A Portuguese, trainer at heart, takes the helm of EUTM Mali

(B2) It's official, it's the Brigadier General João Ribeiro, a training professional who took charge of EUTM Mali on Thursday (December 12)

Born on December 29, 1964, graduated in military sciences, specializing in infantry, since 1987. He then completed his studies with a master's degree in 2014. Once graduated, he immediately entered the academy of infantry for a year as an instructor. He will keep the same position at the Military Academy until 1991. Training will remain the central point of his career.

Present in Kosovo with NATO

In 2000, João Ribeiro was deployed to Kosovo, in KFOR, the NATO stabilization operation set up just after the military intervention of 1999. He is an 'operations officer' within the unit Task Force Delta, in charge of the 'operations' unit and security.

And at Napoli HQ of NATO

Within the J7 division (exercises), he is in charge of programming and planning the training and exercises of the personnel of the JFC HQ in Naples (Joint Force Command Naples Headquarters). It is also responsible for implementing NATO joint and combined exercises.

Detour by the Presidency

He became President of the Republic as military adviser to Aníbal Cavaco Silva (PSD) for two years (2006-2008). Important period for the country which presides over the destinies of the EU in the second half of 2 and sees the definition of several objectives in terms of European defense in the Treaty of Lisbon. In 2007, he became a colonel. He then passes to the commander of the land forces. That year, he will also be the national coordinator of the team setting up the battle group in the second half of 2, with France, Italy and Spain.

A career in training

He took over the management of the Portuguese Army infantry school in 2011. In particular, he supervises the preparation of the Portuguese training teams deployed within EUTM Somalia, especially in urban combat (Fighting in Built-Up Areas or FIBUA). In 2013, he took over the management of the staff course at the University Institute of Military Studies, then in 2015 became head of studies at the Military Academy.

Change of course at the general staff

In 2013, he joined the Army staff, as head of the force planning division of the Force Planning Division Head. A position he held for three years. Since June, he was number 2 (chief of staff) serving on the General Staff of the Army, responsible for the coordination of defense divisions and strategic planning, operations and external relations, resources and staff doctrine. He speaks notably English, French, Italian and Spanish.

(Aurelie Pugnet)

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