Cromil

n o
ye ar 1
march 2 0 0 9
interview - defense minister of the

republic of croatia branko vukelić
Entry into NATO confirmation of
Croatia’s progress in entirety
Croatian
soldiers
in the mission ISAF IN
afghanistan
interview - general josip lucić
Recognitions
are flattering but
binding
Croatian Army with the largest forces in NATO led operations
Recognized and
appreciated in
international
environment
Cover by Tomislav Brandt
new croatian camouflage i n t h i s i s s u e
combat uniforms
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4 Interview
defense minister of the republic of croatia
6gbnVgZVahdZfjêeZYVcYigV^cZY[dgeVgi^XêVi^dc 6gbn]VhValVnh\^kZc\gZVi^bedgiVcXZid VcYVgbVbZci!i]Z8gdVi^Vc6gbn
^c^ciZgcVi^dcVadeZgVi^dchl]ZgZi]ZnYZbdchigViZY XddeZgVi^dclî]X^kâ^VcedejaVi^dc!^cVaa \^kZh\gZVih^\c^ÎXVcXZidZfjêe^c\
idWZZmXZei^dcVaanZhiZZbZYegd[Zhh^dcVah VgZVhd[i]ZGZejWa^Xd[8gdVi^V ZmZgX^hZgVc\Zh
t h e c r oat ian ar my
branko vukeliĆ
by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
CROATIAN ARMY WITH THE LARGEST FORCES IN NATO LED OPERATIONS A component of the CAF with peak strength, with most of the
RECOGNIZED AND
members deployed to international operations in which the
Republic of Croatia participates, always ready to assist civilian
population, well trained, with rich bilateral and multilateral
APPRECIATED IN
cooperation are only some of the distinctive features and first
associations linked to the Croatian Army. Created in war together
with other components of our Armed Forces, the Croatian Army
8 conference
developed very quickly and today, it participates in numerous
INTERNATIONAL
international exercises and in preservation of the world’s peace
equally with its partners from the most developed militaries
of the world. The Command of the Croatian Army is situated
ENVIRONMENT
in Karlovac and its units are deployed throughout Croatia. In
Informal meeting of the Defense Ministers of

the actual restructuring of the Armed forces that is carried out
with a goal to create a well equipped, small and mobile army,
the Croatian Army has also been restructured. Lieutenant
General Mladen Kruljac is a Commander of the Croatian
South-Eastern European countries in Zagreb

Army and during his mandate the reform was implemented,
numerous novelties in the training process were introduced
and international cooperation of the Croatian Army was
intensified through participation as in international missions
Defense Minister of the Republic of Croatia are technically and visually different from the old
so in implementation of the Partnership Goals.
7Zh^YZh>C;DBAIVcY<Vgg^hdcDBAI!i]Z
8gdVi^Vc6gbneVgi^XêViZh[dgi]ZÎghii^bZ
10 Interview
lî]îheVgicZg!B^ccZhdiVCVi^dcVa<jVgY^c
Branko Vukelić and KROKO - Internacional ones will have a stylized picture of the Croatian
i]Z_d^ci8HDBAI^cl]^X]i]ZGZejWa^Xd[
8gdVi^V^hi]ZaZVYcVi^dc
general josip luciĆ, chief of the general staff of the

Apart from downsizing of the Croatian Army during the
Director and holder of the contract of the map. Specific qualities of the new uniforms are
reform, some of its units were dissolved and some were
newly established. The Guards Armored Mechanized
Brigade and the Guards Motorized Brigade are its main
croatian armed forces

forces; in addition to them, Military Police Regiment,
Signals Regiment, Military Intelligence Battalion and
NBC Battalion, Training and Doctrine Command with
Association of Bidders, Denis Popović have raw-materials structure, prolonged time of usage,
its organic entities are within structure of the Croatian
Army. As in other services of the CAF, modernization
that is implemented in conformity with the Long-Term
Development Plan of the CAF is underway. Besides
6hi]ZW^\\Zhi investments in equipment and armament, the
XdbedcZcid[i]Z86; Croatian Army gives great significance to fitting out
signed a Contract. For the procurement of new long-lasting dyes, increased airiness and stability
VcYi]gdj\]EVgicZgh]ê
exercise ranges. The accommodation capacities are
12 military exercise
<dVah!i]Z8gdVi^Vc6gbn
undergoing systematic refurbishment at three main
]VhWZZc\^k^c\i]Z
\gZViZhiXdcig^Wji^dcid military exercise ranges of the Croatian Army “Eugen
idiVaYZXaVgZY[dgXZh[dg Kvaternik”- Slunj, “Gašinci”- Gašinci and “Crvena
C6IDaZYdeZgVi^dch# zemlja” -Knin; APS and ATS training infrastructure
is being built, more precisely shooting ranges for
Croatian and American soldiers together

I]Z8gdVi^Vc6gbn
combat uniforms for the CAF’s requirements of material, as well as a specially designed
^hVegdedcZcid[i]Z instinctive and situational target practice, shooting
^beaZbZciVi^dcd[&( house, training area road - convoy and control >ci]Zb^hh^dc>H6;^c
EVgicZgh]ê<dVah stations, all with aim to raise the level and standard 6[\]Vc^hiVc!bZbWZgh
of training. d[i]Z8gdVi^Vc6gbn
to the mission
Apart from their basic tasks, all units of the XdchiîjiZZ^\]in
Croatian Army are also equipped and trained for eZgXZcid[i]Z86;Æh
for 2009 that could last several years. This recognizable “ornament”. Uniforms could be worn
participation in international operations where =GK8DC
&) B6G8='%%.8GDB>A 8GDB>AB6G8='%%. &*
is a procurement of new combat uniforms in maximally for two years, meaning that durability page 14
14 the croatian army
camouflage. The so-called desert variants that has been prolonged. Recognized and appreciated in international
;JAA86E68>I>:H
;dgVcjbWZgd[nZVgh!i]Z8gdVi^VcCVkn]VhjhZYîh
CD7A:B>96H
I]ZW^\\ZhihjX]jcYZgiV`^c\[dg
BD9:GC>O6I>DC
FjîZhdbZi^bZWZ[dgZi]ZVci^XêViZYZcignd[djgXdjcign
environment
[jaaXVeVXî^Zhid^beaZbZciîhgZ[dgb!bdYZgcôVi^dc i]ZcVknlVhVW^\C6IDZmZgX^hZ ^cid[jaaC6IDbZbWZgh]ê!i]Z8gdVi^Vc6gbZY;dgXZh
VcY^ciZgdeZgVWâînlî]cVk^ZhVcYdi]ZghZgk^XZhd[ CdWaZB^YVhi]Vi8gdVi^V]dhiZY^c ]VkZVY_jhiZYîhhigjXijgZVcYbdYZgcôVi^dcidi]ZhnhiZb
i]ZVgbZY[dgXZhd[C6IDXdjcig^Zh DXidWZg'%%, d[XdaaZXi^kZYZ[ZchZi]Vi^hegdk^YZYWni]ZbZbWZgh]ê
18 the croatian navy

t h e c r oat ian n av y by Domagoj Vlahović, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
THE CROATIAN NAVY�a RELIABLE ALLY OF NATO The first association that people throughout FjîZhdbZ of sustaining Croatian sovereignty in our part of
Higher volume of international cooperation upon

Europe and world have when they hear about i^bZWZ[dgZi]Z the Adriatic. In the context of the above mentioned
the Republic of Croatia is the Adriatic Sea and Vci^XêViZYZcign facts, in view of the importance of the coast for
HIGHER VOLUME OF its coast. That is very simple to explain since our d[djgXdjcign entire Croatia, that role has become even more
long and well-indented coast is bordered by one of ^cid[jaaC6ID prominent than in most of the countries with a
INTERNATIONAL
the most beautiful seas of the world and it is also bZbWZgh]ê! coast. However, in the light of the entry into NATO
entry into the Alliance

ornamented with thousands of islands. Natural i]Z8gdVi^Vc and world’s security in general, missions of the
beauties, cultural distinctions and tradition of 6gbZY;dgXZh Croatian Navy are increasingly numerous and
the tourist offer bring millions of tourists to our ]VkZVY_jhiZY significant. Threat to security of the Croatian coast
îhhigjXijgZVcY
country each year and big Croatian sea ports is also a potential threat to the “soft underbelly”
COOPERATION
bdYZgcôVi^dc
serve as commodity transit not only for Croatia of the Central and South East of Europe and even
PRINT:
idi]ZhnhiZb
BACK PACK:
but also for a series of Central and East European to the entire Mediterranean. The Republic of
d[XdaaZXi^kZ
countries. Protection of the Croatian Adriatic is YZ[ZchZi]Vi^h Croatia is absolutely aware of its responsibility
accordingly of vital significance for our country. egdk^YZYWni]Z and of the security of the neighboring and friendly
To a large extent Croats regard themselves as a bZbWZgh]ê countries, especially of the future North Atlantic
21 the croatian air force and air defense

maritime nation. Their maritime tradition is as old partners. The Croatian Navy has for many years
UPON ENTRY INTO THE ALLIANCE

as Croatia, it began back in the early Middle Ages. also been working on its reform, modernization
The digitalized ornament is a If needed, a soldier can release the

Naturally, the same case is with the navy. and interoperability with navies and other services
The Croatian Navy has, as other services of of the armed forces of NATO countries.
the CAF, with regained Croatian independence, Maybe the biggest step that has been made
Shortly with NATO forces in the operation KFOR

assumed a great deal of responsibility for the for the past years for better protection of the
defense of Croatia and has contributed to final Croatian coast is organization of the Coast Guard.
6lVgZd[îhZhhZci^Va victory. What is more, already at beginning of the That organizational unit operates within the
relief-shape of the Republic of back pack by pushing a button.

gdaZ[dghZXjgînd[i]Z
war, the enemy was banished from the greatest Croatian Navy with a basic mission to strengthen
BZYîZggVcZVc!i]Z
part of our territorial sea. Even at present, the security of human lives, material assets and
n Kosovo
8gdVi^VcCVkn]Vh[dg
Croatia is the most important link in the system preserve the environment as well as protect sea
Vadc\ZgeZg^dYd[i^bZ
bVYZZ[[dgihid\^kZîh
Xdcig^Wji^dcidC6IDV[iZg
Croatia. It is already used on the

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C6IDÆhdeZgVi^dc6Xi^kZ
:cYZVkdgi]VigZegZhZcih
i]Zhigdc\Zhi\jVgVciZZ
d[i]ZhZXjgînd[i]Z
BZYîZggVcZVcÆhlViZgh
desert uniform and it enables easy 24 the support command

VcYXdVhih
recognizability of the uniform. Logistic OMLT ready for ISAF
27 croatian defense academy “petar zrinski”

Military education according to the most
modern methods
&- B6G8='%%.8GDB>A 8GDB>AB6G8='%%. &.
page 18
POCKETS: 30 peacekeeping missions
All pockets have Velcro straps FROM OCTOBER IN chad
BELT: and do not have buttons.
As compared to the old one, the new memb er s of t h e c af in t h e mis s ion is af by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
34 excerpts from interviews with defense attachés
belt has three safety systems that E V E RY O N E W O U L D L I KE T O H A VE
substantially diminish the possibility CROATIAN SOLDIERS 36 members of the caf in the mission isaf
of coming off during crawling.
I N T HE I R RA N KS
Everyone would like to have Croatian soldiers in
The Republic of Croatia has been participating
for seven years in the mission ISAF in Afghanistan
under leadership of NATO and has proven to be
a realiable partner to all countries that have
demonstrated preparedness and determination
to establishing peace in that country. With
increase of the number of members of our
forces who are recognized in Afghanistan as
first-rate professionals and decidedly motivated
for taking part in the mission, and it is no
their ranks
;gdbi]ZÎghiÎ[in
bZbWZghd[i]Z86;! to establish and preserve peace in this Asian surprise considering our country experienced
djgbâîVgneda^XZbZc country. With its engagement in Afghanistan, attrocities of the war, the number and diversity
l]dlZgZYZeadnZY the Republic of Croatia has confirmed once of our activities have also increased.
idi]Zb^hh^dc>H6; again (it has participated in UN missions Besides military policemen, staff officers
^c;ZWgjVgn'%%([dg since 1999), its committment to contribute to and NCOs who operate in ISAF’s Headquarters
i]ZÎghii^bZ!jeid preservation of peace in the world wherever it were also sent to the mission; the combined
(%%hdaY^ZghbVnWZ is necessary. From the first fifty members of the medical team of the US-Adriatic Charter was
YZeadnZYVii]ZegZhZci CAF, our military policemen who were deployed deployed for the first time in 2005 and Croatian
croatian military industry

i^bZ!^cXdc[dgbînlî] to the mission ISAF in February 2003 for the contribution to the mission’s activities has
V9ZX^h^dcbVYZWni]Z first time, up to 300 soldiers may be deployed at significantly increased since 2006. Thus our
8gdVi^VcEVga^VbZci the present time, in conformity with a Decision armed forces were quickly, besides the stated
made by the Croatian Parliament. In the activities, involved with their units, teams
beginning, solely members of the armed forces or individuals in operations of the Provincial
were deployed to the mission ISAF; however, in Reconstruction Teams (PRT). PRTs are projected
MATERIAL:
the course of time employees of our Ministry of as a means that will facilitate development of
the Interior and our diplomats have contributed the secure environment and reconstruction
40 Equipment of the Croatian soldier as export brand

