Building military expeditionary culture: Spanish Army after international operations

Abstract

This article analyses the Spanish experience in military operations abroad, studying the functions it carried out in order to demonstrate how expeditionary experience has shaped military change processes. Using a database built from the Spanish Army’s online missions register, as well as from 23 personal interviews conducted with Spanish servicemen, this research focuses on how the Spanish Army has changed through its overseas deployments and how its organisational culture has evolved. The results obtained show a tangible transformation, which has modified procedures, military equipment, and operational functions. There have also been intangible transformations, reflected in the mentality and awareness of military personnel, readying them for deployment anywhere and anytime.