Strengthening Military Relations Between Spain and Morocco
The Spanish Armed Forces maintain collaborative relationships with their counterparts in numerous countries, fostering joint exercises, leadership visits, and particularly the exchange of students in military training academies. This ongoing commitment to international cooperation has led to the decision for the Army of Spain to dispatch a commander to Morocco for advanced military training.
Recently, the Army's Training and Doctrine Command (MADOC) announced an opening for the Senior Defense Course in Morocco. This program is specifically designed for commanders of the General Corps of the Army, typically a prerequisite for attending the Staff Course for the Spanish Armed Forces. In the event that there are no suitable commanders interested in participating, the position may be filled by a lieutenant colonel or even a colonel to pursue studies in Morocco.
The training activity will span an entire academic year, commencing at the end of August with preliminary administrative phases taking place in Rabat and Kenitra. The course itself will primarily be held at the Royal College of Higher Military Education in Kenitra. The selected Spanish officer is expected to report to the institution by September 1, where they will remain until December 20, before resuming the course on January 4, 2027, until its conclusion in early July.
Eligibility for this prestigious position requires candidates to meet specific criteria, including proficiency in French and English, successful completion of the General Psychophysical Condition Test, and a valid Security Clearance (HPS) at the Reserved level, which is the second highest classification issued by the National Security Office (CNI) for accessing and handling classified information.
When selecting the officer for this course in Morocco, priority will be given to commanders already graduated from the General Staff Course at the Higher Center for National Defense Studies, followed by those who demonstrate a higher proficiency in French. Although the military relations between Spain and Morocco are often viewed through a cautious lens due to sovereignty disputes over Ceuta, Melilla, and various territories in North Africa, the armed forces of both nations maintain open communication channels and continue to exchange students.
It is common for Moroccan officers to participate in successive editions of the Staff Course conducted at CESEDEN, which includes invitations extended to officers from NATO countries, Ibero-American nations, as well as those from Africa and the Middle East. However, a recent edition of this course sparked controversy and internal criticism when a speaker disclosed sensitive information regarding the Armed Forces in the presence of foreign students, including those from Morocco.
As reported by elconfidencialdigital.com.