7Zh^YZhbâîVgneda^XZbZc!hiV[[d[ÎXZghVcYC8Dhl]ddeZgViZ
^c>H6;Æh=ZVYfjVgiZghlZgZVahdhZciidi]Zb^hh^dc0i]Z
The uniform is made of special cotton XdbW^cZYbZY^XVaiZVbd[i]ZJH"6Yg^Vi^X8]VgiZglVhYZeadnZY

[dgi]ZÎghii^bZ^c'%%*VcY8gdVi^VcXdcig^Wji^dcidi]Z
b^hh^dcÆhVXi^kî^Zh]Vhh^\c^ÎXVcian^cXgZVhZYh^cXZ'%%+
and Polyamide. The desert uniform has 42 Croatian pistol in several armies of the world
PROTECTIVE GEL:
a special coat that is a repellent. The
Pockets containing special gel d30
uniform does not retain sweat, it warms (+ B6G8='%%.8GDB>A 8GDB>AB6G8='%%. (,
44 Tradition and experience for high quality of products

were placed on the knees and elbows.
up in winter and cools down in summer. page 36
This latest invention additionally
From now on soldiers’ protection will be
protects soldiers’ knees and elbows.
improved by 70 percent. e d i t o r i a l
Dear readers,
You have in your hands a new edition of the Division The magazine is also dedicated to our employees who
of Croatian Military Press, of the Public Relations and work in the NATO Alliance Headquarters of and whose
Information Department of the Croatian Ministry of numbers will increase with Croatia’s entry in NATO.
The contract amounts to 40 million members of the armed forces will be Defense, a magazine that will initially be published twice Through the magazine CROMIL, their staff members
HRK and the goal is to equip and provided with them. The first delivery of a year and primarily be dedicated to the promotion of our from other countries will be able to obtain even more data
armed forces in the world. As the Republic of Croatia and and information about the international activities of the
arm Croatian soldiers with Croatian the new combat uniforms is expected to
the Croatian Army pace slowly but with certainty towards Croatian army, about the modernization that is carried out
equipment and weapons; this four-year take place in April. set international goals and the forthcoming entry of Croatia in conformity with possibilities and the Croatian military
old project has produced a Croatian New uniforms will be produced by 14 in NATO is certainly one of the most important goals, we industry that has become increasingly competitive on
product that is recognizable and of Croatian companies; these are 10,000 also wanted to make an additional step on that pathway. the international market...
quality. Workmanship of the new uniform ensembles and 8,500 of them will be for The purpose of this magazine is manifold. From now on, by means of this magazine we wish to
for one Croatian soldier will cost, about requirements of the Armed forces on Croatian soldiers throughout the world participate in share with all the people we work with the reputation we
photo by Davor Kirin
2,400 HRK (in distinction from former the territory of Croatia (camouflage, of peacekeeping missions and solely receive commendations have earned as a country and as an army through the
for the performance of their tasks. We wish that this dedicated and responsible execution of tasks in every
4,000 HRK). By the end of this year, half prevailing green color in digital print), and
magazine should provide support while they carry out their international activity. We hope we will be able to realize
of Croatian soldiers will have received 1,500 for use in peacekeeping missions tasks, that colleagues they work with in joint operations that mission in equal terms of quality.
their new uniforms, and in 2010, all (camouflage, of desert color in digital print). could read and learn more about Croatia and the Croatian
Armed Forces. We have all the reasons to proudly say Željko StipanoviÊ
something about ourselves! EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
2 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 3

i nte rv i e w by Željko Stipanović, photo by Davor Kirin croatian military magazine
“
En t r y in t o NATO con fir mat ion of Croatia’ s
pr ogr es s in en t ir et y
“
As the reform process develops, what are the experiences after the end of Army developed during the Homeland War
the training of voluntary conscripts? How does the Minister comment on the and it has a very high reputation among
numerous commendations Croatian soldiers receive for their participation Croatian citizens. That imposes an obligation
in peacekeeping missions? These are some of the questions we asked upon us to be even more approachable and
the Minister of Defense Branko Vukelić on the eve of the forthcoming full closer to citizens and to show everything
Croatian membership of the NATO Alliance that represents one of the top we do since they finance all our activities
priority goals of our foreign policy. through the government budget. Apart from
numerous activities related to the accession
A little more than a year has passed of your to the NATO Alliance, I am also satisfied with
mandate as Minister of Defense. What would the equipping and modernization projects
you emphasize as the greatest achievement we proceeded with and speeded up some of
in the defense system of that period? them.
I would like to take this opportunity to point
Great efforts have been made in the last out my great satisfaction with the praise and
ten years in the Ministry of Defense and the commendation our soldiers received from
Croatian Armed Forces in the field of reform We are the only NATO’s officials and other Defense Ministers.
and transformation. That has, in any case, country that is What is especially singled out during
contributed to our status of a candidate for not a member those meetings the high level of training,
membership in NATO and I am convinced that of the NATO motivation and professionalism of Croatian
entry into full membership of NATO Alliance Alliance but in soldiers. This is exactly the greatest richness
will happen in the near future. As a new head some missions we and power of the Croatian army. I am proud
of the Ministry of Defense, I wanted to initiate execute tasks that that Croatia, as a country that knows what
some processes I considered not noticeable require very high it means to be at war and that appreciates
enough. What I would like to mention first level of capability peace, takes part in numerous peacekeeping
of all, not as the most important but as very and professional missions throughout the world. From my
essential is that this ministry is according to competence viewpoint, I am satisfied with last year and
its nature, a system that is more closed than with everything what was done. Naturally, I
some other ministries. I wanted and I still want will always point out how it is very important
to open it to public as much as I can. For me, it members of the armed forces, employees of
is important that activities in the ministry and the ministry, the state leadership and citizens
the armed forces are transparent, perceptible in the whole are satisfied. I hope I share their
defense minister of the and identifiable in public. The general public satisfaction with the breakthrough that has
republic of croatia exceptionally appreciates that the Croatian been achieved.
branko vukelić
I am proud that
Croatia, as a
country that
Croatia has for its part done everything that was necessary to become a knows what it
member of NATO. The invitation to become a member of NATO is not means to be at
merely evidence of our military capabilities as it is not only the army that is war and that
appreciates
entering NATO, but it is also evidence that Croatia has made headway and peace, takes part
developed all segments of its society like other democratically developed in numerous
countries. That is a great recognition for Croatia and a great recognition to peacekeeping
missions
all members of the armed forces and employees of the Ministry of Defense throughout the
world

i nte rv i e w croatian military magazine
A military system can not be an isolated found second career prospects out of the participation in peacekeeping missions, we
island. We can not share the destiny of system during past reforms, activities ahead gained experience in the Homeland War and
the country and not bear the burden of a of us do not mean that a great number of that is exceptionally important for each one
time marked by financial crisis. We will, people will end up outside the system or of our members. Not so long ago members
as everybody else, save very much and that employees of the Croatian Ministry of of the peacekeeping missions were deployed
behave rationally. That means we will keep Defense will experience any stresses. We to Croatia and each one of our soldiers
expenses that are not indispensable under have provided all those who will not see their knows how valuable and important it is to be
strict control. A great part of our budget prospects in our armed forces or ministry a member of the peacekeeping mission in
relates to funds that are necessary for with models and incentives so as to continue eyes of the people they are among.
equipping and modernization, contracts we their business future in some other place. At the NATO summit in April Croatia should
signed are an obligation we have to keep The first generation of voluntary conscripts already participate as a full member of the
and those are projects we have to complete. completed their training. Have expectations Alliance. It would be a realization of one of
However, it is of crucial importance to invest from this project been completely met? the greatest successes of Croatia’s foreign
all funds into modernization and equipping Satisfaction with the first generation of policy and its armed forces. What would
in a completely transparent way and in this voluntary conscripts is mutual and I am I would like that mean for you as Head of the Ministry
matter I am considering implementing the especially glad about that. Our commanders to take this of Defense of the Republic of Croatia?
procurement procedure and giving a chance are also satisfied with the high motivation opportunity I am optimistic and I believe that we will carry
to the Croatian economy through all those of the voluntary conscripts who completed to emphasize out the ratification procedure and deposit
investments. There is no strong state without the training. I had the opportunity to talk my great protocols in Washington by the summit and
a strong economy. to some of those young men who had only satisfaction with become member of NATO. Croatia has done
Could we say in the context of rationalization words of praise about the completed training the praise and everything that was necessary to become a
At the beginning of your mandate you that Croatia is giving up the acquisition of and the conditions it was carried out in. commendation NATO member. Membership in the Alliance is
announced that the Ministry of Defense new fighter airplanes? It is on the basis of that that today, we can our soldiers have of exceptional importance to Croatia in entirety
of the Republic of Croatia will be more Firstly, I have to say that the purchase of confirm that this sort of a pilot-process was received from because that is one of the two strategically
transparent and open the public in its fighter airplanes was not planned for this completed successfully and that this year NATO’s officials most important goals of our foreign policy.
entire operations. Are you satisfied with year. Last year we carried out the procedure of we can proceed with it. I am also delighted and other Defense Invitation into the membership is not merely
the achievements in this field so far? gathering informative offers that we analyzed that far more candidates than we can admit Ministers. What evidence of our military capabilities as it
One can never be completely satisfied with It is of crucial very carefully. Of course, in a situation of have applied, and I hope that voluntary is especially is not only the army that is entering NATO,
that field. I will always be saying to myself importance global financial crises, it is neither possible military service will provide young people emphasized during it is also evidence that Croatia has made
and to other people that a lot more and that we invest nor wise to enter into some major projects with a manner and place for gaining rich those meetings progress and developed all segments of its
better can be done. I am satisfied with the all funds in that require exceptionally substantial funds. experience that will make any future job they is the high level society as other democratically developed
progress we have made but I do not think modernization Our dynamics in the process of purchasing will have easier. of training, countries have. That is a great recognition
that suffices. In order to be more satisfied and equipping fighter airplanes for this year was to continue Croatia occupies a very high position on the motivation and to the Croatian state and a great recognition
in this area, before all, we have to reinforce in a completely analyzing what would be best for Croatia and UN’s scale of contribution to peacekeeping professionalism of to all members of our armed forces and
departments that are responsible for that transparent prepare for decisions that could be realized missions. Since last year, it has become a Croatian soldiers employees of the Ministry of Defense. For
task but also train and educate people in manner and in in the following period. Everything we have participant of two new missions on the me, as Head of this ministry, admittance in
charge. Naturally, public relations mostly this matter I think in our strategic plans will depend on funds, Golan Heights and in Chad and it is among the membership will be a great event and an
depend on me and my associates. I repeat, of implementing but this year we will not think about projects countries that have members deployed to exceptionally great honor but I emphasize
progress is visible but this year we will make procurement that could place a strong burden on the most of the missions. Great confidence but once again the contribution made by the
additional efforts and try to be better in that procedures government budget. also responsibility has been placed in us. state leadership and the consensus of all
field. As a ministry that has about twenty but also giving What will the restructuring in the following How do you comment on that? political parties. I therefore believe that at
thousand people with the Armed forces, we a chance to period be focused on? We showed and proved to our partners, the beginning of April all of us will celebrate
are of special importance to any country Croatian economy When we talk about the entire system, about with the performance of our soldiers in this great event.
and are obligated to be present in public, through those the armed forces and the ministry, it should the missions, how much our members and
available and transparent in all processes investments be said that most of the reform has already training are of quality. It is true that we take
that are implemented. All the more so, since been implemented. A lot has changed in the part in a great number of missions but not
we received substantial budgetary funds past several years. This year, we have to finish by the number of members because we
from the citizens of the Republic of Croatia. organizing our Armed forces and finalize the are a small country. All partner countries
That is precisely what obligates us to make structure of the Ministry of Defense. With especially emphasize the quality of our
all we do visible and provide justification this organization, we want to define business participation that is manifested in all
for the purpose and manner of spending processes according to the standards of the missions. We are the only country that is not
funds. Through programmes and projects NATO Alliance in conformity with the size of a member of the NATO Alliance but that in
we prepare, through offset programmes our armed forces and avoid all overlappings some missions executes tasks that require a
we carry out, a chance will be given to the that occur in the system. When we talk about very high level of capability and professional
Croatian economy and this makes me the Ministry of Defense, we aim to reduce the competence. This is exactly what everybody
especially pleased. number of active military personnel except points out. That is also evidence of the ability
A year of cutting down expenses and self- for the necessary part of jobs for which those and motivation of our soldiers and also of
sacrifice is announced. What segment of persons are indispensable. Rationalization in their level of training, education and ability
the military system could this be reflected the number of people will probably be carried to quickly acquire new knowledge and skills.
on most? out, but in view of thousands of people who Although we do not have a long tradition of

