{"id":5523,"date":"2024-03-01T13:07:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T12:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsite.ndc.nato.int\/?p=5523"},"modified":"2025-08-20T12:58:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T11:58:32","slug":"the-nato-defense-college-receives-the-general-gutierrez-mellado-extraordinary-defence-award-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ndc.nato.int\/fr\/the-nato-defense-college-receives-the-general-gutierrez-mellado-extraordinary-defence-award-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"The NATO Defense College receives the \u201cGeneral Guti\u00e9rrez Mellado\u201d Extraordinary Defence Award 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The NATO Defense College (NDC) was honoured with the “General Guti\u00e9rrez 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 Fern\u00e1ndez, accompanied by the Spanish Ambassador to Italy, Mr Miguel Fern\u00e1ndez-Palacios Mart\u00ednez, during a ceremony that took place at the NDC on 1 March 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Spanish Minister of Defence presenting the “General Guti\u00e9rrez Mellado Award”.<\/p>

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The NDC Commandant welcoming the Spanish Minister of Defence, Ms Margarita Robles Fern\u00e1ndez.<\/p>

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Spanish Minister of Defence Ms Margarita Robles Fern\u00e1ndez signs the NDC guest book.<\/p>

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NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen with Spanish Minister of Defence Ms Margarita Robles Fern\u00e1ndez.<\/p>

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Office call between NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen and Spanish Minister of Defence Ms Margarita Robles Fern\u00e1ndez.<\/p>

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NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Nielsen presents Spanish Minister of Defence Ms Margarita Robles Fern\u00e1ndez with an NDC crest.<\/p>

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NDC Spanish Senior National Representative and Faculty Adviser Captain (N) Francisco Javier Gamboa Herraiz introduces the “General Guti\u00e9rrez Mellado Award” Extraordinary Spanish Defence Award.<\/p>

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Authorities, distinguished guests, Course Members, NDC faculty and staff attending the ceremony.<\/p>

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The Spanish Minister of Defence presenting the “General Guti\u00e9rrez Mellado Award” Award.<\/p>

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The Spanish Minister of Defence presenting the “General Guti\u00e9rrez Mellado Award” Award.<\/p>

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The Spanish Minister of Defence delivering her speech.<\/p>

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The Spanish Minister of Defence delivering her speech.<\/p>

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The NDC Commandant delivering his speech.<\/p>

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The NDC Commandant delivering his speech.<\/p>

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Ms Margarita Robles Fern\u00e1ndez converses with the Spanish Course Members.<\/p>

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Group photo: NDC Commandant, Spanish Faculty Adviser and Course Members with the Spanish Minister of Defence and Spanish Ambassador in Rome.<\/p>

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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 \u201cworks hard to promote unity and to strengthen cohesion among Allies\u201d, and this recognition \u201cis a true testament to the fact that the NATO Defense College is adding value not only to the Alliance, but also to Allies themselves\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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