President Milanović Presents Order of Ban Jelačić to Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre in Zadar
The President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces Zoran Milanović attended a ceremony today marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the “Damir Tomljanović Gavran Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre” in Šepurine. On this occasion, the President of the Republic presented the Order of Ban Jelačić to the “Damir Tomljanović Gavran Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre” for outstanding contribution to the formation and development of the Croatian Armed Forces.
Prior to the presentation ceremony, the history of the “Damir Tomljanović Gavran Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre” Šepurine was read, a unit established on 17 April 1994 on the initiative of General Ante Gotovina. The unit’s goal was to create highly professional and authoritative NCOs and squad or platoon commanders who will be role models to their subordinates, and stalwarts to their superiors motivated by a high national consciousness and possessing the personality of the Croatian soldier.
“The first NCO of the Special Forces Command is our member, the first NCO of the Croatian Army is our member, the first NCO of the Leader Development Centre is our member, the deputy commander of the Special Forces Command is our member, the commander of the Leader Development Centre Marko Babić is our member, and many of our members and students of various training programmes have carried out or are still carrying out responsible duties in the Croatian Army”, said Željko Turić, retired employee of the “Damir Tomljanović Gavran Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre”, who read the history of the Centre.
Following the award presentation, President Milanović attended the closing ceremony of the “Major Davor Jović Memorial – First for Croatia” competition where he presented the trophy to the winner. This year’s competition was held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the “Damir Tomljanović Gavran Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre” in Šepurine, and in memory of the 30th anniversary of the tragic death of Colonel Damir Tomljanović Gavran.
The competition for the fittest member of the Croatian Armed Forces “Major Davor Jović Memorial – First for Croatia” was held on the location of the former barracks in Šepurine, Nin, Ninski Stanovi, Žerava and Zadar. The goal of the competition was to highlight the excellence of the Croatian soldier – sacrifice, bravery, endurance and commitment. Under a high degree of physical strain, the competitors demonstrate their knowledge and military skills as well as their physical and psychological readiness on a difficult track of approximately 34 km by mastering seven working points. Participating in the competition were members of the Croatian Armed Forces, the Interior Ministry and members of armed forces of allied and partner countries.
Alongside President Milanović at the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the “Damir Tomljanović Gavran Guards Brigades’ Specialist NCO Training Centre” in Šepurine were the Adviser to the President for Defense Ivica Olujić, and the Special Adviser to the President for Homeland War Veterans Marijan Mareković.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta