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Croatia expands recruitment, Serbia reinstates service

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-07-30 00:01 UTC → 2026-08-18 08:56 UTC · added removed

Since May 2026 2026, Croatia has rolled out multiple significantly expanded its military recruitment programmes. The first conscript cohort finished basic and training in early May, followed by capacity. Following the graduation of the first cohort, a second batch of 900 starting on 2 June. A civil‑service conscript cohort opened on 17 August at Jastrebarsko, targeting about 50 participants. The Military Academy recruits began training in Zagreb graduated 103 officers from temporary schools on 25 June, and the Air Force ran mid-May. Defense Minister Ivan Anušić reported a selection flight for 24 pilot candidates, with training slated 97% response rate to finish on 28 August after the arrival mandatory training drive, noting that approximately 260 of Rafale fighters the first 800 trainees expressed interest in remaining in the Armed Forces to bolster the reserve component. Recruitment efforts have diversified, including a call for 50 new officers in various specialties and UH‑60M Black Hawks. On 28 July, 115 a drive for 300 contract soldiers completed an accelerated eight‑week specialist course at Gašinski. The and marines for service starting in September 2026. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence has now announced a new cadet recruitment drive for the 2026/27 academic year, offering 116 cadet places at the University of Defence and Security “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” (70 in Military Engineering, 40 in Military Leadership and Management, 6 in a joint Naval Studies programme) and five slots for Aeronautics aeronautics slots. Training infrastructure is also evolving. A civil-service conscript cohort began training in August at the Faculty of Transport Sciences. Applications are due by 14 August, with successful candidates to attend Jastrebarsko, focusing on disaster risk reduction and crisis communication. By August 2026, a preparatory camp third generation of 1,000 recruits commenced basic training across multiple locations, including Vinkovci. The Air Force also reported high interest in September. pilot training following the acquisition of Rafale fighters and UH-60M Black Hawks. Meanwhile, Serbia continues its effort plan to reinstate compulsory military service, planning with a 75‑day 75-day training programme starting scheduled to begin on 1 March 2025. Serbia has also issued recruitment competitions for tank unit personnel, including driver and gunner positions.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-18 08:56 UTC Croatia expands recruitment, Serbia reinstates service
  2. 2026-07-30 00:01 UTC Croatia expands recruitment, Serbia reinstates service
  3. 2026-07-28 15:23 UTC Croatia expands recruitment, Serbia reinstates service

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