The Chief of Staff of the Army's speech focuses on 2035 Brigade on Journalists' Day

Chief of Staff of the army's speech before the journalists

President of APDEF during the speech

Journalists attending the ceremony

The Chief of Staff of the Army (JEME), Francisco Javier Varela, talked about the evolution of 2035 Brigade today, day when the patron saint of the journalists is celebrated, Francis de Sales, is celebrated.

Before a large pool of journalists from different media specialised in Defence, that came to the Army Headquarters, the JEME defended the need to advance and anticipate the future, as well as acquiring the necessary tools. In this regard, he claimed that the Army is moving in four directions to adapt to the new operation environment: the human factr, improvement of the soldiers' quality of life, financial resources and Experimental Brigade based in the 'King Alfonso XIII' Brigade of the Legion.

The JEME emphasised that the human factor, as in all organisations, is key, and in the Army it is particularly relevant as the basis of all the following points. In this regard, he recognised the efforts in training and the boost of the image of the teacher at the centres. 'Not only regarding content, but also experience and values, together with training in leadership', he explained.

Together with that, he highlighted the effort tho improve the quality of life of the men and women in the Army. He claimed that a leap forward hasa been made regarding this matter, and conectivity among units has been improved, since it becomes necessary for online training and perfectioning, as well as a demand from the personnel at the quarters. Additional work is being made on the improvement of reconciliation measures.

Financial resources is another point the Army General emphasised in his speech. It is a fundamental aspect for future implementations in the Army. He mentioned the fact that the expenditure ceiling for future programmes has already been approved.

Experimental Brigade: the great challenge of the Army

The Experimental Brigade is precisely the focus of the future Army. The first steps to develop the new force have already been taken. It will be provided with technologically advanced means and capable of operating in all kind of settings and integrating in multinational structures.

It is also worth noting that 8x8 vehicles will be incorporated for the Army modernisation in 2035 improving safety, prorection and power in combat. By July 2019 five technological demonstrators are expected to arrive at the Experimental Brigade. By 2021, 13 of the 348 planned for the first stage of the programme will enter into service.

Anniversary of the siege of Baler

The JEME also remarked the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the end of the siege of Baler (Philippines.) Accordingly, he mentioned that a statue for the heroes who took part in this heroic deed is being built.

The journalists highlighted the role of women in the Army

For its part, the president of the Defence Journalists Association (APDEF), Emilio Andreu, congratulated the Army for praising the women with Courage Recognised by means of the 2019 institutional calendar. 'There is a story behind each photograph', has noted Andreu. He also pointed out that this courage acted in favour of democracy.