Francisco Javier Varela Salas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Francisco Javier Varela Salas
JEME Varela Salas 2019
Chief of Staff of the Army
In office 1 April 2017 – 6 October 2021
Preceded by	A. General Jaime Domínguez Buj
Succeeded by	A. General Amador Fernando Enseñat y Berea
Personal details
Born	1952 (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 is a retired general from the Spanish Army. He was born in 1952 in Puertollano, Spain. From 2017 to 2021, he held a very important job as the Chief of Staff of the Army. This means he was the highest-ranking officer in charge of the entire Spanish Army.

Becoming a Military Leader

Starting His Army Journey

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 2nd lieutenant. His first assignment was with the Special Operations Company No. 41 in Barcelona.

Moving Up the Ranks

Later, he was promoted to captain. He then worked as a teacher at the Military School of Mountain and Special Operations. This school trains soldiers for tough missions in mountains and other special environments.

In 1990, he attended the Army Staff College. This is where officers learn advanced military planning and leadership skills. After this, he became a lieutenant colonel. He served in the Rapid Action Force, which is a unit ready for quick deployment.

Leading Special Missions

He later took command of the Legion's XIX Special Operations Flag. He led this special unit until 2003. During his career, he also took part in important international missions. In 1992, he was part of the UNPROFOR mission. This was a United Nations peacekeeping effort. In 2001, he joined KFOR in Kosovo, another peacekeeping force.

Reaching High Command

In 2005, Francisco Javier Varela Salas became a colonel. He worked at the Operations Command and Light Forces Headquarters. From 2009 to 2011, he was the chief general of the Legion's Brigade "Rey Alfonso XIII" II. This is a famous and historic unit in the Spanish Army.

He then became the chief of the Light Forces Command until 2014. These forces are designed to be agile and move quickly.

Top Positions in the Army

In 2014, he was promoted to lieutenant general. He became the chief general of the Land Force. This made him responsible for all ground troops. He also led the High Availability Land Headquarters in Bétera, Valencia, until 2017.

Retirement and Recognition

In October 2021, General Varela Salas left his position as Chief of Staff of the Army. He had served for four years as the top military officer. He then retired from active service. For his many years of dedication, the Council of Ministers honored him. They gave him the Grand Cross of Naval Merit. This is a high award for his excellent service.

See also

• Spanish Army
• Chief of Staff of the Army (Spain)