The Senate has debated a proposal to reform the Military Career Law, with the aim of allowing honorary promotions for retired military personnel due to disability incurred in the line of duty. Currently, a minimum career of twenty years is required to access this recognition, which is discriminatory for those who could not continue in the Armed Forces due to health reasons.
PP Senator Fernando Gutiérrez Díaz de Otazu, a retired general, highlights that this reform would be a symbolic act of dignity for approximately 200 retired military personnel due to disability. Although it would not imply costs for the State, it would represent an important gesture of recognition for these individuals, as mentioned by an affected sergeant.
Throughout various legislatures, the proposal has been supported by all political parties in the Senate; however, the Government has yet to take action on this matter. The PP spokesperson in the Upper House, Alicia García, emphasizes the need to improve the conditions and recognition of military personnel to make a career in the Armed Forces more attractive.
One of the cases illustrating this issue is that of Sergeant A.B., who had to leave the Armed Forces after 19 years and seven months due to health problems. Despite his outstanding career, he would be denied an honorary promotion for not completing the required 20 years. This situation, deemed unjust by the Popular Party, has led to the presentation of a bill to amend the current regulations.
Sergeant A.B. entered the Military Academy for Non-Commissioned Officers in 1978, and after holding responsible positions in the Parachute Brigade and joining the Cesid, he had to retire for health reasons before completing two decades of service. The reform proposal seeks to correct these unfavorable situations for military personnel who, due to circumstances beyond their control, were forced to leave their military careers early.