The Meeting
confirmed the
necessity to
co n f e re n c e by Domagoj Vlahović, photo by Davor Kirin, Tomislav Brandt
The meeting was an absolute success, it provided organize such Ambassador Šedivy pointed out that from
an additional motive for countries in the Region to gatherings more NATO’s viewpoint, the Meeting clearly confirms the
continue with mutual cooperation, to reinforce it frequently and dedication of all the countries of the South-East of
Informal meeting of the Defense Ministers of South-EasterN and to find new programmes of cooperation, the the goodwill and Europe to strenghten the stability and security of
European countries in Zagreb Minister of Defense Branko Vukelić concluded at wish of everybody the Region since those countries, once “users”,
to contribute to
the media conference after the end of the Informal have become providers of the world’s security
better mutual
meeting of Defense Ministers of the countries of in various peacekeeping operations throughout
cooperation,
the South-East of Europe. Apart from hosting the world. NATO’s door will remain open to all
peace, stability
the meeting, Minister Vukelić, Albanian Minister and security of countries that want to be members and share the
of Defense Gazmend Oketa and Ambassador the Region but same values as the members of the Alliance and
Jiri Šedivy, NATO’s representative and Assistant also of the whole the Alliance will continue to be engaged in the
to Secretary General for Defense Policy and world Region, Ambassador Šedivy said in conclusion.
Planning, also addressed journalists at the closing The Minister of Family, Veterens’ Affairs and
media conference. Intergeneration Solidarity, Jadranka Kosor was
Besides the main meeting, there was a series of present at the first part of the meeting on behalf
bilateral meetings of Defense Ministers and other of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia.
high-ranking officials from 14 countries (Croatia, Speaking about the imminent enlargement of
the USA, Albania, Macedonia,
Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Montenegro, Greece, Turkey,
Hungary, Bulgary, Italy, Romania,
Slovenia, Serbia). Topics of the
main meeting were: the security
in the South-East of Europe,
the expansion of the number of
countries within the US-Adriatic
Charter, NATO’s role in the South-
East of Europe, the enlargement
of NATO and the contribution
to peace and stability through
peacekeeping operations and
crisis response operations
Minister Vukelić emphasized
that the Meeting confirmed
the necessity to organize such
gatherings more frequently
and the goodwill and wish that
everybody to contribute to better
peace
mutual cooperation, peace, sta–
bility and security of the Region
but also of the whole world. All that is easier to NATO, the Minister expressed the conviction
For and realize with the full support provided by NATO and
the European Union and Euro-Atlantic integration
that this is a confirmation of how far the entire
region has moved on its pathway to security
security
processes countries of the Region strive for. Of and general progress. “Every effort aiming at
concrete measures, the Minister mentioned that fostering regional cooperation contributes to the
it is necessary to additionally strenghten bilateral better understanding, greater stability and better
cooperation among countries of the Region so relations”, Minister Kosor emphasized.
that is visible in several segments. A whole series of bilateral meetings among
Albanian Minister Gazmend Oketa addressed the representatives of the states was held on margins
audience in his additional capacitiy as Chairman of the Meeting and it can be said for Croatia
of the Region, but also of the whole World
A whole series
of the A-5 initiative. Having publicly praised that it was particularly active. We are singling
of bilateral
the Meeting’s excellent organization, Oketa meetings among out meetings that Minister Vukelić had with a
announced that a similar gathering will be held representatives delegation from Greece led by Defense Minister
Informal meeting of the Defense Ministers of South-Eastern European countries was held in the in a few months and will be hosted by his country. of the states was Vangelis Meimarakis, with State Secretary of
“This meeting was held at the right place and held on margins the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Italy
Hotel Westin in Zagreb in early March. The topics of the main meeting were: security in the time”, Oketa emphasized and made an allusion to of the Meeting Giuseppe Cossiga and Turkish colleague Mehmet
South-East of Europe, the increase in the number of countries within the US-Adriatiac Charter, the forthcoming accession of Croatia and Albania and it can be said Vecdi Gönül. High government representatives
NATO’s role in the South-East of Europe, the enlargement of NATO and the contribution to to NATO; he also commented that the success for Croatia that it considered various forms of developing defense
of each country in Euro-Atlantic integrations is in was particularly cooperation and also talked about cooperation in
peace and stability through peacekeeping operations and crisis response operations effect, the success of the entire Region. active the field of industry for designated purpose.

i nte rv i e w by Vesna Pintarić, photo by Davor Kirin croatian military magazine
The reform of the CAF is a permanent process that In conformity experience in the Homeland War know what
in fact never stops. What will be the emphasis of with the peacekeeping forces mean for agonized
general josip lucić, the reform in the next period? Long-Term people and their hope for a better tomorrow.
chief of the general staff of When we talk about the reform of the CAF, Development The professional carrying out of duties
the croatian armed forces Plan of the CAF,
sometimes it is wrongly identified with and the respect for diversities – historical,
personnel restructuring in conformity the number of culturological, religious and social – is the
with decisions on the size, structure and our members in foundation of our success that the entire
territorial deployment of the CAF. The peacekeeping system of training and preparation of our
personnel reform, besides the processes of missions will individuals and units for participation in
raising the quality of education and training, be increased,
peacekeeping operations is built on.
following the
We are encouraged by the has to be accompanied by a material reform
political decisions
recognition that the Republic carried through in terms of quality, i.e. by How do partners in the world experience the
and financial
of Croatia is „a state that will the equipping and modernization of our efforts made in accession and preparations for the
possibilities
bring to the Alliance a new commands and units, especially those that forthcoming membership of the NATO Alliance?
quality with its knowledge take part in international peacekeeping During the last period of reforms, many
and war experiences, that operations. Those will be our central tasks in military officials who are highly positioned
has already proven itself as a 2009, but even at a later point. The prospect In 2009, we will in the world of politics in their states and
reliable and relevant partner of a full membership in the NATO Alliance have about 470 in the Armed forces throughout the world
in international peacekeeping already has and will continue to open the visited us. The result of all those talks is an
members in
missions throughout the world, issues of adjusting our defense system to the encouraging recognition that the Republic
peacekeeping
especially in Afghanistan“. system of collective defense to an increased of Croatia is a „state that brings to the
missions and 384
We have to admit that such degree, as in legislative changes so in every Alliance a new quality with its knowledge
million HRK will
recognitions are flattering other field, from the doctrine, training, and experiences gained in the war, that
be allocated to
but are also binding since we education and organization to complete has proven to be a reliable and relevant
their equipping,
have to fulfill the expectations adjustment of the system of defense partner in international peacekeeping
material and
NATO has placed in front of us
planning, planning of forces and operational personnel missions throughout the world, especially
planning. The overall manner of functioning expenses in Afghanistan“. We have to admit that
and deliberation will have to be changed such recognitions are flattering but are
so that we could be ready for challenges also binding because we have to fulfil the
and opportunities that are offered by the expectations NATO has placed in front of
membership of the NATO Alliance. us. All afore mentioned strengthens our
conviction that in April 2009, the Republic of
During 2008, Croatia participated in two new Croatia will achieve one of the two strategic
missions, UNDOF and EUFOR Tchad/RCA, and has goals and become full member of NATO.
placed itself among the countries that have their
members in the most peacekeeping missions.
Discussions are also held on participation in With Croatian soldiers
Kosovo in the operation KFOR… in Afghanistan
Recognitions
This transformation from a state that from
1992 to 2002 had four UN peacekeeping
missions (UNPROFOR, UNCRO, UNTAES and
UNMOP) deployed on its territory, to a state
that will celebrate ten years of participation
are flattering but binding in peacekeeping missions is somewhat

marvelous. Even before the last UN mission
left Croatia, our ten members were deployed
to Sierra Leone, a little later to Eastern
Last year was marked by the realization of several major projects in the field of equipping Timor and to other missions. Nowadays, the
Republic of Croatia with eleven UN missions,
and modernization of the CAF, international cooperation at all levels was very intensive, one NATO mission and one EU mission
a great effort was made in full professionalization of our armed forces. Almost each one of belongs to the world’s leading countries
the set goals has achieved success, the first man of the CAF, General Josip LuciÊ assessed, that are providers of peacekeeping forces;
this trend will continue and will increase
summing up everything what was achieved with participation in KFOR, the other NATO
mission in Kosovo. Our members who gained

Operational Mentor Team Team Commander
The deployment of this Operational Mentor Team to In addition to the Team Commander, members of our armed forces will carry
Afghanistan is a result of an exceptionally successful out duties of the intelligence officer and will be covering three companies:
cooperation between the Minnesota National Guard reconnaissance, artillery, engineering. Besides the first NCO, the American
and the CAF that has lasted several years side will have their men in the commanding company and the Headquarters
m i li t ar y e xe r c ise by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
American-Croatian MN Combat Support

practice to the Afghan army so that they could take
OMLT ready for ISAF over future tasks by themselves and create better
Croatian and American soldiers security conditions in their country; they will also
try to help the Afghan army adopt and improve the
together mission
doctrine of the operational use of their forces as
well as they can. Members of the Afghan national
to the army ANA will be mentored in reconnaissance,
artillery, engineering, commanding company and
mentoring of the staff battalion.
In addition to the first NCO, the American side
Within structure of the 13th HRVCON that takes part in the will have their men in the commanding company
mission ISAF in Afghanistan, for the first time the Republic and the Headquarters and both sides will each
of Croatia also has an international American-Croatian MN have four drivers in the team. The proponent of
Combat Support OMLT. MN CS OMLT consists of 12 members the entire activity before the CAF is the Training
of our armed forces and 12 members of the US Army Minnesota and Doctrine Command Fran Krsto Frankopan
National Guard (ZOD); other units of the CAF which otherwise
take part in training our soldiers for participation
A step forward and a specific tribute to the successful participation of our in international missions were also engaged in
soldiers in NATO mission ISAF is deployment multinational Combat Support this training. It is good to know that both sides
OMLT, in which the Republic of Croatia is the lead nation to Afghanistan. functioned excellently together from the very
Namely, within structure of the 13th HRVCON that takes part in the mission beginning of the training in Croatia.
ISAF in Afghanistan, for the first time the Republic of Croatia also has an
international American-Croatian MN Combat Support OMLT. MN CS OMLT Besides the Team Commander, members
consists of 12 members of our armed forces and 12 members of the US of our armed forces will carry out duties of
Army Minnesota National Guard; this activity and trust that was placed the intelligence officer and will be covering
in the Croatian army is a confirmation of the continuity of good partner three companies: reconnaissance, artillery
relations and confidence between the USA and Croatia. and engineering
Commander of the CS OMLT is Major Ivan Galović who
is otherwise Commander of the infantry battalion of the This was confirmed at exercises during which
infantry regiment of the Training and Doctrine Command they demonstrated the manner of executing training
„Fran Krsto Frankopan”. Major Galović was also the first and achieved capabilities. One such exercise that
observer of the CAF in the UN mission at the Ivory Coast demonstrated methods and procedures in case of
and this assignment represents attack on a convoy was held in late February. It was
a new challenge already at that time, when training was in its initial
to him and other phase, that it was demonstrated that both sides
team members. functioned excellently as a team. Commander of
Great confidence the Croatian Army, Liuetenant General Mladen
has been placed in Kruljac and Head of the American Department
them but this is also an for Defense Cooperation, LTC Charles Davis who
obligation. monitored the exercise, confirmed that deployment
of this Operational Mentor and Liaison Team
Joint training to Afghanistan is a result of an exceptionally
in Croatia excellent cooperation between the Minnesota
National Guard and the CAF that has lasted
After the first part of the training that each several years. The team consists of excellent
side had undergone in their homeland, weeks-long joint soldiers; most of them have experience
training was held in the training area at Gašinci. The objective was to from international NATO and UN missions
practice all situations that could be expected in the area of deployment to the and our soldiers gained experience in the
mission in conditions as realistic as possible and the training area Gašinci Homeland War.
provided excellent conditions for that. Representative of the American side, All that and high-quality training is surely
Major Elstad Peter Leif confirmed it. He mentioned that they began with a warranty that a good job will be done in
preparations for joint training several weeks prior to their arrival in Croatia. Afghanistan and that Croatia will justify the
He evaluated cooperation with the Commander of the team, training and confidence placed in it as the lead nation in
practice in the training area Gašinci, where the accommodation provided was this Operational Mentor Team.
also very good. “This is an excellent training area, conditions and capacities
for practice are very good and I think we will gain valuable experiences
here.” Their main task in the mission is mentoring, training and providing

