Francisco Javier Varela Salas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Javier Varela Salas
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JEME Varela Salas 2019
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| Chief of Staff of the Army | |
| In office 1 April 2017 – 6 October 2021 |
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| Preceded by | A. General Jaime Domínguez Buj |
| Succeeded by | A. General Amador Fernando Enseñat y Berea |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1952 (age 73) Puertollano, Ciudad Real |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1978–2021 |
| Rank |  General of army |
| Commands | Spanish Army |
Francisco Javier Varela Salas was a top general in the Spanish Army. He was born in 1952 in Puertollano, Spain. From 2017 to 2021, he held the very important job of Chief of Staff of the Army. This means he was the highest-ranking officer in the Spanish Army.
Contents
Becoming a General
Francisco Javier Varela Salas joined the Army in 1978. He had just finished his studies at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. After graduating, he became a second lieutenant. His first assignment was with a special operations company in Barcelona.
Moving Up in the Army
He worked hard and was promoted to captain. He then taught at the Military School of Mountain and Special Operations. In 1990, he went to the Army Staff College. This is where officers learn how to lead larger groups and plan big operations.
After this, he became a lieutenant colonel. He worked with the Rapid Action Force. Later, he commanded a special operations unit called the Legion's XIX Special Operations Flag until 2003.
International Missions
General Varela Salas also took part in important international missions. In 1992, he was part of the UNPROFOR mission. This was a United Nations peacekeeping force. In 2001, he joined KFOR in Kosovo. KFOR is another international force that helps keep peace.
Leading Big Units
As he continued to advance, he became a colonel in 2005. He worked at the Operations Command. From 2009 to 2011, he was the chief general of the Legion's Brigade "Rey Alfonso XIII" II. This is a very famous unit in the Spanish Army. After that, he led the Light Forces Command until 2014.
Top Leadership Roles
In 2014, he was promoted to lieutenant general. He became the chief general of the Land Force. This is a very important role, overseeing many soldiers. He also led the High Availability Land Headquarters in Bétera, Valencia, until 2017.
Retirement
In October 2021, General Varela Salas finished his four years as the Chief of Staff of the Army. He retired from active service that same month. For his many years of service, the Council of Ministers gave him a special award. It was called the Grand Cross of Naval Merit.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Javier Varela Salas para niños
