On 19th October 2017 the EUFOR Chief of Staff, Brigadier General József Szpisják, was a guest at the AFBiH Basic Soldier Training Opening Ceremony held at the Basic Training Center AFBiH, Pazaric. During the ceremony the welcome address was delivered by Major General Tursunovic, Commander of the Support Command, AFBIH; as well as Brigadier General Ahmic, Deputy Commander Operational Command AFBiH and Colonel Petrovic, Commander Training and Doctrine Command.
All of the Generals acknowledged the enthusiasm of soldiers and wished them all the best for the upcoming 12 weeks of basic training. They also emphasized the slogan that they are seeking quality and not quantity in their troops so that the BIH citizens can be proud of their soldiers.
The selection process has been fairly long and challenging for many of the candidates about to embark on the training. The selection requirements (medical, physical) are tough to pass. EUFOR Operation ALTHEA, works closely with the MoD, conducting capacity building and training throughout the country to promote a climate where the peace process can continue to move forward. The objective being that AFBiH will operate autonomously without the requirement for international assistance. EUFOR is fully committed to support BiH "on its path to a European future" and remains a vital enabling actor in the development and maintenance of a safe and secure environment.