The formal send-off ceremony for the 6th HRVCON to Resolute Support was held in the Barracks “Pukovnik Marko Živković“ at Pleso on 3 March 2017.

The 6th HRVCON is composed of 91 members of the Croatian Armed Forces and 22 members of the partner countries armed forces (17 members of the Army of Montenegro, two members of the Albanian Armed Forces, two members of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovins and one member of the Army of Macedonia). The send-off ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic Kolinda Grabar Kitarović as Supreme Commander of the Croatian Armed Forces, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, by the Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov, by the diplomatic representatives of  Attachés of Albania and the United States and the families of the Contingent members. Following a report by the Contingent Commander, Colonel Dražen Čovran, the President delivered an address, underlining the importance of years-long and continuous engagement of the members of the Croatian Armed Forces in the international peace mission.   “Through its engagement  the Republic of Croatia confirms itself as a responsible and credible international ally and enhances its international reputation“, stated President Grabar Kitarović, who emphasised that in view of the evolving international security environment Croatia is defending itself in Afghanistan as well.   

Expressing his confidence that the 6th HRVCON to Resolute Support will continue the visible  contribution to the building of peace and institutions of Afghanistan, the Defence Minister Damir Krstičević reminded that the Croatian military was a brand, commended repeatedly for its engagement, professionalism  and ability by Resolute Support Mission leaders and the Afghanistan government officials. “I am convinced that this contingent will carry out its task in a professional and focussed manner, demonstrating its capability and credibility towards the allies and the Afghan people alike, and I am also confident that you will show the human dimension and understanding for the locals and their customs, as well as the spirit of the victorious Croatian military,as true representatives of Croatia“, said Minister Krstičević. The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, General Mirko Šundov stated the members of all six HRVCONs  were serving the noble goals of peacebuilding and overall development of Afghanistan. “You are departing for Afghanistan on behalf of your homeland, to leave a positive mark there as all previous Croatian contingents“. 

The Contingent Commander said the Contingent members were selected among the best and underwent a demanding pre-deployment training and worked well as a team. “I expect from you to conduct your tasks responsibly and professionally in Afghanistan, proudly wearing the Croatian uniforms and national symbols“.The members of the 6th HRVCON will be assigned to advisory teams assisting the Afghanistan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), to the advisory team protection  forces  and to advisory duties in the TAAC-N and NATO Command in Kabul. 

The Resolute Support mission commenced on 1 January 2015, primarily as a training and advisory mission in support of the Afghanistan Security Force. It has replaced ISAF, in which the Croatian Armed Forces were engaged since February 2003.