Those transformados by Guardia Civil

Abstract

Throughout the history of the Guardia Civil, recruiting officers has always been a challenge. Various factors and circumstances hindered the transfer of junior officers from the Infantry and Cavalry to the Corps. This ever-present reality became especially worrisome after the end of the Spanish Civil War, as the Army's interests naturally prioritized filling its ranks over addressing the needs of the Guardia Civil. On the other hand, the anticipated prospect of a new Spain, free from foreseeable conflicts, seemed to promise a smooth career path for these young officers; conversely, the Guardia Civil offered only hardship and risk, which became evident almost immediately with the first clashes with the Republican groups still operating within Spanish territory, popularly known as "the maquis."

Once the decision was made to transform the junior officers who comprised the Reserve and Provisional Officer Corps into "permanent" or "professional" personnel, at least until the first lieutenants could graduate from the General Military Academy, thousands of officers passed through the various academies.

In any case, the focus of our research is on those who, despite all odds, chose to join the Guardia Civil and, through their decision, ensured continuity in the chain of command. Had the Corps relied solely on those promoted from within, it would have faced serious difficulties later on in filling the most senior positions