and intensity of COVID-19. The 2014
Ebola crisis and Spain’s contingency
plan for pandemics abroad are clear
examples of this, although we have
had to adapt them to the specific
circumstances of this pandemic.
Anticipating the needs as they have
arisen, the capacity of our soldiers
and our organization to react, and
our coordination with the rest of the
institutions have been key to countering
this invisible enemy.
—Has it been difficult to maintain
the daily deployment of thousands of
military men and women throughout
the country?
—Not really. We have applied in a
fast and efficient manner what we are
trained to do in any crisis situation. We
knew it was going to be a long-term
operation and we have always borne
this in mind in our planning. Besides,
the experience gained over the last
thirty years in missions abroad has also
helped us to sustain our capabilities over
time in this deployment throughout the
national territory.
Obviously, the coronavirus crisis has
involved an initial effort to adapt our
tasks to meet the needs, by adapting our
capabilities —logistic transport aircraft,
helicopters, ships, military healthcare
and medical staff— and sometimes
just using our wits when facing a new
situation.
That is why the Operations Command,
from which the deployment has been
led, has worked like in any other
operation. We have highlighted
existing synergies in the joint action
of the Army, Air Force and Navy,
the Military Emergencies Unit, the
Royal Guard —explicitly offered by
the King—, and the Inspectorate—
General for Defence Health, when
working as a team. It is also important
to underline the good coordination
with the various civilian institutions,
which has been key to the development
of the operation. And, of course, Balmis
would not have been possible without
the dedication, discipline, spirit of
sacrifice and comradeship shown by
all the men and women involved, in
support of the citizens, wherever and
whenever needed.
26 Revista Española de Defensa August 2020