Spanish Army

Spanish Army
Unit name	Spanish Army
Native name	Ejército de Tierra
Caption	Coat of arms of the Spanish Army
Founded	15th century
Country	Spain
Type	Army
Role	Land warfare
Size	75,000 active personnel
Command structure	Spanish Armed Forces
Garrison	Buenavista Palace, Madrid
Commander1	King Felipe VI
Commander1 label	Commander-in-Chief
Commander2	General Amador Fernando Enseñat y Berea
Commander2 label	Chief of the Army Staff
Identification symbol	150px
Identification symbol label	Flag

Spanish Army. The land warfare branch of the Spanish Armed Forces, one of the oldest active armies in the world, tracing its origins to the late 15th century. It is responsible for national defense, international peacekeeping missions, and providing support to civil authorities. The modern force is a professional, technologically advanced institution integrated within NATO and the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy frameworks.

History

The foundations were laid with the unification of Castile and Aragon under the Catholic Monarchs, whose forces completed the Reconquista at the Battle of Granada in 1492. The 16th and 17th centuries, known as the Spanish Golden Age, saw the Tercio formations dominate European battlefields during the Habsburg era, engaging in conflicts like the Italian Wars and the Eighty Years' War. The 18th century brought reforms under the Bourbon dynasty, particularly following the War of the Spanish Succession. The 19th century was marked by the Peninsular War against Napoleon, the loss of the American colonies, and internal conflicts like the Carlist Wars. The 20th century included the Rif War in Morocco, the Spanish Civil War, and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco. Since the Spanish transition to democracy, it has been fully professionalized and modernized, becoming a key contributor to NATO operations and international security.

Organization

The force is commanded by the Chief of the Army Staff, headquartered in Buenavista Palace in Madrid, under the ultimate authority of King Felipe VI as Commander-in-Chief. The main operational structure is the Land Force Command (MOT). The army is divided into several major components: the **Fuerza** (Force), comprising rapid reaction and operational units; the **Territorial Force**, focused on defense and support within Spain; and specialized commands. Major units include the **Spanish Legion**, the **BRILAT** light infantry brigade, and the **Brunete Armored Division**. Other key formations are the **FAMET** army aviation branch and the **Royal Guard**. The country is divided into military regions, historically including the **Captaincy General of Valencia** and the **Captaincy General of Burgos**.

Equipment

The inventory reflects a mix of modern European and American designs alongside upgraded legacy systems. The main battle tank is the **Leopard 2**, with the **M60 Patton** being phased out. Infantry fighting vehicles include the **Pizarro** and the **M113**. Artillery systems feature the **M109A5** self-propelled howitzer and the **SIAC** system. The army aviation branch, **FAMET**, operates helicopters such as the **CH-47 Chinook**, the **NH90**, and the **Tiger** attack helicopter. Standard infantry weapons are the **G36** rifle and the **MG3** machine gun, with the **Spike** anti-tank missile system in widespread use.

Personnel and training

It is an all-volunteer force with approximately 75,000 active personnel. Recruitment is managed by the **Ministry of Defence**. Officer education begins at the **General Military Academy** in Zaragoza, while non-commissioned officers train at the **Academy in Talarn**. Specialized training centers include the **Combat Training Centre (CENAD) San Gregorio** and the **Mountain and Special Operations Training Center (CMOE)** in Jaca. Key leadership positions are held by officers who have often served in international missions with **NATO** or the European Union. The **Spanish Legion** and **Special Operations Command** (MOE) maintain particularly rigorous selection and training regimens.

Deployments and operations

A committed participant in international security, it regularly contributes troops to **NATO**, European Union, and United Nations missions. Long-standing deployments have included the **International Security Assistance Force** (ISAF) in Afghanistan, **EUTM Mali**, and **UNIFIL** in Lebanon. It has also been involved in **Operation Atalanta** against piracy and the **European Union Training Mission in Somalia**. Domestically, it supports civil authorities under the **Military Emergency Unit** (UME) framework for disaster relief, such as during the **COVID-19 pandemic** and major wildfires. Other notable past operations include participation in the **Iraq War** and peacekeeping in **Bosnia and Herzegovina**.

Traditions and culture

The institution maintains deep-seated customs and a distinct identity. The **Spanish Legion**, known for its fierce esprit de corps, has unique traditions like the **Madonna of the Legion** and its fast-paced marching hymn. The **Royal Guard** preserves historical uniforms and ceremonies. The highest award for valor is the **Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand**. Important annual events include the **National Day** military parade on October 12th and the **Pascua Militar** ceremony on January 6th. Its motto, "*Todo por la Patria*" (Everything for the Fatherland), encapsulates its core ethos. Military music is upheld by units like the **Spanish Royal Guard Band**.

Category:Spanish Army Category:Military of Spain Category:Land warfare