CMOPS on Operation 'BALMIS': "calm and accuracy of our servicemen, keys to the success of the Operation"

• Commander of Operations Command was invited to a panel about the role of the Spanish Armed Forces during the COVID-19 pandemic

Lieutenant General Fernando López del Pozo, Commander of Operations Command (CMOPS), took part in a webinar organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Extraordinary Chair in Military Law at the University Complutense in order to take stock of Operation Balmis against COVID-19. CMOPS spoke at a panel on “Armed Forces during COVID-19 pandemic: comparative experiences II”.

CMOPS detailed how the Command of Operations has been able to, simultaneously, plan and manage the larger peacetime deployment inside our borders and also maintain international deployments and standing operations, both of them concerned by COVID-19 health alert. “In every moment, 24/7 effectiveness of our operations was kept and therefore everyone’s security”, he said.

Operation ‘Balmis’ has included over 20.000 tasks during the 98 days that the state of alarm has lasted; it has been an extraordinary effort “paid back by citizen’s affection”. “our personnel have shown calm and confidence while carrying out these non typical activities such as disinfection or patients and deceased’s movement; sercvicemen’s behaviour has been key to success”, he highlighted.

Lieutenant General López del Pozo informed that all five component commands (Army, Navy, Air Force, Military Unit for Emergencies –UME- and Defence Health Directorate) have teamed with each other and have been supporting the relevant authorities providing the appropriate response in each case.