Between mission and experiencing a new culture
On the Eastern Flank, we continue to discover the people behind the uniform.
Agenția Media a Armatei, 01.04.2026, 14:00
Allied soldiers who come to Romania for missions and training, but who over time discover more than a training ground: a culture, a history, a team. For some of the allied soldiers, this mission in Romania is the first direct interaction with the multinational environment here. This is also the case of Spanish captain Carperna Serrano, with the South-East Multinational Division Command. The captain explained his role within the structure he is part of: “This is my first mission in Romania, and my role here is as a contributor in the current operations department. Usually, what we do is coordinate different activities between the different battle groups of the division. During the latest exercise, I went to several areas, such as Cincu or Sibiu, but also to some places near Brașov, to see different training areas in Romania.”
Participating in such activities means for many soldiers gaining experience in an international environment. Captain Serrano also told us about his collaboration with Romanian partners in these activities: “For me, it is one of the most beautiful experiences, because working in an international environment is a very good opportunity to develop some of my skills and capabilities. I think it is very good to participate in such exercises, because it gives you the opportunity to evolve a lot in your military career. At first I was a little afraid, but in time, things became quite easy, because Romania is a very welcoming host nation. They gave me the opportunity to be part of the team and I am grateful to be here with all the Romanian personnel.”
Even between different armies, common benchmarks related to discipline and mission assumption quickly emerge. The Spanish captain told us why he chose a military career: “It was a long time ago, 20 years ago, when I was a teenager and I didn’t have a very clear idea about the army, but it was my first choice, because my grandfather was also a soldier. We are very hardworking people and we usually put in a lot of effort when we try to carry out a mission. This could be one of the most common things in both armies.”
For many of the allied soldiers, the experience continues outside the training activities: “Romania is a very beautiful country. I came here with my family and we had the opportunity to visit different places. It was wonderful to see that you have a culture very similar to the Spanish one. Also, the food and all the traditional dishes are very good, because I remember, to a certain extent, the food from my childhood,” the Spanish officer added.
Personal experiences are complemented by the way this collaboration is built day by day through joint training and cooperation between structures. Romanian Captain Sebastian Chiorean, with the Multinational Division South-East Command speaks about this collaboration and what it means to work in an allied structure: “First of all, I would like to thank my foreign colleagues for being here, for the opportunity to train together, and for everything they do for both Romania and the Alliance. A strong alliance means that each member is strong and extremely determined to fight alongside other nations.”
On the Eastern Flank, differences in language or uniform do not separate, but unite. And where people learn to act as one, is where the strength of an Alliance actually shows. (EE)
