Chief of Defence Staff visits the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence

• This is Admiral López Calderón's first visit to the C-IED COE since his appointment as JEMAD
• The Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE) is an International Military Organisation part of NATO's network of accredited Centres of Excellence

The Chief of Defence Staff, admiral general Teodoro López Calderón, visited the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE) on Thursday, where he was welcomed by its director, colonel José Antonio Cruz Moro, and all national representatives of the twelve participating countries.

During the visit, the Spanish CHOD was briefed by colonel Cruz Moro on the mission, organisation and functioning of this Centre. Colonel Cruz also highlighted the advantages and benefits for Spain derived from the commitment and effort made by hosting this Centre, where 40 Spaniards work, 32 of them military personnel who serve both on the COE's international staff of experts.

The visit concluded with CHOD signing on the Centre's Book of Honour.

Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence

The mission of the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Centre of Excellence is to provide expertise and leadership to counter improvised explosive devices in order to enhance the security of contingents deployed on allied operations and contributing to improve the security of the Spaniards and our partners and allies against terrorist or insurgent threats.

With a staff of 60 people, the Centre is an international military organisation based on the voluntary participation of 12 allied nations: the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Within the C-IED community, the Centre aims to become a reference in three main areas: information exchange; technology and development; and training. To this end, it cooperates and advises on minimising the threat of IED attacks; it supports the transformation process of our Armed Forces and the Alliance in this area; it contributes to research and development of new capabilities; and it collaborates in the process of standardisation of material and equipment on the field of counter-IED warfare.