The ‘Guadarrama’ XII Brigade takes over from the ‘Galicia’ VII Brigade at the Toledo Training Coordination Centre Headquarters until June 2025.
Within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM UA), the fifth rotation, led by the ‘Guadarrama’ XII brigade, has relieved the contingent of the ‘Galicia’ VII brigade in a ceremony that took place at the ‘Diego Porcelos’ barracks in Burgos, headquarters of the Toledo Training Coordination Center (TTCC).
The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Operations Command (JEMMOPS), Vice Admiral Alfonso Delgado Moreno, who highlighted the work carried out by the ‘Galicia’ brigade and wished the new contingent luck, also stressing the importance of the mission.
During the ceremony, the head of the outgoing contingent, Brigadier General Alfonso Pardo de Santayana Galbis, handed over command to Brigadier General Antonio Bernal Martín, who addressed those present to thank them for the warmth and appreciation with which the members of the fifth rotation (EUMAM V), which will be deployed until June 2025, are being welcomed at their facilities.
During the last six months, the EUMAM IV soldiers, most of whom belong to the Cavalry Regiment ‘Farnesio’ nº12 of the Brigade ‘Galicia’ VII, have contributed to this mission which, since it began two years ago, has trained more than 6000 Ukrainian soldiers through the coordination and completion of 43 modules of different specialities.
Among the areas taught are Basic Combat Training, Operations Planning, Leadership, Anti-Terrorism, Urban Area Combat, Improvised Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Mine Clearance, Sapper Training, Combat Casualty Medical Care, HAWK Anti-Aircraft Missile System Operators, Armoured Tracked Transport Maintenance, Geospatial Technicians, Advanced Artillery Observers and Counter-Terrorism. In addition, the HAWK Missile Maintenance, Maritime Interdiction, Humanitarian Demining, M113 TOA crews and the International Humanitarian Law course were taught for the first time during their rotation.
EUMAM UA, support to Ukraine
The aim of this EU mission is to contribute to improving the military capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively carry out military operations aimed at defending its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, effectively exercising its sovereignty and protecting the civilian population.
In Spain, these training activities are directed by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC) -under the direction of the Operations Command, to which it reports organically- and coordinates its activities with different international structures, not only in the sphere of the European Union, but also in the framework of multinational agreements.
The TTCC consists of a Headquarters in Burgos, on which the Combat Training Unit (UFC) in Toledo (of a permanent nature and which carries out both basic training and different specific courses) and the Training Modules (TM), which are activated to provide instruction in the specialities that are requested. These courses take place in the facilities that the Armed Forces and the Navy have in various locations throughout Spain.
The Spanish Armed Forces have extensive experience in training personnel from the Armed Forces and security forces of other countries, such as Iraq, Mali and Somalia, among others.