equipped and trained military tasks investments
Apart from their basic tasks, all units of the Croatian In addition to military tasks, the Croatian Besides investments in equipment
Army are also equipped and trained for participation Army has always placed a great importance and armament, the Croatian Army
in international operations where they proved to be on cooperation with civilian population, in places a great significance on
exceptionally esteemed professionals all areas of the Republic of Croatia equipping exercise ranges
t h e c ro at i an ar m y by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
Croatian Army with the largest forces in NATO led operations A component of the CAF with peak strength, with most of its
Recognized and
members deployed to international operations in which the
Republic of Croatia participates. That is always ready to assist
the civilian population, is well trained with rich bilateral and
appreciated in
multilateral cooperation are only some of the distinctive features
and first associations linked to the Croatian Army. Created in
war together with other components of our Armed Forces, the
Croatian Army developed very quickly and today participates in
international
numerous international exercises and in the preservation of world
peace along with its partners from the most developed militaries
of the world. The Command of the Croatian Army is situated in
environment
Karlovac and its units are deployed throughout Croatia. In the
actual restructuring of the Armed forces that is carried out with
a goal to create a well equipped, small and mobile army, the
Croatian Army has also been restructured. Lieutenant General
Mladen Kruljac is the Commander of the Croatian Army and
during his mandate, the reform was implemented, numerous
novelties in the training process were introduced, and
international cooperation of the Croatian Army was intensified
through participation in international missions as well as in
the implementation of the Partnership Goals.
Besides INF OMLT and Garrison OMLT,

the Croatian Army participates for the first
time with its partner, the Minnesota National
Guard in the joint CS OMLT in which the
Republic of Croatia is the lead nation
Apart from the downsizing of the Croatian Army
during the reform, some of its units were dissolved and
some were newly established. The Guards Armored
Mechanized Brigade and the Guards Motorized Brigade
are its main forces; in addition to them, the Military
Police Regiment, the Signals Regiment, the Military
Intelligence Battalion and the NBC Battalion, Training
and Doctrine Command with its organic entities
are within the structure of the Croatian Army. As
in other services of the CAF, modernization that
is implemented in conformity with the Long-Term
As the biggest Development Plan of the CAF is underway. Besides
component of the CAF investments in equipment and armament, the
and through Partnership
Croatian Army places a great significance on fitting
Goals, the Croatian Army
out exercise ranges. The accommodation capacities
has been giving the
greatest contribution to are undergoing systematic refurbishment at the
total declared forces for three main military exercise ranges of the Croatian
NATO led operations. Army “Eugen Kvaternik”- Slunj, “Gašinci”- Gašinci
The Croatian Army and “Crvena zemlja” - Knin; APS and ATS training
is a proponent of the infrastructures are being built, more precisely
implementation of 13 shooting ranges for instinctive and situational In the mission ISAF in
Partnership Goals target practice, a shooting house, a training area Afghanistan, members
road - convoy and control stations, all with the aim of the Croatian Army
to raise the level and standard of training. constitute eighty
Apart from their basic tasks, all units of the percent of the CAF’s
Croatian Army are also equipped and trained for HRVCON

participation in international operations where they exercise ADRIATIC AURORA 08 in which units from capability of NBC defense... Apart from all stated,
proved to be exceptionally esteemed professionals, the USA and the A3 member countries took part we also need to emphasize the rich bilateral and
decidedly motivated for the preservation of world’s should be singled out. That exercise demonstrated multilateral cooperation of the Croatian Army.
peace. the high level of interoperable capabilities of the During last year alone, 107 activities were realized
In the mission ISAF in Afghanistan, members Croatian Army in the execution of operations in an within bilateral cooperation, 34 activities within
of the Croatian Army constitute eighty percent of international environment. That is a confirmation of multilateral cooperation and 16 international
the HRVCON. It is also worth mentioning that the the exact direction and well chosen pace of training high-level activities were also carried out. More
CAF are one of the five countries – providers of with a goal to achieve the highest level of NATO than eighty activities related to NATO with the
photo by Davor Kirin

the forces for the mission ISAF with OMLT team. standards. participation of more than 1,200 members of
In addition to INF OMLT and garrison OMLT, the Besides training its own members, the Croatian the Croatian Army were also realized. Such rich
Croatian Army participates for the first time with Army also actively participates in training members international activities have continued this year
its partner, Minnesota National Guard in the of other components of the Croatian Armed Forces. as well. The Croatian Army also gives particular
joint CS OMLT in which the Republic of Croatia One in a series of the training activities the Croatian importance to the education of its members in our
is the lead nation. The Croatian Army is taking Army realized with success is also the training of country and abroad, where a great number of its Lieutenant General Mladen Kruljac,
part in nine missions led by the UN; among them voluntary conscripts, a project the Armed forces officers and NCOs receive education at all levels. Commander of the Croatian Army
is the UNDOF mission, the only UN mission to began with in the second half of last year. Having In addition to military tasks, the Croatian Army
Members of the Croatian Army are well-known as top-level, well
which our Armed forces have deployed a unit at successfully passed the exam in training the first has always placed great importance on cooperation
trained professionals, and this mostly is the result of good and
the company level. The army is also the most generation of voluntary conscripts, the Croatian with the civilian population, in all areas of the
High quality quality training...
numerous at the Golan Heights in HRVCON which performance in our
Army will soon be facing a new training challenge Republic of Croatia. Repair and maintenance of the “Yes. We have fully introduced today a new approach to training
exercises supervision of the armistice between country as well as – the training of the contract reserve. traffic and communal infrastructure at the local that was also noticed by our partners during joint training and
Israel and Syria. in international As the biggest component of the CAF and through level, recovery of building plots of land, restoration military exercises carried out with the Croatian Army units. In all
High quality performance in our country as well as activities is for the Partnership Goals, the Croatian Army makes of cultural and sacral facilities and construction of forms of training we are striving to achieve high NATO standards.
in international activities is for the most part the result most part result of the biggest contribution to total declared forces bridges are only some of the 33 activities carried
good training Great assistance is provided by our partners from the Minnesota
of good training. Numerous successfully carried for NATO led operations. The Croatian Army is a out over the course of last year. National Guard, the USA, either with direct training, passing on
through military exercises in which the readiness of proponent of the implementation of 13 Partnership A lot more could be said about the Croatian Army their experiences, training of the trainer and other activities we
the forces is evaluated are evidence of that. Among Goals. We will single out only some of them: land and its accomplishments. Here, we tried to single carry out together. Our rich bilateral and multilateral cooperation
numerous international military exercises in operations and training, defeating improvised out only the most important things it is renowned, has also contributed to the advancement of the training and
which units, teams or individuals from explosive devices, multibranch military recognized and esteemed for not only in our country readiness of the Croatian Army members for participation
the army’s structure participated, the operations in urban environments, but also in the an international environment. in NATO, UN and EU missions and the implementation of the
Partnership Goals with strengthening of the security and
stability in the region. We are trying to expertly analyze and
elaborate on experiences the Croatian Army members gained
in international missions coupled with experiences from the
Homeland War and give them to all members of the CAF for
their use through introduction of the system of lessons learnt.“
You also successfully carried out training of the first generation of
voluntary conscripts, which is one of the most important projects of
the CAF at the moment…
We designed new modern curricula for the requirements of
training voluntary conscripts. Notwithstanding great demands
imposed by the training and high criteria set for the level of
success, even 208 conscripts out of 250 signed a contract with
the Croatian MoD on joining selection training for admittance in
the CAF’s active service structure. That is sufficient evidence
of the quality of training and promotion and it confirms that the
basic goal of voluntary military service, manning of our units
with young and fit members, has been achieved.
How would you evaluate the readiness and level of training of the
Croatian Army’s members and what does the Croatian Army expect
from entry into NATO?
The Croatian Army has proved through all it has done so far that
it has achieved the necessary level of capability and training that
guarantees the successful implementation of all tasks deriving
from the strategic documents and from participation in military
operations. The level of training and readiness of the Croatian
Army is confirmed from all levels, as from domestic institutions
so from foreign partners. By achieving the requested capabilities
and implementation of the modernization of the Croatian Army’s
assets, the requested goal will be fully accomplished and all
preconditions for efficient operations on a wide spectrum of
threats will be created. After entry into NATO, the Republic of
Croatia and the Croatian Armed Forces will obtain a completely
new dimension of protecting national interests and will be
cooperating with partners in realization of common goals.

full capacities noble midas modernization
For a number of years, the Croatian Navy has used its The biggest such undertaking for Quite some time before the anticipated entry of our country
full capacities to implement its reform, modernization the navy was a big NATO exercise into full NATO membership, the Croatian Armed Forces
and interoperability with navies and other services of Noble Midas that Croatia hosted in have adjusted its structure and modernization to the system
the armed forces of NATO countries October 2007 of collective defense that is provided by the membership
t h e c ro at i an nav y by Domagoj Vlahović, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
The Croatian Navy - reliable ally of NATO The first association that people throughout Quite some of sustaining Croatian sovereignty in our part of
Europe and world have when they hear about time before the the Adriatic. In the context of the above mentioned
the Republic of Croatia is the Adriatic Sea and anticipated entry facts, in view of the importance of the coast for
Higher volume of its coast. That is very simple to explain since our of our country all of Croatia, that role has become even more
long and well-indented coast is bordered by one of into full NATO prominent than in most countries with a coast.
international
the most beautiful seas of the world and it is also membership, However, in light of the entry into NATO and of
ornamented with thousands of islands. Natural the Croatian the world’s security in general, missions of the
beauties, cultural distinctions and touristic Armed Forces Croatian Navy are increasingly numerous and
tradition bring millions of tourists to our country have adjusted significant. Threat to security of the Croatian coast
its structure and
each year and large Croatian sea ports serve as a is also a potential threat to the “soft underbelly”
cooperation
modernization
commodity transit not only for Croatia but also for of the Central and South East of Europe and even
to the system
a series of Central and East European countries. to the entire Mediterranean. The Republic of
of collective
Protection of the Croatian Adriatic is accordingly defense that is Croatia is absolutely aware of its responsibility
of vital significance to our country. provided by the and of the security of the neighboring and friendly
To a large extent Croats regard themselves as a membership countries, especially of the future North Atlantic
maritime nation. Their maritime tradition is as old partners. The Croatian Navy has for many years
upon entry into the Alliance

as Croatia, it began back in the early Middle Ages. also been working on its reform, modernization
Naturally, the same case is with the navy. and interoperability with navies and other services
The Croatian Navy has, as other services of of the armed forces of NATO countries.
the CAF, with regained Croatian independence, Maybe the biggest step that has been made for
assumed a great deal of responsibility for the the past years for better protection of the Croatian
defense of Croatia and has contributed to the final coast is organization of the Coast Guard. That
Aware of its essential victory. What is more, already at beginning of the organizational unit operates within the Croatian
role for security of the
war, the enemy was banished from the greatest Navy with a basic mission to strengthen the
Mediterranean, the
part of our territorial sea. Even at present, security of human lives and material assets and
Croatian Navy has for
Croatia is the most important link in the system to preserve the environment as well as protect sea
a longer period of time
made efforts to give its
contribution to NATO after
Croatia has entered it, to
NATO’s operation Active
Endeavor that represents
the strongest guarantee
of the security of the
Mediterranean’s waters
and coasts

