The Spanish CHOD delivers a lecture on current challenges at the 27th Armed Forces Staff Course

This year’s course has had 142 students, of whom 113 are Spanish nationals and 29 come from allied and friendly countries

The Chief of Defence, Admiral General Teodoro E. López Calderón, today gave a lecture at the Higher Centre for National Defence Studies (CNDS) on the challenges posed by the current strategic landscape to the students of the 27th Armed Forces General Staff Course (CEMFAS).

Firstly, the Spanish CHOD congratulated the students on completing this course. Specifically, the course comprised 142 students: 113 Spanish nationals (51 from the Army, 23 from the Navy, 27 from the Spanish Air and Space Force, 1 from the Joint Services, 8 from Guardia Civil personnel, 2 from the National Police Force, and 1 from the Diplomatic Service) and 29 officers from 21 allied and friendly nations.

During the address, the Spanish CHOD discussed issues such as the current geopolitical situation and the evolution of the strategic and operational environment; the implications of this new context for the Armed Forces and how it affects missions, capabilities, structures and ways of operating; and, finally, the internal and external challenges that must be faced and overcome.

In conclusion, Admiral General López Calderón emphasised the need to raise awareness that defence is an investment in security, stability and international credibility, and appealed to the students, noting that their participation in this process over the coming years will be essential.

The CEMFAS aims to train future officers to occupy posts in national and international Staffs, in the Central Body of the Ministry of Defence and in other bodies of the General State Administration where their presence is deemed necessary.