Croatia marks 35 years of National Guard Corps; General Gotovina praises military development

Croatia celebrated the 35th anniversary of the National Guard Corps' first formation with a ceremony at the Kranjčevićeva stadium in Zagreb. The event honored the historical day with a program that included laying wreaths and a concert. Participants included members of the former National Guard Corps and police.

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The foundations of the Armed Forces were laid that day, meaning the defense and police forces received a military structure, and thus our Armed Forces matured, did their job in the war, liberated occupied territory, defeated the aggressor, and continued their development path into today's forces.

General Ante Gotovina, who attended the commemoration, highlighted the day's significance for the Armed Forces. He stated that the corps' formation laid the foundation for the modern military system, which successfully liberated occupied territories and continues to ensure national security. "The foundations of the Armed Forces were laid that day, meaning the defense and police forces received a military structure, and thus our Armed Forces matured, did their job in the war, liberated occupied territory, defeated the aggressor, and continued their development path into today's forces," Gotovina said.

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They continue to do what is most important, their job, which is to protect the security of all of us.

Regarding the current state of the Croatian army, Gotovina expressed satisfaction with its progress. He noted the forces maintain necessary combat readiness and are being equipped with new technology. He also commended the efforts of the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense. "I am happy, our Armed Forces are developing, they maintain the necessary level of combat readiness so that we are safe and are technically equipping themselves," he stated.

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I am happy, our Armed Forces are developing, they maintain the necessary level of combat readiness so that we are safe and are technically equipping themselves.

Gotovina also addressed the new conscripts, viewing their service as a voluntary obligation to the homeland. He suggested that such service is beneficial for them personally, as it prepares them for unforeseen circumstances. "This is, in a way, an obligation. An obligation to their homeland, for those who want it. It can only be voluntary, as it was in the war. But it is also good for them because you never know in life what might happen," the general concluded.

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This is, in a way, an obligation. An obligation to their homeland, for those who want it. It can only be voluntary, as it was in the war. But it is also good for them because you never know in life what might happen.