two missile gunboats
Ships of the class “Helsinki”, that used to be in structure of the Finnish
Navy are now called “Vukovar” and “Dubrovnik” and count their last days
before they enter operational use; they have already demonstrated to be very
suitable for executing missions in the Adriatic
t h e c ro at i an nav y th e c ro atian air f o rce a n d a i r d e fe n s e
resources so that they are used in conformity with The modernization of the Croatian Navy is not
Croatian laws. With its small and mobile vessel only a question of new technology but also of new
units and modern surveillance systems, the Coast people. Our navy is a combination of experienced
Guard ensures its constant presence at sea and sea dogs from the Homeland War and a growing
this brings along a decrease in criminal, terrorist number of young cadre who is entering the
and ecological threats. system. The Croatian Navy permanently work
Quite some time before the anticipated entry on their professional-military training and on
of our country into full NATO membership, the creating better conditions for their life and work in
Croatian Armed Forces have adjusted its structure Croatian naval bases. The number of those bases
and modernization to the system of collective has decreased, but in this case this decrease
defense that is provided by the membership. Most means that attention is directed towards facilities
of those changes, including the future ones, are that have characteristics more suitable to the
defined by a strategic document entitled Long- actual requirements of the Croatian Navy.
Term Development Plan of the CAF. It is precisely New vessels will Entry into NATO for the Croatian Navy will surely
in conformity with that plan that changes in the strengthen those bring along a higher volume of international
Croatian Navy have been implemented. The most possibilities. cooperation. The biggest such undertaking for
important items are equipping and modernization. Entry into NATO the navy was the big NATO exercise Noble Midas
Clearly, they are not solely directed towards the will also even that Croatia hosted in October 2007, as the first
requirements of NATO but first of all, towards more so intensify country outside the Alliance that organized an
the work of the
operations of the Croatian Navy in the Adriatic and interservice exercise of such a scale. At that time
by
Croatian officers
M
protection of our local waters and coast, with all the Croatian Navy proved, together with friendly
ar
and increase their
ija
specific features of operation in shallow waters, by navies and representatives of the strongest
Al
number in the
vir
,p
many islands and well intended coast. The most world’s maritime forces, that it is able to operate
ho
Command of the
to
important items of equipping and modernization according to high NATO standards.
Sh
by
Alliance in Naples;
Ka
have been recently implemented with phasing in because of its Aware of its essential role in the security of the
ts
uh
of a mine hunter and operational use of the new Mediterranean, the Croatian Navy has for a longer
ik
naval component
NATOe
o
To
radar system on ships; the acquisition of two it is logically period of time made efforts to give its contribution
k
or f e K
un
missile gunboats has drawn particular attention. to NATO after Croatia has entered it, to NATO’s
ag
closest to the
a
th
Ships of the class “Helsinki”, that used to be Croatian Navy operation Active Endeavor that represents
in structure of the Finnish Navy are now called the strongest guarantee of the security of the
tl or ra oso
KFOR
“Vukovar” and “Dubrovnik” and count their last Mediterranean’s waters and coasts.
days before they enter operational use; they have Entry of the Republic of Croatia into the North
already demonstrated to be very suitable for Atlantic Alliance is to the benefit of both sides.
y ce ti v
op in
executing missions in the Adriatic. So is the case with naval component. With NATO,
A series of other modernization projects has the Croatian Navy will obtain an additional
w s on o
already been planned for this year and the Republic injection of security in the Adriatic area and the
of Croatia is interested in including them in as countries of the Alliance will gain a reliable ally
it in
C rt ek th nt at rop en de A K he rs
many Croatian companies as possible. This should in protection of the security and peace in the
ro ic e e s,
pa eac hin ge e th p nm a e C tion of t pte n
at ip ep s b th on t. C isi rF FO ir
not be a problem in a country with an exceptionally Mediterranean and in the Central and South East
p it in m o a ig ok th a y o a
ia at in tru ut e C en ro on an R
h
w ont ti als ass to of per nt elic at
n ed g c th A t
well-established shipbuilding tradition. of Europe.
ai
c st s n nt n o
rm in is ure is i rF f ian
fir D i h a me tio O’s d tw o the
en int sio of s th an
A c ia pa T n tw d
From NATO exercise
su rl ici NA o a nd ye
ha ern ns ou e
Pa art in ov s a lo
m t
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t h e c ro at i an air for c e and air d efense
Key missions
that are ahead of
them this year are
Members of the CAirF and connected with
AD participated in numerous admittance of the
Republic of Croatia
international military exercises in NATO Alliance
and their level of training and and that is before
qualification for carrying out all, related to
integration of the
missions in NATO environment CAirF and AD into
were highly evaluated a system of Air
Situation Data
Exchange (ASDE)
photo by Tomislav Brandt
The Croatian Air Force and Air Defense (CAirF Parliament made a Decision on participation of the that was made in recent years, its modernization pilots from other countries. Therefore, they hope to
and AD) is one of the three services of the CAirF and AD in NATO’s operation KFOR in Kosovo and adaptation to NATO standards was also carried become a regional centre for training military and
Croatian Armed Forces, earmarked for ensuring and twenty of their members and two helicopters out. So the CAirF has for several years now become civilian pilots in future. Since the education of pilots
the sovereignty of the Croatian air space and will be deployed there in the near future. Although richer by ten transport helicopters MI171Š that is a distinctly demanding, costly and lengthy process,
providing aviation support to other services in Croatian airmen have participated for a long time considerably increased transportation capabilities, there is no doubt that realization of that idea would
execution of their missions in joint operations. in international peacekeeping missions within five airplanes ZLIN-242L for selection and initial be well accepted outside of Croatia as well.
According to the new organization, it has two air structure of our contingents, the CAirF and AD training of pilots, two fire-fighting airplanes CL-415 The CAirF and AD take part in numerous activities,
bases within its structure: the 91st ab Zagreb and is a proponent of such assignment for the first and three AT-802 Fire Boss; phasing-in new radar as military so too civilian. Fighting fires, medical
the 93rd ab Zadar, and three runways - a helicopter time; besides experience learnt from participation system „Sky“ and installation of the radar FPS-117 transportation and search and rescue missions
Members of the
squadron is situated in Lučko and a squadron of in other missions, the experience gained in the should also be emphasized. are most important with regard to providing
CAirF and AD
fighter airplanes is situated in Pula; a squadron of Homeland War will be of use to them to a large Acquisition of new multipurpose combat airplanes assistance to the civilian population; in addition to
participated
transport helicopters remains at Divulje. degree. that will replace existing MiGs is forthcoming their primary mission that comprises the defense
in numerous
Key missions that are ahead of them this year and is expected to happen within two years. As international of our country, they also successfully develop
are connected with admittance of the Republic Transformation and modernization in Commander of the CAirF and AD, Brigadier General military exercises international cooperation. They participated in
of Croatia in NATO Alliance and that is before all conformity with NATO standards Vlado Bagarić emphasized in his interview with the and their level numerous international military exercises and the
related to integration of the CAirF and AD into a magazine “Croatian Soldier”, the fighter squadron of training and level of training and qualification of our airmen
system of Air Situation Data Exchange (ASDE). In In conformity with strategic documents, the is the strike force of the Croatian Air Force and qualification for carrying out missions in NATO environment
that sense, the air force will have numerous tasks in Strategic Defense Review and the Long-Term training and qualification of the fighter pilots are for carrying out were evaluated very highly. They are also ready to
the system of control and protection of the airspace Development Plan of the CAF, it can be said today among our top priorities. The CAirF and AD has a missions in NATO participate in NATO led operations and will soon
and will be exchanging recognized air pictures that there is a vision of the development of the CAirF civilian-military system of education of quality and environment were be able to demonstrate that within KFOR security
with NATO Alliance. In addition to that, Croatian and AD. After the overhaul of the aviation-technics possibilities to provide education and training to highly evaluated forces in Kosovo.

providing training commander basic task
They began providing training for the mission Commander of the Garrison OMLT is LTC One of the members of the Croatian team in the mission will also carry
in mid October 2008; it was complex and Željko KiršiÊ, Commander of the Overhaul out the engineer officer’s duty and his basic task will be mentoring
comprehensive and organized in Poland with Establishment of the Support Command officers and NCOs of the ANA in maintenance and construction of the
teams from about 15 countries and the team has 13 officers and NCOs infrastructure, facilities and other installations necessary for life and work
t h e s u p p o r t c om m and by Domagoj Vlahović, Leida Parlov, photo by Davor Kirin croatian military magazine
OMLT from the functional area of logistics is deployed

Our logisticians, employees of the Support Command have
to the mission ISAF for the first time participated in the mission ISAF in Afghanistan for a longer period of
time. By ensuring and organizing timely and quality-logistic support
Logistic to our forces, they considerably contribute to the execution of their
OMLT
tasks in the mission. Besides providing logistic support to our
soldiers, employees of the Support Command will soon be actively
engaged in training and mentoring the Afghan Army. Namely, within
the next regular contingent in the mission ISAF, one Operational
Mentor Liaison Team from the functional area of logistics will
be deployed there. This is the first Garrison OMLT accompanied
by employees of the Support Command and employees of the
ready for
Signal Regiment of the Croatian Army and the Croatian Defense
Academy. Commander of the Garrison OMLT is LTC Željko Kiršić,
ISAF
Commander of the Overhaul Establishment of the Support
Command and the team has 13 officers and NCOs. LTC Željko
Kiršić already took part in the mission ISAF as member of the
mobile maintenance team; he returned from the mission with
positive impressions „It is important to help Afghanistan in
restoring peace and stability so that people in that country
could live in more humane conditions. I assured myself that
Afghanistan has capable officers and NCOs and people of
Afghanistan should be given a chance. That is the task of all us
who are involved in the process of creating peace and stability
in that area and creating conditions for the development and
progress of the Afghan people.“
The basic task of the Garrison OMLT in Afghanistan will
be mentoring, training and qualifying members of the ANA
in logistic duties and that is a very complex and demanding
task, LTC Kiršić emphasized. He pointed out that members
of the OMLT also carry out those tasks in the CAF and he
expects assignments in the mission will be accomplished.
„We are tasked with providing advice, training and
mentoring members of the ANA in functional areas such
as: personnel affairs, operational-planning jobs, training
and qualification, logistics (board and lodging, storage and
supply with all classes of materials, maintaining weapons
and military equipment....), maintenance and construction
of infrastructure and facilities, providing security in the
garrison, transportation, signals communications and
telecommunications and medical assistance.
They began providing training for the mission in mid
October 2008; it was complex and comprehensive and
organized in Poland with teams from about 15 countries.
Besides the joint practice of certain suppositions
and tactical actions, during the training men were
acquainted with part of the particular activities they
will be faced with while deployed in the mission
area. One of the members of the Croatian team in
One Operational Mentor Liaison Team the mission will also carry out the engineer officer’s
from the functional area of logistics will be duty and his basic task will be mentoring officers and
deployed to the mission ISAF within the next NCOs of the ANA in maintenance and construction of The basic task of the
regular contingent. This is the first Garrison the infrastructure, facilities and other installations Garrison OMLT in
OMLT accompanied by an employee of the necessary for life and work. Afghanistan will be
Support Command and members of the Considering that this is the first Croatian Garrison mentoring, training
Signals Regiment of the Croatian Army and in OMLT, they will surely have a more difficult time and qualifying
the Croatian Defense Academy than in the following rotations, but there is no members of the ANA
doubt they will successfully carry out their tasks. in logistic duties

