Change of Command for Spanish Paratroopers, General Gutiérrez Alcalá Arrives

At the “Príncipe” base in Paracuellos del Jarama, Madrid, the ceremony for the assumption of command of the “Almogávares” VI Paratrooper Brigade (BRIPAC) by Brigadier General Pedro Luis Gutiérrez Alcalá, an officer with extensive experience in airborne troops and special forces, took place. The event, significant for the Spanish Army, was attended by top military authorities and all operational components of the brigade.

The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Carlos Melero Claudio, Commander of the Fuerza Terrestre (FUTER), accompanied by Major General Mariano Arrazola Martínez, Commander of the “San Marcial” Division, highlighting the close relationship between the BRIPAC and the Division, of which it has been a part since 2021.

The Importance of the Ceremony

The military formation that took part in the ceremony was led by Colonel Francisco Javier Rodríguez Crespo, Commander of the “Nápoles” nº 4 Paratrooper Regiment. The parade included the Plana Mayor de Mando (PLMM), the historic Escuadra de Gastadores, units from the Headquarters Battalion, the Bandera I “Roger de Flor” and the Bandera II “Roger de Lauria”, the Field Artillery Group, the Engineer Battalion, the Logistics Group, and the War Band.

In his official speech, General Gutiérrez Alcalá emphasized three fundamental pillars: moral strength, cohesion, and operational readiness.

“Enhancing qualities such as moral strength is essential to ensure the cohesion and solidity of the unit – he declared – as the human factor is the main value of the BRIPAC. Only on this basis can we build a real operational capability, oriented towards readiness and airborne insertion or airdrops”.

He also publicly expressed his recognition to Major General Luis Jesús Fernández Herrero, thanking him for handing over a brigade “cohesive, highly prepared, and with a high level of training”.

As reported by the magazine Defensa.com, the BRIPAC highlights that under the leadership of General Gutiérrez Alcalá, thanks to his vast operational experience, the brigade will continue to improve its effectiveness and be ready for the most complex missions.

A Commander with Proven Operational Experience

Pedro Luis Gutiérrez Alcalá was born in Lopera (Jaén) on February 11, 1970. On September 1, 1989, he entered the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, as part of the 54th Promotion. After completing his training at the Infantry Academy of Toledo, he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1994. He is married and has two children.

He has served in the Spanish Legion, in light infantry and special forces units, as well as in the Headquarters Battalion of the Ceuta Command.

In 2005, promoted to Commander (equivalent to the rank of Major in Italy), he held positions in the Grupo de Operaciones Especiales IV (GOE IV), in the Staff of the Special Operations Command (MOE), and at the Headquarters of the Legion Brigade.

In 2014, as a Lieutenant Colonel, he assumed command of the GOE III and later worked at the Cabinet of the Chief of the Army Staff (EME).
Promoted to Colonel in 2021, he led the “Príncipe” nº 3 Regiment of the “Galicia” VII Brigade. In December 2023, he was assigned to the FUTER Headquarters.
On March 11, 2025, he was promoted to Brigadier General and two days later assumed command of the BRIPAC.

Experience in International Missions

General Gutiérrez Alcalá has participated in six international missions:

• 1997: Bosnia-Herzegovina, IFOR mission, as a special forces company commander
• 2000: Kosovo, KFOR mission
• 2011-2012: Afghanistan, ISAF mission, base of Qala-i-Now
• 2014-2017: two operational rotations in Iraq, in the cities of Baghdad and Besmayah

Decorations and Qualifying Courses

The general is a graduate of the Spanish Army Staff and has attended courses in:

• Paratrooper Unit Command
• Special Operations
• Basic Diver
• Various courses at different NATO schools

He speaks English and French fluently.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous Spanish and international national decorations, including:

• NATO Medals for the IFOR, KFOR, and ISAF missions
• Cross, Encomienda, and Placa of the Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild
• 7 Crosses for Military Merit
• White Cross for Police Merit
• White Cross of the Civil Guard
• Army Commendation Medal (United States)
• Honorary Diploma of the Argentine Army
• Campaign Medal