José Julio Rodríguez Fernández facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Julio Rodríguez Fernández
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| Birth name | José Julio Rodríguez Fernández |
| Born | June 8, 1948 Ourense, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Service/ |
 Spanish Air Force |
| Years of service | 1969–2012 |
| Rank | General of the Air |
| Commands held | Chief of the Defence Staff |
José Julio Rodríguez Fernández was born on June 8, 1948. He is a very important general from the Spanish Air Force. From 2008 to 2012, he was the Chief of the Defence Staff for Spain. This means he was the top military leader for the entire Spanish Armed Forces.
On July 18, 2008, General Rodríguez Fernández became the Chief of the Defence Staff. He took over from Felix Sanz Roldán. He retired from this important role on January 2, 2012. After him, General Admiral Fernando García Sánchez became the new Chief of the Defence Staff.
Contents
General Rodríguez's Military Journey
Early Days as a Pilot
José Julio Rodríguez Fernández started his career as a pilot. He flew both fighter jets and large transport planes. He also studied management to learn how to lead military operations. He completed special training for air staff in Spain, the United States, and Britain.
His first assignment was at the 21 Wing base in Morón de la Frontera. After he became a captain, he moved to the 11 Wing at Manises.
Working with Logistics and New Aircraft
In 1982, he started working with the Logistics Support Command. He also helped with the development of the European fighter jet, the Eurofighter Typhoon, in Munich. After three years (1991–1994) with the F-18 Wing 31 in Zaragoza, he became the Head of Logistic Command.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 2000, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He then became the Head of Planning Division of Staff. He also served as the president of the Project Refuelling team for NATO. Later, he became a major general. In this role, he was in charge of Spain's plan for telecommunications and information systems. He also became the Director General of Armament and Equipment for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.
On December 31, 2011, he moved to the reserve. This meant he was preparing for his full retirement from active military service.
Later Work and Recognition
General Rodríguez has received many important awards for his service. These include the Grand Cross of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegildo and the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit.
From 2020 to 2021, he worked as the chief of staff for Pablo Iglesias. Pablo Iglesias was the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Rights and 2030 Agenda at that time.
Awards and Honors
| Spanish Military Awards | |
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Grand Cross of the Royal and Military Order of San Hermenegild |
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Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit |
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Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild (Insignia, Knight Commander and Cross) |
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Cross of Aeronautical Merit (x3) |
More Information
- NATO profile
| Military offices | ||
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| Preceded by Félix Sanz Roldán |
Chief of the Defence Staff 18 July 2008 – 30 December 2011 |
Succeeded by Fernando García Sánchez |
See also
In Spanish: José Julio Rodríguez para niños
