The bill proposes changes to Spanish military career rules

Automatic summary, not yet reviewed

1. The bill would grant honorary ranks to retired service members for exceptional merits or special circumstances, including posthumously, and would create an honorary link with the Armed Forces for those retired due to permanent incapacity while on duty. These ranks would have no economic effect and would not change the pension.
2. Promotion when moving to the reserve would be made easier: lieutenant colonels, commanders and captains who meet the requirements could obtain the rank of colonel, lieutenant colonel or commander. The deadline to request voluntary transfer to the reserve at age 58 would also be extended by two years, until June 30, 2019, for certain corps.
3. Retired non-commissioned officers who could not benefit from the tenth additional provision could request the rank and seniority corresponding to them. Affected personnel would have 6 months from the law's entry into force to apply.
4. Processes to change scale or corps would be improved: merits and service time would be assessed, places would be reserved, and support would be given to obtain degrees. The Military Life Observatory would include the results of these processes in its annual report.
5. New rights would be added for special cases: victims of sexual harassment, abuse or assault could request a service assignment in a different unit or location, and service members who are victims of terrorism would be entitled to a new posting. Temporary postings could also be assigned for exceptional work-life balance circumstances.
6. It would be clarified when the status of troop and navy service member is acquired: upon obtaining the rank of soldier or sailor, after completing training and signing the initial commitment. The law would enter into force the day after its publication in the Official State Gazette.

Who it affects

• Professional service members moving to retirement or the reserve: They could obtain honorary ranks or promotions, with no economic effect on their pension.
• Non-commissioned officers retired due to permanent incapacity: They could request a rank and seniority they did not obtain.
• Service members who want to change scale or corps: They would have promotion processes with merit assessment and support to obtain degrees.
• Victims of sexual harassment or assault and victims of terrorism within the Armed Forces: They could request a unit change or a new posting.
• Applicants for troop and navy service member status: They would acquire the status upon obtaining the rank of soldier or sailor, after training and the initial commitment.

Words worth knowing

Pase a la reserva

Status of a service member who leaves active duty before final retirement but remains linked to the Armed Forces.

Empleo honorífico

Military rank granted as recognition, with no duties or economic benefits.

Cambio de escala

Moving from one military category to another within the Armed Forces, for example from non-commissioned officer to officer.

Comisión de servicio

Temporary assignment to another unit or location to carry out a specific task.

Incapacidad permanente para el servicio

Status of a service member who can no longer serve for health reasons on a permanent basis.

It summarizes the text passed by the Senado. It is written by artificial intelligence and may contain mistakes: the official text is what counts. Read the official text · How we make summaries