Spain Conducts Physical Fitness Tests for a Deployed Contingent for the First Time in an Operational Zone

•  More than 600 Spanish service members deployed on NATO’s eastern flank have successfully completed their annual physical fitness assessments

For the first time since its implementation, the General Physical Fitness Test (TGCF in Spanish) has been conducted outside national territory, in a real-world deployment environment. A total of 640 Spanish troops—primarily from the ‘Galicia VII’ Light Infantry Brigade (BRILAT in Spanish)—took part in the evaluation at the Military Training Area (MTA) of Lešť, Slovakia. This milestone was made possible by recent changes in regulations and the securing of the necessary authorizations, which now allow for official assessment of physical fitness during overseas operations.

For the personnel involved, the objective was clear: to undertake the TGCF at the peak of their physical readiness, leveraging the high-performance conditioning demanded by deployment. As Commander José Andrés Nieto Beneítez, president of the assessment board, stated: ‘Evaluating each soldier at their highest level enables us to assess not only their physical condition, but also the commitment and discipline they have demonstrated throughout the mission’. These are key factors in determining the operational effectiveness of Spanish forces under the most demanding conditions.

The logistical coordination, support from assessment personnel, and the available infrastructure at the Lešť base enabled the evaluation process to be carried out with precision and objectivity, ensuring the quality and fairness of the tests. This first execution of the TGCF in an operational zone establishes a model that, in addition to optimizing resources, strengthens the commitment to the comprehensive readiness of deployed units.

Spanish Presence in Slovakia

On January 20, 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the phased deployment of personnel and capabilities to Slovakia. Spain currently leads the establishment of NATO’s multinational brigade and maintains a permanently deployed multinational Task Force in the town of Lešť.

Throughout the first half of 2024, Spanish forces have been deployed on the ground, contributing to the Alliance’s required capabilities. Since July 1, 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces have assumed command of NATO’s multinational Task Force in Slovakia, relieving the Czech Republic.

Alongside Spain’s leadership, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, the Czech Republic, and Romania contribute to the capabilities of the Task Force. Spain provides forces and assets to this mission as part of its commitments to international security and defense organizations. As a responsible and reliable NATO ally, Spain is firmly committed to the Alliance’s defense objectives. The deployment of Spanish forces in support of NATO’s enhanced forward presence on the eastern flank clearly demonstrates Spain’s strong commitment—and that of its Armed Forces—to allied solidarity and to NATO’s deterrence posture in Eastern Europe.