Nerea Galindo, a 23-year-old from Alameda, has become the first woman from her municipality to join the Spanish Legion. Galindo successfully passed the selection process last summer, underwent training in Cáceres, and completed a month-long adaptation period before receiving her 'chapiri', the distinctive cap worn by legionaries. She is now incorporated into the Ronda Tercio.
Galindo's decision to join the Legion was sudden. Last summer, she decided to enlist in the Army, with the Legion being her immediate and only choice. "Last summer I said: I really like the Legion, I want to join the army, where do I join? Well, the Legion. There was nothing else in my head but Legion, Legion and Legion," Galindo recalled.
Her father, who completed military service and had always expressed a desire to continue in the Army, had instilled in her a certain fascination for military life. However, Galindo made the move to join on her own initiative.
Training and Integration
The process Galindo followed is standard for professional troop soldiers entering the Legion. After applying and passing the selection, she was assigned to the Troop Training Centre (CEFOT) in Cáceres. Here, recruits train as soldiers for several months. Upon completion, she swore allegiance to the flag and joined her unit in Ronda.
Once at the Tercio, new legionaries undergo a month-long adaptation period. During this time, they learn the customs, parades, traditions, and history of the Legion. The Tercio holds a formal recognition ceremony at the end of this period, where the chapiri is presented.
Upon returning to Alameda the weekend after her recognition, Galindo was met with widespread support. "Many people are very happy for me, because it's a small village, they've seen me since I was little, they also know my sports career, and so they are very excited," she explained.
Equality in the Ranks
The Legion has over a century of history and an image forged in contexts where women were absent. When asked about any difficulties integrating into the Tercio, Galindo's response was direct. "Here, from the first day we arrived, we are equal. We are all equal. There are no differences here, and we all have the same rights and are all treated equally," the young woman from Malaga stated.
Alameda, with just over 4,000 inhabitants, is part of the northern Malaga region. For young people in these municipalities, the Army represents a stable career option that is not always considered. Galindo is aware that her story could change perceptions of the army, especially among young women. "Don't think twice. I think this has to be experienced because it is a unique experience. And to know that those who are there and have to help us have a lot of work behind them," she said.
She also suggested it for young people who are unsure of their path: "For more than one who doesn't want to study, join the army, it will completely change their mindset, and they will like everything very much." While other residents of Alameda have served in different branches of the Army, and some of them women, none had previously joined the Legion. "Being the first female legionary from the village is a source of pride," Galindo concluded.
