Page 9 - Garda Journal Summer 2019

FEATURE | Guardia Civil 175th Anniversary
It began to regain size and strength under Spain’s democratic venture and even won the favor of the Socialist Party when the administration recognised its usefulness is combating the separatist group ETA. When the Socialists returned to power in 2004, there were promises to demilitarise the Guardia Civil, but these promises never came to fruition. The corps entered the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENDFOR) in 2005 and has since joined other militaristic police forces in defending and securing the European Union. It is now a crucial resource for defence against both domestic and international terrorist threats.
Today, the Guardia Civil ranks have swelled to over 85,000 officers, though only six percent are women, who fall under the following categories (in order): Higher Officers, Officers, Superior Expert Officers, Technical Officers, NCOs, Corporals’ and Guardia Civil Ordinary Officers. This collection of dedicated servicewomen and men is responsible for about 84 percent of the total geographic extension of Spain. Within that 84 percent, they provide their services to about 35 percent of Spanish citizens, the National Police Force accounting for the rest. However, they do maintain exclusive jurisdiction over some police tasks and can be found patrolling in any of the Guardia Civil’s 120 boats, 20,000 vehicles, 36 helicopters, and two reconnaissance aircraft.
The Guardia Civil has been an invaluable presence in Spain for the past 175 years. Through every bout of turmoil, division, unrest, and uncertainty, the Guardia Civil has persevered and upheld its humanitarian vision of service to the Spanish people. Even though its members receive strict military training, the institution itself has not rejected change. Its continual success comes from the fact that it readily adapts and adjusts to whatever forces come with time, recognising that the path to justice may change just as the society and its people do. Considering every substantial advancement the Guardia Civil has made during its lifespan, there is no telling where it will be by its 200 year anniversary, 250 year, and so on. That commitment to progress is absolutely worth celebrating.
For more information, please visit: www.guardiacivil.es/en/
GARDA JOURNAL 9