educational concept modern methods
Education in the CAF is implemented according to a concept Contents of the programme are connected
very similar to the one in NATO member countries and it is and harmonized with integration processes
directly connected with the professional development of the and in the implementation we use modern
members of the Armed Forces educational methods
croatian defense academy “petar zrinski”
by Marija Alvir, photo by Tomislav Brandt
In conformity with
current approaching
of Croatia Euro -
Atlantic associations,
international
activities of the
Croatian Defense
Academy (CDA) have
also increased
Military education
according to the most modern methods
One of the important segments of the Croatian Bilateral since this academic year; part of the education
Armed Forces is military education and the cooperation has will shortly be provided in the English language
Croatian Defense Academy “Petar Zrinski” is become more which will enable participation of the attendants
responsible for that. In more than seventeen years concrete and more from NATO and Partnership for Peace member
of its existence, the Academy has undergone comprehensive; it countries and from the Mediterranean Dialogue.
numerous transformations and restructurings, refers above all, to In accordance with the Long-Term Development
from courses organized during the Homeland War the neighboring Plan of the CAF, the system of education of the
to the establishment of a military institution of countries and employees for requirements of the CAF and the
higher education. countries of Croatian MoD has been integrated at the CDA level
Numerous important achievements were the region and
where a general part of the education is provided; the
it also realizes
realized in the past period and Commandant of the specialist or rather practical part is implemented
good cooperation
Academy, Major General Mirko Šundov emphasizes in cooperation with the CAF’s services (Croatian
with other NATO
they are result of team work at the CDA “Petar Army, Croatian Navy, Croatian Air Force and Air
member countries
Zrinski”; he also mentioned that all that is directly Defense) and the Support Command. Education
connected with the process of integration of the CAF of cadets should be especially emphasized, a
in NATO. In that respect, it is worth emphasizing project that is fully implemented and an increasing
the implementation of all levels of education that number of candidates are interested in joining it
has been carried out according to new programs every year.
CROMIL MARCH 2009 27

cooperation has become more concrete and more
comprehensive and it refers above all, to the
neighboring countries and countries of the region
and it also has good cooperation with other NATO
member countries.
It is important to emphasize that members of the
foreign Armed Forces (Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Montenegro, Macedonia, Germany, Slovenia and
Ukraine) receive their education at the CDA, at
all levels of education that last one academic
year (War College, Command-Staff School, High
NCO School); members of the Armed Forces from
other member and partner countries also attend
language courses held at the Foreign Language
School. In cooperation with NATO Defense College
from Rome and the Centre for Studies from Geneva,
In conformity with the current approaching of Lessons learnt courses on distance learning are carried out and
Croatia Euro-Atlantic associations, international from international employees of the CDA are also trained for them.
activities of the Croatian Defense Academy (CDA) missions in which For further development of the CDA, educational
have also increased, as bilateral so multilateral. members of the projects initiated by the Croatian Ministry of Defense
Those connected with NATO are also among CAF participate and the General Staff of the CAF in conformity with
them, as participation in preparations and at the have been guidelines of the Long-Term Development Plan of
Annual Conference of Commandants of Defense built into the the CAF are the most important. All projects are
Academies of the NATO and PfP countries and programmes... directly connected with the further development of
Mediterranean Dialogue, organized by NATO the Academy with a goal that the CDA be developed
Defense College from Rome; this is also related into an acknowledged military institution of higher
to cooperation with NDC and NATO School from education connected with a civilian system of
Oberammergau and the European Centre for education but with specific features in conformity
Security Studies “George C. Marshall”. Bilateral with requirements of the CAF.
... All that is in direct

function of preparing
the CAF’s members
to participate
in international
missions and also
for work in NATO’s
organizational
structure
28 MARCH 2009 CROMIL

EUFOR mandates
15 members of the Battalion for Special Actions were Mission EUFOR is currently under
deployed to the mission of EUFOR Tchad/RCA in October the mandate of the EU and from 15
last year. They are in the Multinational Battalion-North March it will be under the mandate
MNB-N in Iriba in Chad within the Polish contingent of the UN
p e a c e k e e p i n g m issions by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
Croatian soldiers already ten years in peacekeeping This year, the Republic of Croatia will mark ten years of participation
missions under command of the UN in UN missions. Croatia committed itself to be a keeper of
world’s peace at the time when it was using the assistance of the
FROM OCTOBER IN
international community for establishment and preservation of
CHAD
peace on its territory. Already in 1999, Croatia confirmed that, as
member of the international community, it would take an active
part in world’s peacekeeping processes wherever it would be
necessary in the world. At that time, ten members of the Armed
Forces in capacity of unarmed military observers were deployed
to the mission UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone. Today, ten years later,
Croatia is among countries that participate in most UN missions.
The volume of activities and duties our peacekeepers carry out
in the missions has increased over the years. In the beginning,
they participated in the missions solely as military observers
and later on also as staff officers of various specialties
(commanding functions, physicians, operational staff, PR
specialists …) However, an additional step was made.
In June of last year, an infantry company of 95 members of
the CAF was deployed to the Golan Heights to the mission
UNDOF; this is also the biggest contingent the Republic of
In June of last year, an infantry company of 95

members of the CAF was deployed to the Golan
Heights to the mission UNDOF; this is also the
biggest contingent the Republic of Croatia has ever
deployed to some of the UN peacekeeping missions
Croatia has ever deployed to some of the UN peacekeeping

missions. Members of our armed forces, who are on the
Golan Heights and supervise the armistice between
Israel and Syria, replaced their Slovak colleagues in
the mission UNDOF. It should be mentioned that both
sides, Israel and Syria, agreed that members of the CAF
This year the Republic participate in the mission. The Commander of the first
of Croatia will mark ten HRVCON in the mission UNDOF was Major Miroslav
years of participation in Vagner, an officer of our armed forces who participated
UN peacekeeping missions. in most missions – four altogether.
Today, ten years later, Members of the Croatian Armed Forces (133 of them)
Croatia is among countries currently take part in 12 peacekeeping missions. They
that participate in most are in Africa (Western Sahara, Liberia, the Ivory Coast,
UN missions. The volume Burundi, Sudan, Chad), Asia (India and Pakistan,
of activities and duties our
Lebanon, Syria and Israel), America (Haiti), and
peacekeepers carry out in the
Europe (Cyprus, Georgia). This survey would not be
missions has increased over
the years. In the beginning, complete if we did not also mention participation of
they participated in the the CAF members in the mission of EUFOR Tchad/
missions solely as military RCA (EU operation “Eastern Chad and Nort Eastern
observers and later on also Central African Republic) where 15 members of
as staff officers of various Special forces were deployed in October of last Members of the
specialties. However, an year. They are in the Multinational Battalion-North Croatian Armed
additional step was made... MNB-N in Iriba in Chad within the Polish contingent. Forces (133 of them)
The key objective of this operation, currently under currently take part
the EU mandate and which will be transferred in 12 peacekeeping
from 15 March 2009 under the UN mandate, is the missions

protection of refugees and displaced persons and Owing to good December 2007, even one year longer than the of the armed forces from other countries. All in the world. They have contributed to a large
an efficient delivery of humanitarian aid. preparations anticipated mandate. He received an expression of courses are held in English in conformity with UN, degree with their engagement to the reception of
It is expected of all members of our Armed in which rich gratitude from the UN Secretariat and the Under- NATO and EU standards/modules. Experience that the Republic of Croatia in two-year non-permanent
Forces who are deployed to missions to act in the and valuable Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations employees of the Centre gained in peacekeeping membership in the UN Security Council. It is
spirit of respecting all values the United Nations experiences for an exceptionally successful carrying out of his missions is of exceptional importance in preparing beyond any doubt that participation of the Republic
and the Republic of Croatia plead for. Owing to gained in the duty as the UNMOGIP Chief Military Observer. our military experts for peacekeeping missions. of Croatia to UN peacekeeping missions and the
good preparations in which rich and valuable Homeland War Otherwise, all Croatian peacekeepers volunteer With their participation in peacekeeping missions, participation in NATO’s mission ISAF in Afghanistan
experiences gained in the Homeland War are are involved, for deployments to missions. They are trained the CAF members are, together with colleagues from has considerably contributed to sending the
involved in, Croatian soldiers are recognized Croatian soldiers excellently and qualified for execution of all tasks, the Croatian Ministry of the Interior who also made invitation and the imminent full membership of the
as professional, expert and honorable in the are recognized regardless of what part of the world and in what a significant contribution to the UN international Republic of Croatian in the NATO Alliance.
as professional,
multinational environment they work in. Numerous circumstances they were assigned to them. An missions, surely the best ambassadors of Croatia In line with its strategic foreign policy commit
expert and
commendations and acknowledgments with which important role in their preparation and training ments, the Republic of Croatia will continue, with
honorable in the
they return from missions confirm that. One of the belongs to the International Military Operations its engagement in UN peacekeeping missions, to
multinational
greatest confirmations of good and professional environment they Training Centre situated in the barracks “Knight actively participate in preserving world peace in
work was surely the appointment of Major General work in Damir Martić” at Rakitje; its importance and today’s globalized world in which unfortunately,
Dragutin Repinc to the duty of. Chief Military capacities has grown together with the expansion numerous conflicts and fragile armistice are still
Observer in the United Nations of the participation of Croats in missions. Among topical.
Military Observer Group in other things, the Centre organizes courses for
India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). military observers and predeployment training for
General Repinc filled that post UN missions for our members but also for members
from December 2005 to late
Croatian soldiers in the

mission UNDOF

e x c e r p t s f r o m i n t e r v i e w s wi t h defense a ttachés
France strongly supports Croatia’s You have our support

joining the European Union and NATO for NATO and the EU
French ratification of the protocol on the accession of Croatia to the North With the signature of our federal President In the following months,
Atlantic Alliance reflects in the best possible way our standpoint on the under an appropriate law that was approved in Croatia will become a full
member of NATO. However,
readiness of Croatia to enter NATO. France, who is organizing a summit Bundestag before Christmas 2008, my country has we have to bear in mind that
in Strasbourg-Kehl with Germany, would be exceptionally honored that given an incontestable consent to full membership not only the Armed forces are
Croatia accessed NATO during the summit of Croatia in NATO entering the Alliance
Croatia’s aspirations to access the European We could state many reasons as an immediate
Union and NATO are fully supported by France ltc olivier rouanet, cause for this interview. However, the fact that LTC ltc burkhard kühnapfel,
and this is confirmed by good French-Croatian defense attaché of the republic of Burkhard Kühnapfel is a Defense Attaché of the defense attaché of the fr germany
bilateral relations with priority on the cooperation
france to the republic of croatia Federal Republic of Germany and also a doyen
in military-defense field. We talked with French of the Military Diplomatic Corps in Croatia is a
Defense Attaché to Croatia, LTC Olivier Rouanet sufficient reason, all the more so because he has Germany had given great support to Croatia
about that military segment of cooperation been in Croatia since 2005. during the Homeland War and in the post-
between the two countries. war period and it has strongly influenced the
Members of the German and Croatian armed international recognition of Croatia. Could we
Members of the CAF are deployed in the As a Defense Attaché of the country that is one forces cooperate in peacekeeping missions also expect such support in realization of our
mission EUFOR in which France is the lead nation. of the founders of NATO, how do you assess the throughout the world and in the mission ISAF most important foreign policy goals, entry in
Do you have any information about experiences readiness of our Armed forces for the Alliance and in Afghanistan Croatian contingent is directly NATO and the EU?
and impressions as regards the cooperation with what support could Croatia expect from France on subordinated to the German one… The question of the entry of Croatia into NATO
Croatian soldiers in Chad? Croatia’s its pathway to entry into NATO and the EU? Croatian and German soldiers have made all for the German side is no longer a topic. With
Croatia’s decision to deploy soldiers to the commitment As a consequence of positive voting held in efforts for the past five years to ensure stability the signature of our federal President under an
mission EUFOR, and especially soldiers of special under auspices French parliament in early February, France and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Even 75% appropriate law that was approved in Bundestag
forces is an evidence of the importance Croatia of the European completed the ratification procedure of the protocol of the Croatian contingent in the mission ISAF before Christmas 2008, my country has given an
has been giving to operations within the European Union to the on accession of Croatia to the North Atlantic is deployed in the northern part of the country incontestable consent for full membership of
Security and Defense Policy. Croatia’s commitment benefit of the Alliance. This political support reflects in the best together with German forces, mainly in Mazar-e- Croatia in NATO. Germany will also do its best to
under auspices of the European Union to the stability of Darfur possible way our standpoint of the readiness of Sharif. Croatian soldiers have given there valuable support Croatia’s efforts to become a member
benefit of the stability of Darfur region is very region is very Croatia to enter NATO. France, who is organizing a contribution to realization of the set task. From the of the EU because peace, stability and prosperity
much appreciated
much appreciated. summit in Strasbourg-Kehl with Germany, would German point of view, this could not be realized. in throughout all of Europe are for us important
News I have received about Croatian soldiers be exceptionally honored it Croatia accessed NATO without that contribution. Croatian forces share the pillars of foreign and security policy“, Croatia has
from Chad or Afghanistan where Croatian and during the summit responsibility in large measure for safeguarding already been giving its voluntary support as if it
French soldiers share the camp Warehouse France, as it showed during its chairmanship the airport Mazar-e-Sharif. For example, German were a member of the EU by participating in the
induce me to confirm very positive evaluations of of the European Union, also wants Croatia to reconnaissance aircraft Tornado that are deployed mission of EUFOR in Chad and with its plans to
their performance. In fact, Croatian soldiers are join the European Union. From this point of view, in that airport could not fulfill their valuable participate in the year 2012 in the EU battle group
regarded as serious, professional and know how the growing interest of Croatia for issues of the task for ISAF without those forces. I heard only concept with one contingent of soldiers. That
to treat local populations with respect. European security and defense cooperation good evaluations on our cooperation with ISAF. military contribution deserves high recognition
urges us to include Croatia into various European Commanders of Headquarters set up regular and respect and Germany especially supports that
initiatives in the said field from now on. meetings and consultations to keep it that way. undertaking.
important Military relations of the United

