Replacements in the Asian missions

There was movement in the missions to Iraq and Afghanistan in July. In the former, the Legion Brigade (BRILEG, by its Spanish acronym) was replaced by the Parachute Brigade (BRIPAC). In the latter, the 64th Mountain Light Infantry Regiment 'Galicia' (RCZM 64) took over from the 9th Light Infantry Regiment 'Soria' (RIL 9) in order to bring to an end the mission initiated by the Mountain Light Infantry Brigade 13 years ago.

The legionnaires returned in three batches after a six-month deployment

The bulk of the new contingent in the 'Support to Iraq' mission, the second Spain sends to that country, is made up of members from BRIPAC. Over the next six months the 'Gran Capitán' base in Besmayah will be their home. They will continue with the task of training Iraqi troops, which the legionnaires started. They will be sharing that responsibility with the Special Operations Command based in Baghdad and Taji. All in all, the Spanish contingent consists of around 300 troops.

BRILEG contributed to the mission over 200 soldiers, from the 4th Legion Regiment 'Alejandro Farnesio', the 3rd Legion Regiment 'Don Juan de Austria', the Field Artillery Group, the Logistics Group, the Sappers Battalion and the Headquarters Battalion. Its redeployment came to an end in mid-July, after more than five months in Iraq.

Return of the engineers

Those who have returned include the members of the Deployment Support Unit, composed of personnel from Engineer Command. They were engaged in improving living conditions, habitability and security at the 'Gran Capitán' base. Most of them came from the 11th Engineer Regiment and the Operational Logistics Force, whose task it is to provide logistic support..

The legionnaires returned in three batches after a six-month deployment

First ones in, last ones out

The components of the Spanish Force in Afghanistan (ASPFOR) XXXVII, made up mainly of personnel from RIL 9, with base in Fuerteventura, have also finished their mission. They have been replaced by members of the Mountain Troops HQ, specifically from RCZM 64. This unit, heir to the Mountain Light Infantry Brigade, will be in charge of bringing to an end the 'Resolute Support' mission. Back in 2002, it was responsible for setting up the first Spanish contingent to that theatre of operations. They will be supported by the 81st Logistics Support Group.