North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
June 13, 2013
NATOs Allied Force Command Madrid Deactivated
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Since 1999, the Headquarters in Madrid formed the core of NATO’s missions in the Balkans and in Afghanistan and even commanded important subordinate headquarters such as the Joint Logistic Support Group in Kosovo (KFOR). In 2005, Force Command Madrid assisted the African Union by training personnel. More recently the Headquarters provided reinforcements of approximately 200 soldiers to the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul. Additionally, Force Command Madrid soldiers were also involved in the NATO Response Force (NRF).
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On Thursday, 13 June 2013, Headquarters Allied Force Command Madrid (HQ FC MD) held a ceremony to mark its deactivation. This deactivation is a part of a major reform process in NATO’s Command Structure to make it more efficient, flexible, and responsive. Responsibility for the readiness and support of Land Operations will transfer to Allied Land Command in Izmir, Turkey.
The deactivation ceremony was presided over by Allied Joint Force Command Commander Admiral Bruce W. Clingan and attended amongst others by the Spanish Chief of Defence, Admiral Fernando García Sánchez. The families of the serving soldiers and the civilian staff were also present at the ceremony
The Headquarters has played a central role within NATO throughout its presence in Madrid since 1999. With a staff of around 450 soldiers from 16 nations, Allied Force Command Madrid participated in land operations within the entire spectrum of NATO. The current commander, General Cardona Torres, has commanded the Headquarters since 2010.
Once deactivated, the role of Allied Force Command Madrid will be assumed by Allied Land Command in Izmir. This Command is tasked to support readiness, competency and standardisation of land forces, including evaluation and certification. The commander of LANDCOM reports directly to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and is the leading voice on land issues within the Alliance.
Since 1999, the Headquarters in Madrid formed the core of NATO’s missions in the Balkans and in Afghanistan and even commanded important subordinate headquarters such as the Joint Logistic Support Group in Kosovo (KFOR). In 2005, Force Command Madrid assisted the African Union by training personnel. More recently the Headquarters provided reinforcements of approximately 200 soldiers to the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul. Additionally, Force Command Madrid soldiers were also involved in the NATO Response Force (NRF).
A closure team of about 60 staff, under the command of Colonel Roland Goebel, will manage the transfer of buildings and facilities to the Spanish Army, which will be complete no later than December 2013.
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