The Special Operations Command, the Army Paratroopers and the Helicopters Brigade participate in the 'Flintlock' exercise in Africa

The Special Operations Command and the 6th Paratroopers “Almogávares” Brigade, both part of the Spanish Army, participated in the "Flintlock" exercise organised and lead by SOCAFRICA (Special Operations Africa Command) in March. The exercise was developed in Sahel by the Spanish Special Operations Force along with Special Operations units from different Western countries, in collaboration with their African counterparts.

The Joint Spanish Special Operations Command every year plans and directs the Armed Forces and Guardia Civil units participating in the exercise, with the aim of exchanging Special Operations techniques, tactics and procedures with the other participating countries.

The Special Operations Force deployed a joint tactic group led by the Army, in an Advanced Operational Base. As well as a command and control element, the Tactics Group was made up of an Army, Navy and Air Forces Special Operations Team and a Rapid Response Action Group Team from the Guardia Civil. Helicopters from the Army Air mobility forces were also included (Chinooks and Cougars) and a CASA 295 from the Air Forces, with their respective crews. Two Stabilisation Cells and a team of jumpers and folders from the 6th “Almogávares” Brigade also took part in the exercise.

The overall objective of the exercise is to strengthen the capabilities of the African countries in various areas that relate to Special Operations, such as different sorts of combat shooting, insertion procedures, fast rope, parachute launches, both day and night, and planning operations etc.