Up to 800 conscripts are planned for the first intake across these three locations.

Basic military training lasts two months and includes instruction in fundamental soldiering skills, handling personal weapons and modern equipment – including unmanned systems – first aid, basic self-defence, as well as an introduction to key military operations from the Homeland War. Upon completing the training, individuals may apply for professional service in the Croatian armed forces and pursue a military career. Those who do not do so will be assigned to the reserve forces.

Croatia has become one of several European countries to reintroduce, or consider, conscription amid concerns for national security. Lithuania partially reintroduced it in 2015, followed by Sweden in 2017 and France in 2019. Belgium’s defence minister, Theo Francken, said in April he wanted to swell the ranks of his country’s reservists to 20,000.

Germany, meanwhile, agreed to a new form of military service last month, with its own 18-year-old men called up for medical examinations from next year.