The Minister of Defence visits the 'Toledo Training Command'

The Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, visited on November 20th the facilities of the Infantry Academy (ACINF in Spanish), where the newly created “Toledo Training Command” (TTC) is training the first rotation of Ukrainian soldiers arrived to our country: an officer, a non-commissioned officer and 63 soldiers, accompanied by three interpreters and four military liaison officers. This work is carried out within the framework of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine.

Margarita Robles was welcomed by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral General Teodoro E. López Calderón; the Chief of Staff of the Army, Army General Amador Enseñat; and the director of ACINF, Colonel Díaz. Together with them, and accompanied by the Ukrainian military attaché, Colonel Vtorykh, the Minister had the chance to see how the facilities have been set up.

In this regard, she visited the living area, where the dormitories are placed, the Internet rooms and the rest areas, and she went through some of the classrooms. After that, she held a meeting with the Ukrainian soldiers, whom she thanked for their sacrifice and courage, since, according to her, they are defending "not just their country, but also values such as freedom, democracy and peace".

This first rotation is receiving basic training, as it is composed mostly of mobilized civilians with no prior military experience. However, the program can evolve according to the needs of Ukrainian Armed Forces. In fact, the Chief of the Defence Staff (JEMAD in Sanish) pointed out that the TIC is able to train in a variety of subjects, such as immediate health care.

For his part, the director of the ACINF showed his appreciation for the designation of this center to carry out the training of the Ukrainian soldiers, and the Chief Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel Iranzo, explained the training program that is being provided. Finally, the commander who leads the group of Ukrainian soldiers thanked Spain for its support.

The Land Force has been designated to lead these training activities, supported by the rest of first level commands of the Army. The Mountain Troops Command, belonging to the "San Marcial" Division, is the coordinating authority of the training, and the instructors come from number 66 "Ámerica" Infantry Regiment of Mountain Troops. The first basic training course started on November 14th and it will last for five weeks.

Concurrently, a group of 21 Ukrainian soldiers have been trained to use the 105/14 towed howitzer at the “Álvarez de Sotomayor” base of Viator (Almeria). This training was led by number 32 Mixed Artillery Regiment of the General Command of Melilla, under the Canarian Command of the Army.