Spanish Legion - Modern Legion

Modern Legion

In the 2000s (decade), after the abandonment of conscription, the Spanish Army again accepted foreigners from select nationalities. Male and female native Spanish speakers, mostly from Central American and South American states, were included. Recruits were required to have a valid Spanish residence permit. Promotion prospects for foreigners were, however, reported to be limited.

Today, acceptance to the Spanish Legion is based on the following criteria:

• Be a Spanish citizen (although citizens from former Spanish colonies can join)
• Be a citizen in good legal standing
• Not be deprived of civil rights
• Be at least 18 years of age and not be 29 on the day of joining boot camp.
• Be able to pass psychological, physical and medical evaluations

In recent years, the Spanish Legion was involved in Bosnia as part of the SFOR. It also took part in the Iraq War, deploying in Najaf alongside Salvadoran troops, until the new Spanish government of José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero fulfilled its electoral promises by withdrawing Spanish troops from Iraq. The Legion units deployed in Iraq were involved in several operations against the insurgency. In 2005, the Legion was deployed in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led International Stabilisation Force (ISAF). In 2006, the 10th Bandera was sent to Southern Lebanon as part of United Nations' Operation UNIFIL.