Kingdom and Croatia have developed
I will ask you directly, what do you think about
Croatian soldiers?
I think that
Croatia is slowly
into the Alliance. When your country is discussed,
NATO’s focus is surely on the contribution in
contribution very well, Defense Attaché of the

When we talk about professionalism, status of
the Croatian Armed Forces is extremely high. I
moving towards
major NATO’s
Afghanistan and the same is with the United
Kingdom: most of our military activities are
to nato in United Kingdom emphasized at the

very beginning of our conversation.
would say that to anyone, not just to a Croatian
journalist. I spoke with an Austrian colleague the
operations and it
should be so
directed towards ISAF, although there are other
areas of our national and military interest like Iraq.
afghanistan He otherwise lives in Vienna and

also holds the function of a Defense
other day about your contribution to the mission
on the Golan Heights. He said “those boys are the
I do not know what phase the deployment of your
two helicopters to Kosovo is in. We support that
most professional”. action, our Prime Ministers Brown and Sanader
Attaché to Hungary Croatia is close to joining NATO. What do the talked about it. We would like to see those aircraft
Alliance and especially the United Kingdom in Afghanistan too, but you decided not to do that,
ltc jonathan george ormsby lowe,
defense attaché of the united kingdom expect most of our army? you will make one step at a time. In short, I think
to the republic of croatia Firstly, I would say that it is wonderful to work that Croatia is slowly moving towards NATO’s
in Croatia now when you are in this stage of entry major operations and so it should be.

m e m be rs o f the c af in the m issio n i sa f by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine
Every on e w oul d l ike t o h a v e
Croatian soldiers in th eir ranks

The Republic of Croatia has been participating have contributed to establishing peace in that
for seven years in the mission ISAF in Afghanistan country. With an increase in the number of
under NATO leadership and has proven to be members of our forces who are recognized
a realiable partner to all countries that have in Afghanistan as first-rate professionals
With its engagement demonstrated preparedness and determination and decidedly motivated for taking part in the
in Afghanistan, the to establish and preserve peace in this Asian mission, and it is no surprise, considering our
Republic of Croatia country. With its engagement in Afghanistan, country experienced the attrocities of the war,
has confirmed the Republic of Croatia has confirmed once that the number and diversity of our activities
once again (it has again (it has participated in UN missions since has also increased.
participated in UN 1999), its committment to contribute to the Besides military policemen, staff officers and
missions since 1999), preservation of peace in the world wherever NCOs who operate in ISAF’s Headquarters were
its committment it is necessary. From the first fifty members also sent to the mission; the combined medical
to contribute to of the CAF, our military policemen who were team of the US-Adriatic Charter was deployed for
preservation of peace deployed to the mission ISAF in February 2003 the first time in 2005 and Croatian contribution
in the world wherever for the first time, up to 300 soldiers may be to the mission’s activities has significantly
it is necessary deployed at the present time, in conformity with increased since 2006. Thus our armed forces
a Decision made by the Croatian Parliament. were quickly, besides the stated activities,
In the beginning, solely members of the armed involved with their units, teams or individuals
forces were deployed to the mission ISAF; in operations of the Provincial Reconstruction
however, over the course of time employees of Teams (PRT). PRTs are projected as a means
our Ministry of the Interior and our diplomats that will facilitate the development of a secure
Besides military policemen, staff officers and NCOs who operate

in ISAF’s Headquarters were also sent to the mission; the
combined medical team of the US-Adriatic Charter was deployed
for the first time in 2005 and Croatian contribution to the
mission’s activities has significantly increased since 2006

m e m be rs o f the c af in the m issio n i sa f croatian military magazine
Croatian soldiers also provide training, practice

and mentoring to the Afghan National Army
(ANA) in various functional areas; that activitiy
is carried ut by Operational Mentor and Liaison
An excellent level of training, Teams (OMLT)
professionalism, the respect of
safety measures and motivation
are a guarantee of success for the
execution of any task
environment and reconstruction of some particular Numerous forces will have three OMLTs in the mission ISAF. Croatia is the more Croatian soldiers in their ranks. Rotations
provinces of Afghanistan; they also started to commendations Besides the existing INF OMLT, we will also have a lead nation in of contingents are carried out twice a year and all
carry out tasks of surveillance and security with with which they Garrison OMLT deployed in Afghanistan; it will train the CS OMLT; it members of the CAF who take part in the mission ISAF
return to their is composed of 12
organized infantry and security task forces (INF Homeland are a the Afghan army in the functional area of logistics Croatian and 12 volunteer for that. Before they depart, they undergo
TF, HRV GUARD). The Croatian Armed Forces also confirmation they and a multinational CS OMLT constituted of the CAF American soldiers lenghty preparations and demanding training and
have a Mobile Liaison Observation Team MLOT possess all that; it members and members of the US Army Minnesota and an officer from particular emphasis is placed on security. Standards
deployed in Afghanistan as an operational part of can often be heard National Guard. Croatia is the lead nation in the our armed forces is and the level of training have increased year in year
the PRT’s military component. It is exceptionally from the highest CS OMLT, that is composed of 12 Croatian and 12 in command of the out and training is based as much on lessons learnt
commanding team
mobile, it patrols in settlements in the PRT’s area of American soldiers and an officer of our armed in missions as on our rich and valauble experiences
structures, not only
responsibility and it operates in close cooperation from the mission forces, Major Ivica Galović, is in command of the gained in the Homeland War. At the initiative of
with the local population. Our soldiers are otherwise ISAF but also from team. Joint training was carried out in Croatia, and Lieutenant General Mladen Kruljac, Commander of
known for their relations with local populations other missions the the confidence Americans have placed in us to be in the Croatian Army, joint training of all components
which is more than good. They appreciate Republic of Croatia command of their soldiers as well is surely one of of the HRVCON to be deployed to the mission ISAF
diversities, the religious and cultural customs participates in that the greatest recognitions and confirmation that our has been carried out lately. The exercise is known
they would like to
of Afghan people; they get detailed information have more Croatian
soldiers do a good job in Afghanistan. as Croatian Pride and the most recent one the
about specific features of their way of living during soldiers in their readiness of the 13th HRVCON was evaluated on
predeployment training in which the Meshihat of the ranks Lengthy preparations and was held in late January at the drill field Gašinci.
Islamic religious community in Croatia also takes demanding training The training is carried out in conditions that are
active part. Besides all stated, Croatian soldiers most similar to conditions members of the CAF will
Our soldiers
also provide training, practice and mentoring to the An excellent level of training, professionalism, are otherwise
encounter in Afghanistan; in addition to the good
Afghan National Army (ANA) in various functional the respect of safety measures and motivation are known for their level of training of our soldiers, their good fitting out
areas; that activitiy is carried out by Operational a guarantee of success for the execution of any task. relations with local with weapons, equipment or material contribute to
Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLT). The objective Numerous commendations with which they return populations which their security. Condiserable efforts have been made
is to assist ANA in adopting the doctrine of the to their Homeland are a confirmation they possess is more than good. in equipping the military training areas with contents
They appreciate
operational use of its forces in the best possible all that; it can often be heard from the highest which render possible the practicing of all situations
diversities, the
way so that it could assume future tasks by itself commanding structures, not only from the mission religious and our soldiers could encounter in the mission and in
and create better security conditions in the country. ISAF but also from other missions the Republic of cultural customs of the carrying out of training in conditions that are as
From this 13th rotation of HRVCON on, our armed Croatia participates in, that they would like to have Afghan people realistic as possible.

c ro a t ia n m il i t ar y i n dus t r y
Equipment of the Croatian soldier

as export brand by Domagoj Vlahović, photo by Tomislav Brandt
The following plan is From stockings or undershirts to fighter planes, all new elements of that purpose, Croatian companies rely on word - control maximally in cooperation with the Textile-
momentarily the most equipping the Croatian army are under special scrutiny of the Croatian association. The idea is in fact two years old and Technological Faculty, the Institute of Mechanical
important for Croatian public and media. There are three basic reasons for that. Firstly, sources was generated by Kroko. Denis Popović, Director Engineering, indpendent inspection companies
manufacturers: that the entire of that equipping are in Croatian state budget and people want to know of Kroko claims that: and various testing laboratories in Germany, Italy
apparel, footwear and other what their money is spent on. Secondly, the equippment of modern soldiers “we can go forward and fight for the job only and the USA”.
accessories (belts, pouches, requires technological innovation with full particulars: the stated stockings with joint efforts”. In other words, in the Europe All this is on track of the basic goal of our
cases, caps...), that members of and airplanes contain many details that are new, modern and interesting that is coming to us, none of the Croatian market companies – the Croatian soldier is to be dressed
the CAF will be equipped with to the profession and to laymen. Thirdly, military occupation is demanding players are individually big and strong enough to in Croatian clothing and with fine workmanship.
in the future should be labeled
and dangerous, so concern for those who have decided to defend peace in manage the more serious challenge of equipping Everything is known about the uniform, what
“Made in Croatia”
Croatia and in the world is constantly present. Adequate level of equipment the military, including the Croatian Armed Forces. about other items? Popović says everything can
makes them safer. With the uniform for our “Afghan boys”, that has be realized and the focus is momentarily on the
Due to these reasons all activities of the Croatian company Kroko and received only commendations for its quality, we development of boots and gloves “which we are
the companies it works with, before all cooperation with the Ministry are not talking about mass production. These still searching a solution since in Croatia nobody
of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior are regularly published in are hundreds and not thousands of uniforms and has manufactured them for ten years”. The only
Croatian newspapers. Kroko has already acquired fame with the design and other items. This equipping for our associated thing that will have to be procured from abroad
manufacture of the new uniform for Croatian soldiers in Afghanistan and a manufacturers was a specific (and proven to be a in future are goggles.”We should not import
series of other special military wearing apparel it has developed or simply successful) pilot-project in which, besides Kroko, anything except them”, the manufacturer says.
distributed to our market with domestic and foreign sub-contractors. The Krateks, Hemco, Uriho, Borovo, Šešir, Croyosi All that could be realized within two to three
most recent undertaking was signing the contract for equipping the military Jakovlje, Odjeća, Sloga and Jelen took part. A years. We could start very quickly with the
of Montenegro with uniforms; they will also have a recognizable silhouette series of other companies has applied for future development of the equipment for the navy and
of the country’s territorial shape as a camouflage “ornament“. projects and joint business operations. the air force: “Those are only modifications of
However, the following plan is momentarily the most important for Popović thinks that everything has been going the topic.”
Croatian manufacturers: that the entire apparel, footwear and other well for Croatian manufacturers so far and claims: “The equipment of the Croatian soldier
accessories (belts, pouches, cases, caps...), that members of the CAF will “We are ready to work for the Croatian Army”. That can become Croatian export brand”,
be equipped with in the future should be labeled “Made in Croatia”. For readiness means they warrant quality “that we Popović concluded without hesitation.
Recognizable uniform Protective combat vest Kroko-M120 fold pocket for bombs, rounds holder, five
In the missions they are deployed to is one of the most important manufacturing types of cases, water-bottle, pouch for
and in the mass of members of other achievements of Kroko and of the Croatian small inventory and ballistic protection of
armed forces, Croatian soldiers are textile industry for a specified purpose thighs.
identifiable to a large extent, not only - the basic purpose of the protective combat
because of their professionalism but vest Kroko-M120 is ballistic protection Level of protection
also because of their new camouflage of Croatian army members and carrying - the vest meets all requirements according
uniform with a recognizable pattern, weapons and personal equipment on the to NIJ Standard-0101.04 standard,
a computer-stylized shape of Croatia. vest, - it provides protection of the level II-A, II
The uniform is characterized by new - the vest’s cover, radio device case, i III-A (Croatian Ministry of Defense) in
material, camouflage digital print protective mask case and hands guards conformity with that standard,
and new cut; it excellently fits in the belong to the basic M120 set, - level III protection is achieved by use of
environment with its “Croatian” - additional equipment for the vest can protective polyethylene panels,
ornaments and this has been shown in comprise six types of containers’ holders, - level IV protection is achieved by use of
all past testings and verifications. ammunition holder, one-fold and two- protective ceramic panels.

