The Minister for Home Affairs, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, observes the training maneuvers of the Ukrainian agents
Grande-Marlaska took advantage of the visit to reaffirm the "unwavering commitment" to Ukraine of the EU and Spain, "which from the outset have roundly and firmly condemned the illegitimate invasion of their territories" by Russia. "The support will continue for as long as necessary," he added.
The minister was accompanied by the director general of the Guardia Civil, Leonardo Marcos, together with the lieutenant general of the Guardia Civil Operations Command, Luis del Castillo, and the chief general of the Special and Reserve Units Headquarters, José Antonio Iglesias.
During his visit, the Minister for Home Affairs was told in greater detail about the training the Ukrainian agents have been receiving for two weeks in the facilities of the Special Forces Experimental Centre at the headquarters of the Gurardia Civil's Rural Action Unit.
Special Training Centre instructors have been training the officers in close quarters combat, urban combat, tactical sanitation, small arms fire, drone use and advanced technology, cyber security and electronic warfare operations.
Grande-Marlaska highlighted the "professional experience and high level of specialisation" of the Guardia Civil's Rural Action Unit, which has enabled the design of activities that are appropriate to the training needs expressed by Ukraine, "activities that are in an ongoing process of evaluation and adaptation, with the aim of always achieving excellence and maximum efficiency," the minister stressed.
The training of the Ukrainian National Gendarmerie at the Rural Action Unit facility is part of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM). This programme, established at the end of 2022 and conducted on EU territory, aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity of the country. Today's course is the second training course for Ukrainian officers this year, following the one given in February to 21 other officers.
In addition to handing out diplomas to the Ukrainian officers who had passed their training, the Minister for Home Affairs also watched a demonstration of the capabilities and technological training of the Rapid Action Group.
The Rural Action Unit of the Civil Guard
The Guardia Civil's Rural Action Unit's specific mission is the fight against terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and the execution of high-risk operations that require a rapid response. Based in Logroño, the UAR is structured into the Rapid Action Group (GAR) as the operational part, and the Special Training Centre (CAE) as part of the support for the training and instruction of the civil guards.
This unit also includes the Guardia Civil's Special Forces Experimental Range, a training camp with differentiated areas for shooting, driving and collapse and rescue zones, allowing for high-level training of all the agents of the Rural Action Unit.
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