The Army marks the 75th anniversary of the post of ‘‘cabo primero’’

A simple but moving ceremony was held on 23 June at the “Príncipe” base (Paracuellos de Jarama, Madrid), headquarters of the Parachute Brigade, to mark the 75th anniversary of the creation of the post of “cabo primero” (roughly equivalent to “corporal”) within the Armed Forces.

The celebration of this anniversary was presided over by Defence Minister Pedro Morenés, who was accompanied by the Chief of the Army Staff, Army General Jaime Domínguez Buj, and the Chief of the 6th Parachute Brigade “Almogávares”, General Juan Cifuentes, as well as several delegations of Armed Forces “cabos primeros”.

Six companies of the Parachute Brigade and the music band of the 1st Infantry Regiment “Immemorial of the King” also took part in the ceremony. It began with official honours and the minister’s greetings to the authorities in attendance. Then Corporal Juan Tornero read a summary of the law which created the post. Corporal Tornero has held that post for 33 years, which makes him the most veteran “cabo primero” stationed in Madrid. He currently serves in the 1st Medical Group.

Subsequently, Army Sergeant Major Antonio Blanco read a brief history of the post of “cabo primero”, which goes back to the 1769 Royal Ordinances during the reign of Charles III. The post disappeared in 1889 to reappear fifty-one years later as the highest rank of the troops, responsible for the functions of squad leader.

The ceremony concluded with an act of homage to those who have given their lives for Spain. At present there are 76,431 soldiers, sailors and airmen in the Armed Forces, of whom 12,614 are “cabos primeros”.

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Representatives of the ‘‘cabos primeros’’ with the minister (Photo: Iván Jiménez/DECET)