Croatia Brings Back Mandatory Military Service for Gen Z
Croatia has reinstated conscription, with hundreds of teenagers reporting for duty. The training covers traditional skills, drone control, and cybersecurity techniques.
In a move that has sparked debate across Europe, Croatia has reinstated mandatory military service for its youth, with hundreds of teenagers reporting for duty in recent weeks. The decision, made by the Croatian government, is aimed at bolstering the country's defense capabilities and fostering a sense of national identity among its younger generation.
The conscription program, which was previously abandoned in 2008, will now require all Croatian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to undergo a period of military training. This training will cover a wide range of traditional military skills, such as weapons handling, combat tactics, and survival techniques, as well as more modern capabilities like drone control and cyberwarfare techniques and countermeasures.
The reintroduction of conscription has been met with a mixed response from the Croatian public. Some see it as a necessary measure to ensure the country's security and preparedness, while others argue that it infringes on personal freedoms and may have a negative impact on the country's youth.
Proponents of the program point to the potential benefits, such as the development of discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills among the participants. They also highlight the importance of maintaining a strong national defense in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Critics, on the other hand, argue that the conscription program is a regressive step that could undermine the country's progress towards a more modern, voluntary military force. They also express concerns about the potential psychological and emotional impact on the young people who are required to participate.
Regardless of the debate, the Croatian government remains committed to the reinstated conscription program, with officials emphasizing the importance of building a resilient and adaptable military that can respond to a wide range of security challenges.
As the program continues to unfold, it will be closely watched by neighboring countries and the international community, who will be interested to see how the Croatian experiment in mandatory military service plays out.
Source: BBC News
