The Spanish Troop and Navy Association (ATME) has called this Friday for "immediate" measures, as well as explanations and assumption of responsibilities, after two soldiers died and two others were injured in just three days between Sunday and Tuesday.
According to ATME, on Sunday, June 14, a VAMTAC vehicle suffered an accident in the San Gregorio maneuver area (Zaragoza), in which two enlisted soldiers from the XVI Sappers Battalion had to be evacuated.
The following day, the association continues, a senior petty officer of the Navy died. ATME points out that the soldier was found lifeless in the Galeaza logistical accommodation, in San Fernando (Cádiz), and that the causes of death are being investigated by the judicial authorities.
On Tuesday, in Ceuta, legionary Kevin Parra Mejía, 23 years old, belonging to the 'Duque de Alba' 2nd Regiment of La Legión, lost his life. He suffered cardiorespiratory arrest while participating in a sporting activity outside the barracks, was transferred to the Ceuta University Hospital, and finally died there.
ATME indicates that this last case is also under investigation, but alludes to "testimonies" that point to "possible failures" in the organization of the exercise and in the management of the emergency.
That same Tuesday, at the No. 1 Troop Training Center in Cáceres, a student suffered heatstroke during exercises outside the barracks, according to the association's complaint.
The soldier had to be urgently evacuated and admitted to the ICU, where he was intubated due to the severity of his condition. "This incident once again brings to the fore the need to review safety protocols for physical activities carried out in high temperatures," the organization adds.
ATME speaks of a "black week" and demands responsibilities
In its statement, ATME described these days as a "black week," marked by "deaths, serious accidents, and situations that highlight the vulnerability of troop and navy personnel." It emphasizes that this group "continues to be the most exposed to avoidable risks and to possible questionable decisions within the chain of command."
"The troop and navy cannot continue to be the most exposed part of the Armed Forces nor continue to bear the consequences of problematic decisions or the absence of effective protocols," insists the association.
ATME considers that the events concentrated in so few days show "a worrying deterioration in the security and supervision of military activities".
The organization also recalls that military personnel "have the right and the obligation" to declare "freely", "especially in situations where criminal responsibilities may exist".
For this reason, the association demands "transparency" from the Ministry of Defense regarding the procedures for recognizing the military profession as high-risk, after having requested the draft project in writing weeks ago.
ATME reproaches that "institutional silence is unacceptable in a context where the facts crudely demonstrate the urgency of said recognition" and concludes that "it is essential that the Ministry of Defense act with the forcefulness that the situation demands".