The Chief of Staff of the Army, Army general Varela Salas, takes up office

The Chief of Staff of the Army receives the Baton from the former Chief (Photo:MINISDEF)

Oath of the new position at the Army Headquarters (Photo:MINISDEF)

The Minister led the handover (Photo:MINISDEF)

The new Chief took over the position on Monday, with the Minister of Defence, María Dolores de Cospedal, in attendance.

The handover took place in the Patio de Armas of the Buenavista Palace, Army Headquarters, where, after receiving the honours, the Minister reviewed the Force.

The Chief of Army Staff received the Baton from the former Chief, Jaime Domínguez Buj.

"Today I receive, from the hands of General Domínguez Buj, the best Army that Spain has seen in recent times," said the new Chief, who also highlighted the fulfilment "and exceeding expectactions" of the mission from his predecessor

"Only the military profession entails the promise of giving life," the Chief emphasised after the handover. In this way, he has highlighted courage, loyalty and discipline as fundamental military virtues.

He thus pointed out that the preservation and protection of military values are our first permanent and undeniable priority. He also emphasised the need to make additional effort to maintain the structures and procedures, while constantly adapting to situations and bringing the capabilities that the operational structure of the Army needs at all times.

"I am aware of the challenge I am taking on, but I have no fear. I recognise the strength of this religion of honourable men and women," he concluded.

"A soldier never says goodbye to their Flag."

Before the Handover, the Chief until now, Army general Jaime Domínguez Buj, renewed his Oath of Allegiance.

In his speech, the Army general pointed out that a soldier never says goodbye to their flag. "You have demonstrated that together we are an unstoppable force," he concluded in his evaluation as the Chief of Staff of the Army since July 2012, and equally assured that the Army is in "good hands."