The NATO Defense College (NDC) was honoured with the “General Gutiérrez Mellado” Extraordinary Defence Award for 2024, in recognition of its invaluable contribution to the Spanish Armed Forces. The award was presented by the Spanish Minister of Defence, Ms Margarita Robles Fernández, accompanied by the Spanish Ambassador to Italy, Mr Miguel Fernández-Palacios Martínez, during a ceremony that took place at the NDC on 1 March 2024.
This recognition highlights the NDC’s pivotal role in the transformative journey of the Spanish Armed Forces, and its mission in preparing Spanish officers for senior positions within the Alliance’s military structure. The award underscores the unique contributions of the College in consolidating creative thinking, fostering a unified culture and instilling values shared among all NATO members. As observed by the NDC Commandant, LGEN Max A.L.T. Nielsen, the NDC “works hard to promote unity and to strengthen cohesion among Allies”, and this recognition “is a true testament to the fact that the NATO Defense College is adding value not only to the Alliance, but also to Allies themselves”.
The NATO Defense College receives the “General Gutiérrez Mellado” Extraordinary Defence Award 2024
The Spanish Ministry of Defence recognizes the NDC’s dedication to nurturing innovative thinking, promoting integration, and fostering strategic thinking on matters of collective defence. This dedication mirrors the College’s solid commitment to training and to the principle of international solidarity for the advancement of security and peace, echoing the values of General Gutiérrez Mellado, who lent his name to the award. As stated by the Spanish Minister of Defence, “NATO Defense College education is firmly rooted in the highest standards of values, respect for the rule of law, and promotion of human security. The College has created a common spirit of service by educating generations of Allied officers and senior officials”. Spanish officers and officials have been attending NDC courses since 1982, with over 700 Spanish NDC graduates to date.
The “General Gutiérrez Mellado” Extraordinary Defence Award, comprised of a certificate and a bronze figure of Miguel de Cervantes, is conferred every year by the Spanish Ministry of Defence on individuals or organizations that have distinguished themselves either by their work or collaborations in the literary, artistic or scientific fields or in their professional career, and helped raise the profile of the Armed Forces in the areas of defence, culture and peace.
During the award ceremony, the NDC Commandant remarked that “both General Gutiérrez Mellado and Miguel de Cervantes embody the ideals of freedom, democracy and peace through their respective contributions as soldiers and writers. Their legacies serve as a reminder of the enduring importance of these values in shaping societies and promoting human dignity. With this Extraordinary Award presented to the NATO Defense College, these two stories will remain an inspiration to us all”.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Sofia Carvalheiro, PRT C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN