Six members of the Croatian Armed Forces proclaimed as the enlisted soldiers of Croatian Armed Forces of the month in January, February and March have received recognition for the professional and dedicated service and contribution to their units and to the Croatian Armed Forces.  

The Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Admiral Robert Hranj presented the best enlisted soldiers and NCOs of Croatian Armed Forces with the respective certificates.

The ceremony was also attended by the Deputy Head of the Personnel Directorate of the General Staff, Colonel Nenad Samardžić, by the head of the Office to the Chief of Staff of the General Staff Colonel Jozo Matković, by the CSEL of the Croatian Armed Forces, Sergeant Major Mario Mateljić and the CSELs of the units of the awarded soldiers and NCOs.

The soldiers and NCOs of January is Private First Class Zlatko Bogdan of the Support Command and Sergeant Boris Majić of the Croatian Navy.

The enlisted soldier of February is a Private Renato Kurtović of the Croatian Navy and the best performing NCOs is a member of the Croatian Air Force, Sergeant First Class Tomislav Turkalj.

Private Siniša Teteši has been proclaimed the enlisted soldier of March, and the Sergeant Ana Lukšić Čabrić of the Intelligence Regiment the NCO of March respectively.

Regular and extra assignments

PFC Zlatko Bogdan is an ambulance driver of the Military Medical Centre of the Support Command and an important member of the team during the in-barracks and field activities of the Croatian Armed Forces at various levels.

During the month of January PFC Bogdan distinguished himself during the support provided at the parachute activity during the international military exercises “Serrated Edge 2020” and “Eagle Met 2020”, as an experienced and committed member of the Croatian Armed Forces.

Sergeant Boris Majić is a countermine diver of the Croatian Navy Flotilla, a NCO who distinguished himself for committed and duly performance of all regular and extra assignments.

In the search- and-rescue operation after the tragic fall and death of the Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilots Sergeant Majić made a valuable contribution to the location and retrieval of the helicopter wreckage and the remaining parts from the depth of 30 m within 24 hours, highlighting a new capability of the Croatian Navy – the location and identification of the missing persons in the underwater search and rescue campaigns.

Sergeant Majić planned, performed and analysed the task with the use of the APV Remus 100 system and as a supporting diver secured his colleagues during the underwater search, setting a model of professionalism, abilities and skills and earned the title of the NCO of January.

Private Renato Kurtović (artillery weapons mechanic of the Naval Base)

In February 2020 Private Kurtović made an important personal contribution in the support to the pre-deployment training of the Croatian Navy’s Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachment (AVPD) for the peace support operation in Somalia. In February he was sent to Djibouti to conduct a technical inspection of various personal weapons for the AVPD members stationed at the French Armed Forces base.

He also displayed model performance as a member of the honorary guard of the Croatian Navy tasked with military funerals of deceased Croatian defenders of the Homeland War, and exercises the task of a small arms handling trainer for members of the Croatian navy and of the Ministry of the Interior.

His exemplary conduct and expertise, initiative and experience, which motivate his colleagues for enhanced engagement, earned him the title of the enlisted soldier of February 2020.

Commitment and professionalism

Sergeant First Class Military Specialist Tomislav Turkalj, a radar technician in the ZMIN Battalion of the Croatian Air Force displayed great commitment and professionalism maintaining the radar equipment, and ensuring its functionality.  In performing his duty SFC Turkalj respects the protective and operational procedures. 

As part of a team, SFC Turkalj plays a prominent role both in the planning and conducting of tasks, and is a meriting holder of the title of the NCO of February. 

Private Siniša Teteši (a driver of the Engineer Regiment of the Croatian Army)

In March Pvt Teteši distinguished himself during the relief works in the wake of the earthquake that hit Zagreb on 22 March 2020. He arrived to the barracks among the first and prepared what was necessary to execute the extraordinary task. During his two-day engagement he displayed professionalism and commitment and took care of the safety of his colleagues and procured sufficient protective equipment for them.  His contribution to the benefit of the unit and of the Croatian Armed Forces earned him the title of the best performing enlisted soldier of March.

Sergeant Ana Lukšić Čubrić (a NCO of the Intelligence Regiment)

In March Sergeant Ana Lukšić Čubrić distinguished herself during the preparation of specialist courses in the battalion, and preparing the IT equipment during the aerial filming of the damage inflicted by the earthquake in Zagreb by UAV system. Her professionalism and extra effort compensated for the lack of key personnel and ensured unimpeded functioning of the battalion and of the Croatian Armed Forces during March 2020).  

The CSEL of the Croatian Armed Forces Sergeant Major Mario Mateljić underlined the importance of the already traditional formal meeting with the enlisted soldiers and NCOs from the services and units of the Croatian Armed Forces. The emphasis is placed on the achievements in training and the performance of extra duties assigned.

Private Siniša Teteši said: “I am not after awards and commendations, I am primarily proud to work and serve in the Croatian Armed Forces”.

The Chief of the General Staff commended the proclamation of the enlisted soldiers and NCOs of the month in the Croatian Armed Forces as a modality to recognise their work and to motivate others.

Admiral Hranj stressed that every duty and task in the Croatian Armed Forces is important. “You show commitment to your duties, which is very important because enlisted soldiers and NCOs are the pillars of the units’ readiness non-commissioned officer, the readiness of the unit cannot be counted on.” Admiral Robert Hranj expressed appreciation for the enlisted soldiers’ and NCOs’ contributions and achievements and called on them to serve as models to their colleagues.

Croatian version:

Bez zadovoljnog vojnika i dočasnika nema ni spremne postrojbe