IFOR, which replaced UNPROFOR. Said Force had a more limited command, making it unable to face certain obstructions from fighting forces, situation that did not occur with NATO. In Iraq, where I was Chief of Staff of the Plus Ultra Multinational Brigade in 2003, led by Spain, I learnt the need to obtain a result from any operation, even if it is limited and after a long time. We arrived with a favourable situation, but our withdrawing generated certain opposition from the population because the mission was not able to fulfil the expectations created. In the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (FINUL), as a Commander of the Sector East and of the Spanish Brigade BRILIB XIX in 2013, I realised how valuable the military diplomacy is, that already exists, although it seems like a contradiction. You can be soldier and diplomat at the same time. Being very tactful and having the ability to empathize, is needed to making the forces in conflict able to negotiate and to reach agreements. —Is it difficult to simultaneously follow the sixteen current operations, involving 2,775 soldiers and civil guards? —It is not easy, but the Operations Command was created for that purpose fifteen years ago. We count with the necessary means, and, especially, with a dedicated and enthusiastic personnel. —How is this work executed? —From a clear spirit of service to all those soldiers based outside our borders. They are the main actors and we help them to successfully fulfil their mission. We deliver them the operations plan, being alert for their correct interpretation and for assuring that the international organization leading the operation does not give them orders contrary to what Spain has previously decided. —Is the same method valid for all the missions? —No, individual monitoring should be done. Each mission is different, although some of them seem very similar. All of them include operations, logistics, intelligence, personnel, public communication… They require a direct contact between the MOPS soldiers and the operations ones, and between me and the chiefs of contingents, with whom I try to maintain direct communication every week. I try to make them feel supported The Operations Command conducts its work «from a clear spirit of service» to the deployed soldiers, as stated by its Commander, Lieutenant General Fernando López del Pozo. December 2019 Revista Española de Defensa 23
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