The Marine Corps deployed in Romania excels in the exercise ‘Eagle Arrow’ in terms of deployment and rapid response

• In addition, the second contingent FIMAR R-II participated in the exercise ‘Eagle Angel’, which focused on the military medical support response to a situation of mass casualties

The second contingent of the Marine Corps (FIMAR R-II), deployed in Romania as part of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup (NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group or FLF BG ROU), participated in the exercise ‘Eagle Arrow’, which took place at the Joint National Training Centre (JNTC) training ground in Cincu.

This exercise consisted of a battalion activation drill, in which the various manoeuvre elements deployed to their respective assigned positions in the manoeuvre field surroundings. During the process, Combat Service Support (CSS) units provided the necessary logistical support: food provisions, fuel, lubricants and ammunition. Moreover, during the exercise, exhaustive control of the area was maintained to guarantee the freedom of movement of the supply convoys, a key aspect for the mission’s success.

On the other hand, and within the framework of the training, the exercise ‘Eagle Angel’ was also conducted, which focused on the health emergency response to a mass casualty situation (Mass Casualties or MASCAL). The different health levels of the battalion acted in a coordinated manner in the diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation of simulated casualties, complying with the emergency assistance periods established for each type of injury. This exercise was essential for training military personnel in highly-demanding and stressful conditions.

Once the drills were completed and the units resupplied, all manoeuvring elements proceeded to an orderly and sequential withdrawal to the Cincu base. 

Army’s deployment in the Eastern Flank – Romania

The Romanian’s Multinational Battlegroup (MN BG) is one of eight counterparts deployed along the Alliance’s eastern flank to contribute to the deterrence and defence of this area. The activities to be carried out are similar to those already being conducted by the Spanish Armed Forces deployed in Latvia and Slovakia. These include training exercises, integrated into the Multinational Battlegroup led by France, as well as those in cooperation with the Romanian Armed Forces.

During the NATO Summit Warsaw 2016, decisions on the strengthening of deterrence as a fundamental instrument to ensure the protection of Allies’ territories on the eastern flank were taken. Subsequently, at the NATO Summit in Madrid in 2022, the Alliance recognised Collective Defence as the top priority among the missions outlined in the new Strategic Concept of the Alliance. Onn this account, it was agreed in Madrid to expand to eight Multinational Battlegroups (MN BG) to be deployed on the eastern flank, all of which should have the capability to expand to the level of Multinational Brigade (MN BDE). 

Until September 2024, Spain's contribution of forces to these NATO’s multinational units consisted of the MN BG Latvia and the MN BDE TF Slovakia, the latter led by Spain. Since then, Spain's effort has been complemented by the contribution of a Marine Corps Tactical Subgroup — now in its second rotation since last month of May — to the NATO MN BG in Romania. The Spanish contingent is made up of more than 200 marines and under the command of Commander Rafael Mena López, and is scheduled to complete its deployment at the end of November.