24th Libre Hidalgo

The Legion Brigade was the first Spanish unit to take part in the UN mission in Lebanon, back in 2006. It would return two years later. However, it has not been deployed in the country since then. The task was entrusted to the Heavy Brigades, while the Light Brigades focused on the operation in Afghanistan.

2015 will be the year when the Legion returns to Lebanon, hence becoming the 24th Spanish contingent to be deployed in the country. It will be integrated into the multinational brigade operating in Sector East, which will be under the command of General J.J. Martín Cabrero.

The force will be made up of around 600 troops, most of them from the Regiment “Alejandro Farnesio”, 4th of the Legion. However, it will also incorporate soldiers from the Campaign Artillery Group, the Light Protected Sappers Battalion, the Logistic Group and the Headquarters Battalion. In addition, it will include contingents from Serbia (142 members), El Salvador (over 50 members), Brazil (7 members) and, for the first time, Mexico (2 officers). Over the last six months the force has carried out physical and technical exercises and undergone training to foster group cohesion, which is particularly important given its multinational character.

Integration has been one of the focal points of training alongside the modus operandi followed in this UN mission. Furthermore, the Civil-Military Cooperation Unit of the contingent was assessed from 13 to 18 September at the Training Centre “San Gregorio”, in Zaragoza, and received its certification.

The contingent was given an official farewell at the base “Álvarez de Sotomayor” on 30 October. The ceremony was presided over by Light Forces commander, General Miguel M. Bernardi.