c ro a t ia n m il i t ar y i n dus t r y HS Produkt is a world famous company that of Defense that helped us at the very beginning
manufactures pistols and is one of the best examples and bought our first pistol, provided us with expert
of how Croatia can, to a large extent, contribute to assistance and gave us very useful information on
the development of the economy, especially when it how our product behaved in real conditons, who
is a question of companies that manufacture military knows if today we would be on the world’s market
equipment and armament. They modestly began and enjoying such success” the Director of HS
with the workmanship and production of pistols in According to Produkt, Željko Pavlin said. After great success in
1991, at the time when Croatia was in the grip of the selection of the USA, the pistol HS 2000, denoted by the name
war, with an insufficient number of machines and the American of HS in 2005 (it is manufactured in over 50 models)
expert labour force. Yet, they managed to produce National has entered several armies and police forces in the
very quickly the first Croatian pistol PHP. At the very Association world as official weapons, including the USA and
for Fire Arms
beginning, the only buyer of PHP was the Croatian Croatia. HS has received numerous awards and
(NRA), it was
Ministry of Defense. Since they were buying their recognitions for its quality. For example, according
proclaimed the
product and provided them with expert help, the to selection of the American National Association
best pistol in 2003
Croatian Ministry of Defense helped them develop for Fire Arms (NRA), it was proclaimed the best
and 2006. This
and upgrade production. Very quickly, by 1995, they is also the first pistol in 2003 and 2006. This is also the first time
produced the pistol HS 95. According to its features, time that pistols that pistols from one factory were holders of that
their second pistol was already competitive as from one factory prestigious American award twice in such a short
compared to other pistols that could be found on are holders of time. Today, HS Produkt employs 1,000 workers, it
the world’s market. They were not satisfied with that prestigious has state-of-the-art technology for the production
that either. Owing to the expertise of its staff and American award of infantry weapons and it is one of the factories
innovations in manufacturing, the company from twice in such a with the biggest production of pistols in the world.
Karlovac today, 18 years later, is the world’s most short time Although today the Croatian MoD is neither
Croatian pistol
HS Produkt from Karlovac world famous company for manufacture of pistols
by Leida PARLOV
photographs archives of the HS Produkt
in several armies of the world

After great success
in the USA, pistol famous manufacturer of pistols. They dominate Today, HS the principal nor the biggest buyer of pistols, the
HS 2000 denoted by the world’s market with pistol HS 2000, especially Produkt employs cooperation with them has remained equally good
the name HS in 2005, the most demanding American one. The American 1,000 workers, it and long life and quality of that cooperation is a
over 50 models of company SPRINGFIELD ARMORY, one of the has state-of-the- warranty that top-quality weapons will be delivered
that pistol have been oldest and most famous American manufacturers art technology from the facilities in Karlovac. “Our present
manufactured and for production of
of armament was the first to recognize the true cooperation with the Croatian MoD and the CAF is
have entered several infantry weapons
quality of that pistol. The long-term contract on carried out in a manner that is customary in the
armies and police and it is one of
cooperation was signed in 2001 and the company world. It is complete and more than satisfactory.”
forces in the world the factories
Springfield Armory marketed the pistol HS 2000 Pavlin emphasized.
as official weapons, with the biggest
naturally the USA and under the name Springfield XD-9 (XD - Extreme Owing to experience and world-success in the
production of
Croatia are among Duty) in calibres 9 mm Para, 40 S&W, .357 SIG, development of pistols, the company made an
pistols in the
them 45 G.A.P and 45 A.C.P. In this way the Croatian world additional step by initiating the development of the
manufacturer that had been almost unknown modern assault rifle. In that project it also closely
until then, has become world-famed and their cooperates with the Croatian MoD and the CAF. In
annual production and sale at present exceeds the view of the success they have achieved so far, they
production of the world’s biggest manufacturers of hope that the assault rifle will be their and thus a
pistols. “If we had not cooperated with the Ministry new Croatian export product.

&
c ro a t ia n m il i t ar y i n dus t r y
Tradition experience
Borovo Gumitrade Ltd.
by Marija Alvir,
photographs archives of the Borovo Gumitrade Ltd. for high quality of products
From thorns to stars and back is the title of the monograph about Borovo Montenegro with about 170 footwear outlets in Today this That 25 years old production of goods for
by the author Ante Duić; this could be a brief description of the pathway this which 1,5 million pairs of footwear is sold annually. company ballistic and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC)
famous rubber and footwear factory made from its creation to present time. Owing to the company Borovo Trade d.o.o. in manufactures and protection, is especially interesting to the army
It was established under the name Bata, later on Borovo, and after years Slovenia, Borovo is one of the Croatian companies sales products for and police. “Modern market requirements, new
of successful production, that factory became a leading manufacturer of that are also active in the European Union. special purposes, materials of top-level properties, high technical
rubber and footwear in this part of Europe and beyond. Yet, the former giant The entire production is run at a parent location in rubber mixtures, level of internationally recognized technical
of world reputation suffered enormous damages during the Homeland Vukovar, where the seats of the companies Borovo rubber and linen standards and similar conditions create a new
War and aggression on Croatia and it has never fully recovered. Gumitrade Ltd. and Borovo Leather Footwear Ltd. footwear, driving/ orientation of the company’s development in
During aggression on the town of Vukovar late in 1991, Borovo was partly are situated. On an annual basis these companies transmission, direction of modern ballistic and NBC protection.
industrial and
Ballistic destroyed and the estimated war damage amounts to more than 300 million produce about 400 thousand pairs of footwear for Valuable experiences from the recent war and
agricultural belts,
protection EUROs. For the first time in its history, Borovo discontinued its business various purposes with additional production of the permanent cooperation with top-level experts
protective vest shoemaking kits
activities in Vukovar and the management was forced to organize work rubber programme. Owing to top-level quality of and institutions are the basis of the development
against bullet b9 and glues and
in exile. From 1992 to 1997 the Management of Borovo operated from its products, Borovo Gumitrade has over the years various rubber- in that direction”, Borovo Gumitrade Director
Zagreb, and production was placed in a plant in Donji Miholjac. had an excellent cooperation with the Ministry of technical goods Husnija Burić said, emphasizing that products
The retail network was limited only to Croatia and Slovenia Defense and the Croatian Armed Forces. for ballistic protection and NBC protective
and a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Business activities footwear and clothes for military purpose were
at the parent location in Vukovar were resumed early in Special products for the military developed precisely for the requirements of the
1998, concurrently with the process of the peaceful and police army and police.
reintegration of Eastern Slavonia in the constitutional, In 2008, substantial funds were invested in
legal and economic system of the Republic of Croatia. The company Borovo Gumitrade Ltd. has been equipment, technology and know–how. The com–
Borovo took possession of its property in Vukovar operating since 2003 as a trading company. It pany Borovo Gumitrade is the only manufacturer
that was destroyed by war and postwar devastations; was established by integration of all production of rubber footwear and driving
it structured itself as a business group and started with activities and trade of rubber products and rubber belts in Croatia; with a stable
production of footwear and rubber-technical goods. fabrics; their long tradition is the best evidence of market and long tradition it
Borovo today is a system built on manufacturing, their quality. Borovo Gumitrade has been producing also has experienced
commercial and service companies. Under leadership of transmission/driving belts and various rubber- technical staff that is an
the corporation Borovo Business Centre, seven trading technical goods for over 60 years, and the tradition of additional warranty for
companies actively run business operations. The trading producing rubber footwear (working, protective, the high quality of
companies cover the area of Croatia, Slovenia and sports and civilian) is 75 years old. products.
nbc protection
protective covers for
military footwear
nz m-2
nbc protection
isolation protective
suit ozi m-2
nbc protection
protective boots

Division of the Croatian Military Press
EDITORIAL BOARD:
PUBLISHER:
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
www.morh.hr
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
HEAD: GORAN GROŠINIĆ
DIVISION OF THE CROATIAN MILITARY PRESS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: ŽELJKO STIPANOVIĆ ([email protected])

DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: VESNA PINTARIĆ ([email protected])
JOURNALISTS:
LEIDA PARLOV ([email protected]),
MARIJA ALVIR ([email protected]),
DOMAGOJ VLAHOVIĆ ([email protected])
PHOTOGRAPHERS: TOMISLAV BRANDT, DAVOR KIRIN
TRANSLATION AND PROOFREADING: JASMINA PEŠEK
LAYOUT: PREDRAG BELUŠIĆ
MARKETING AND FINANCES:
IGOR VITANOVIĆ ([email protected])
PRINT: PRINT-OFFICE ZELINA D.D, K. KRIZMANIĆ 1
10 380 SV. I. ZELINA, HRVATSKA
TITLE OF THE EDITORSHIP:
MINISTRY OF DEFENSE OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT,
P.P. 252, 10002 ZAGREB, REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
http://www.hrvatski.vojnik.hr e-mail: [email protected]
Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those

of the Ministry of Defense.
Military weekly magazine Hrvatski vojnik Photomonograph of the CAF Films and TV commercials on training, Mini DVD - TV commercial Multimedia-CD - the Croatian Armed Forces Musical CDs - Symphonic wind orchestra
(Croatian Soldier) - Army of Winners - Proudly Towards Future exercises, participation in missions… Croatian Armed Forces of the Croatian Army
- Male vocal singing group of the Croatian Navy
Photomonograph on participation of the CAF „Sveti Juraj“ (St. George)
in the mission ISAF
- From Defenders of the Homeland to
Keepers of the World’s Peace

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n o

interview - defense minister of the

interview - general josip lucić

Croatian Army with the largest forces in NATO led operations

new croatian camouflage i n t h i s i s s u e

Informal meeting of the Defense Ministers of

South-Eastern European countries in Zagreb

general josip luciĆ, chief of the general staff of the

croatian armed forces

Croatian and American soldiers together

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18 the croatian navy

Higher volume of international cooperation upon

entry into the Alliance

21 the croatian air force and air defense

UPON ENTRY INTO THE ALLIANCE

The digitalized ornament is a If needed, a soldier can release the

Shortly with NATO forces in the operation KFOR

relief-shape of the Republic of back pack by pushing a button.

Croatia. It is already used on the

desert uniform and it enables easy 24 the support command

recognizability of the uniform. Logistic OMLT ready for ISAF

27 croatian defense academy “petar zrinski”

croatian military industry

40 Equipment of the Croatian soldier as export brand

The uniform is made of special cotton XdbW^cZYbZY^XVaiZVbd[i]ZJH"6Yg^Vi^X8]VgiZglVhYZeadnZY

44 Tradition and experience for high quality of products

2 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 3

4 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 5

6 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 7

8 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 9

are flattering but binding in peacekeeping missions is somewhat

10 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 11

m i li t ar y e xe r c ise by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine

American-Croatian MN Combat Support

12 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 13

t h e c ro at i an ar m y by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine

Besides INF OMLT and Garrison OMLT,

14 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 15

photo by Davor Kirin

16 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 17

t h e c ro at i an nav y by Domagoj Vlahović, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine

upon entry into the Alliance

18 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 19

t h e c ro at i an nav y th e c ro atian air f o rce a n d a i r d e fe n s e

22 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 23

OMLT from the functional area of logistics is deployed

Logistic to our forces, they considerably contribute to the execution of their

24 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 25

croatian defense academy “petar zrinski”

by Marija Alvir, photo by Tomislav Brandt

CROMIL MARCH 2009 27

... All that is in direct

28 MARCH 2009 CROMIL

p e a c e k e e p i n g m issions by Leida Parlov, photo by Tomislav Brandt croatian military magazine

In June of last year, an infantry company of 95

Croatia has ever deployed to some of the UN peacekeeping

30 MARCH 2009 CROMIL CROMIL MARCH 2009 31

Croatian soldiers in the

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The uniform is made of special cotton XdbW^cZYbZY^XVaiZVbd[i]ZJH"6Yg^Vi^X8]VgiZglVhYZeadnZY