Spanish Marine Corps School Concludes 10th Tactical Planning Module for Ukrainian Officers

•  Since the start of the mission, more than 225 Ukrainian Armed Forces officers have been trained at this school

The Spanish Marine Corps School ‘General Albacete y Fuster’ (EIMGAF) has concluded the 10th Tactical Land Operations Planning Module for officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, held in Cartagena as part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM-UA).

The training, directed by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre (TTCC), enabled Ukrainian officers to deepen their understanding of the Operational Planning Method at Tactical Level, and to enhance their knowledge of Land Warfare Tactics and their ability to work effectively in planning teams.

The module was structured into two complementary phases. The first phase, theoretical, focused on equipping officers with the essential knowledge required to employ the tactical operations planning method. The second phase consisted of practical exercises, during which participants applied these concepts through the development of offensive and defensive operational scenarios.

By studying and practising the integration of combat functions within the operational process and tactical planning method, the participants acquired the skills necessary to advise command and to conduct operations—core responsibilities of officers serving in operational staff roles.

The first edition of this module was delivered at EIMGAF in April 2023. Since then, over 225 Ukrainian officers have been trained at the school. The course draws upon the expertise and operational experience of the Amphibious Warfare Department, and is based on the Spanish Marine Corps Officers’ Amphibious Tactics Course, with a particular focus on the operational process and planning methodology.

EUMAM-UA: Support to Ukraine

The European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) was established by Council Decision on 17 October 2022. Its objective is to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and to deter and respond to potential future military offensives by Russia or other aggressors.

EUMAM works closely with like-minded international partners to deliver coordinated training support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The mission is also open to the participation of third countries. All mission activities are conducted on EU soil. To date, 24 EU Member States—notably including Spain—have provided training modules and personnel.

Training in Spain

In Spain, training activities are coordinated by the Toledo Training Coordination Centre under the authority of the Operations Command (MOPS). The TTCC collaborates with various international structures, both within the EU and through multinational agreements. Since the launch of this mission, Spain has progressively expanded its course offerings, which are now delivered across a number of Armed Forces units nationwide.

The TTCC consists of a headquarters based in Burgos, a permanent Combat Training Unit (UFC) in Toledo—which conducts both basic and specialised training—and Training Modules (TMs) that are activated to deliver instruction in specific requested fields. These modules are conducted at facilities operated by the Spanish Army, Navy and Air and Space Force across the country.

The Spanish Armed Forces have extensive experience in training personnel from foreign armed forces and security services, including in missions in Iraq, Mali, and Somalia, among others. Under EUMAM-UA, Spain has already trained more than 7,500 Ukrainian troops.