Building of the CAF defence capabilities will be achieved in the best and most rational way with membership in Euro-Atlantic integrations - NATO and the European Union, the main factors of influence of defence policy that is elaborated in strategic documents from national security and defence areas: strategy of national security, defence strategy and military strategy. Directions of developing the defence system contained in the document Strategic Defence Review clearly recognize the need for developing capabilities of the CAF’s operations with allies and partners and building modern mobile forces, capable of deployment. The possibility of participating in NATO led peace missions is the first phase in that. Besides developing interoperability with armed forces of the partner countries, members of the Partnership for Peace and by achieving very specific Partnership Goals, the CAF has been developing their capabilities by direct engagements in international environment, with partner states and NATO’s members in the military operation ISAF.

Deployment of units and individual members of the CAF abroad, for participation in peace operations is allowed by the Constitution and is regulated by: Defence Act (Official Gazette no. 33/2002) and the Act on Service in the CAF (Official Gazette 33/2002), Act on Participation of the CAF members, police, civil defence, civil servants and employees in peace operations and other activities abroad (Official Gazette 33 /2002) and it is elaborated in appropriate by-laws.

The Croatian Parliament decides how many CAF members may be sent to peace mission ISAF at one moment. The Government reaches a decision on the number of members and structure of the unit, respectively the number of individuals who are sent on one-time basis. President of the Republic of Croatia, as Commander-in-Chief of the CAF makes a decision with a detailed description of sending to the mission. A report is submitted to the Croatian Government after return of each group and annual report is submitted to the Croatian Parliament. As required, a separate report is submitted to the Parliamentary Committee for Internal Politics and National Security.

All members of the CAF who participate in ISAF make a voluntary decision, confirming it with a Statement of Voluntariness. They are sent to carry out only the duties and functions they are qualified for and are equipped accordingly.