Maneuver Support Command and Brigade Guadarrama XII: integration and multinational cooperation in “Immediate Response 25”

•  This exercise, which is taking place in Greece until 9 June under US leadership, demonstrates the readiness and operability of Spanish units to contribute to the protection of NATO's eastern flank

Units from the Manoeuvre Support Command (MAM) and the ‘Guadarrama XII’ Brigade are deploying to Greece to participate in Immediate Response 25 (IR25),  which is the second exercise of Defender Europe 25 (DE25), a US-led international training activity taht aims to test the speed and effectiveness of the deployment of US, allied and partner nation troops to defend the eastern flank of NATO territory in Europe.

At the halfway point of the exercise, IR25 has progressed in a coordinated and effective manner, until the main operational objectives are met and enhance interoperability with allied forces. After a successful force projection and reception phase - known as the RSOM process - the participating units began their integration into higher structures and field reconnaissance began, especially around the waterway crossing on the Nestos River and operations at the Petrochori manoeuvre field (Greece).

During the first days, preparatory and maintenance activities were carried out, such as the fine-tuning of the MILES (combat simulation) system on mechanised vehicles and joint training with allied units.

On the other hand, the deactivation of explsives teams (EOD Section) carried out exercises with the US battalion, while the NBC units - integrated into a French squadron - demonstrated their capabilities in joint sessions, as well as carrying out reconnaissance tasks. Simultaneously, the Air Terminal Unit (UTER-A) carried out the withdrawal of the logistics unit (URSOM) from Alexandropolis airport, which was a major logistical milestone of the exercise.

Regarding the first tactical theme focused on the river crossing and the advance towards enemy positions. It also involved a large number of units, especially the mechanised tactical sub-group. As the operation progressed, maintenance and planning work intensified for the next phases. The NBC units were also fully incorporated into this tactical action, during which they completed the necessary off-road driving practice.

The final tactical theme was based on the execution of a coordinated attack on the manoeuvre field, which was the most demanding phase of the IR25 exercise. During the exercise, the units worked on their integration and operability in the international structure, as well as finalising plans and preparing for the final phase. In this context, EOD personnel travelled to Alexandropolis to continue their collaboration with the US battalion, while the NBC unit - in close cooperation with French commanders - carried out parallel activities to the main attack.

Throughout the exercise, the Manoeuvre Support Command Headquarters (CGMAM) team has ensured logistical and functional support to the units, from managing requirements on the ground to coordinating the DDD (Disinfection, Disinsectisation and Rodent Control) protocol in the port of Alexandropolis and planning the withdrawal to national territory at the end of the IL25 exercise.

Overall, the exercise consolidated the operability of the participating units, it demonstrated effective integration into multinational structures and strengthened the capacity for joint cooperation in complex tactical scenarios.

Spanish military units participating in the exercise

On the Spanish side, the Army Units participating in the “Immediate Response 25” are the MAM and the Brigade “Guadarrama” XII, belonging to the Castillejos Division. In total, 240 soldiers and 55 vehicles, which are articulated in the following units:

- A Mechanized Tactical Subgroup of the XII “Guadarrama” Brigade, attached to a Greek Brigade.

- A Logistics Unit of the Logistics Brigade (BRILOG) of the MAM, integrated with the XVI U.S. Logistics Brigade.

- An EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Section of the MAM's Engineer Command (MING), which will work with the 184th EOD Battalion of the U.S. Army.

- A Nuclear Biological and Chemical Nuclear Reconnaissance (NBC) Team of the NBC Defense Regiment “Valencia” No. 1 of the MAM, which is integrated into the French NBC Battalion (“Dragons”).

The Maneuver Support Command of the Spanish Army

The MAM is a “Division-type” organization made up of some 12,000 military personnel deployed throughout the national territory, and whose Headquarters (HQ) is based in A Coruña. As for its organization, it is divided into five “Brigade-type” units and two independent Regiments, Field Artillery Command, CG in León; Anti-aircraft Artillery Command, CG in Madrid; Engineers Command, CG in Salamanca; Transmissions Command, CG in Valencia; Logistics Brigade, CG in Zaragoza; Intelligence Regiment No. 1, in Valencia and NBC Defense Regiment “Valencia” No. 1 in Valencia. C

The MAM is the result of a restructuring of the Army carried out in 2020, which has made it possible to group together all the trainers that contribute to providing an operational advantage on the battlefield. More specifically, Command and Control, Intelligence, Long Range Fires, Logistics, Health Care, Defense and Air Threat Protection, as well as Mobility and Counter Mobility and Nuclear, Radiological, Biological and Chemical Protection.

MAM's primary task is the preparation of its units as part of the deterrence effort. In addition, when required, the MAM is responsible for force generation to be made available to national or international organizations.