The Director General of the Civil Guard, Mercedes González, presided this Thursday over the swearing-in ceremony of the 242 members of the 172nd graduating class of the Young Guards Academy ‘Duque de Ahumada’, based in Valdemoro (Madrid).

Also in attendance were the Deputy Government Delegate in Madrid, María Pilar Trinidad; the Mayor of Valdemoro, David Conde; and the Lieutenant General in charge of Personnel, Eduardo Martínez Viqueira, among other authorities.

172nd Graduating Class of Young Guards

This new class consists of 242 Civil Guards—149 men and 93 women—aged between 18 and 24. All were admitted after passing the selection tests that qualify them for positions reserved for descendants of Civil Guard officers.

The majority of them—193—are children of officers in the ranks of corporal and guard. Of the total student body, 36 young people already hold a university degree, more than 15%, and two of them have master's degrees. The majority of the students reside in Andalusia, Madrid, and Castile and León.

These 242 new officers joined the Valdemoro Academy to begin their training period after meeting the requirements for this entry method, which are the same as for all other ways to join the Civil Guard. In the coming weeks, they will leave the academy to begin their practical training in the various units of the Corps throughout the country.

The swearing-in ceremony of this 172nd graduating class coincides with the training period of the G4 program, "Joint Training and Education," which includes the participation of delegations from the French National Gendarmerie, the Italian Carabinieri Corps, the Portuguese National Republican Guard, and the Civil Guard.

The Director General began her remarks by saying that today is no ordinary day, as it is the moment when vocation becomes destiny. Swearing or pledging allegiance to the Flag of Spain, humbly and respectfully kissing our national emblem, embodies a commitment to the entire country, to our Constitution, and to the values ​​that underpin democratic coexistence. “It is a responsibility born of individual freedom and that demands unwavering loyalty, even in the most difficult of times; it is a declaration of intent that places you at the service of Spain and its citizens.”

In this regard, Mercedes González stated that taking the oath in the parade ground of the “Duque de Ahumada” Young Guards Academy lends it special significance, as these walls have witnessed the growth of generations of Civil Guards who have learned that strength is not limited to the uniform, but rather stems from the values ​​and principles that have sustained the institution for 182 years. “Yesterday, we commemorated the 182nd anniversary of our founding. Nearly two centuries that reinforce the idea of ​​continuity and generational succession, of uninterrupted public service to Spain, carrying on the legacy of those who came before us and assuming the responsibility to preserve and strengthen it.”

He also emphasized that Spain is a diverse, advanced country committed to human rights, equality, and digital modernization. In this regard, he highlighted the growing role of women within the Civil Guard, noting that 38.3% of the graduating class is female, progress that brings the institution closer to parity and a more accurate representation of society. “We proudly celebrate that, in each graduating class, women have a greater presence, an indication that our institution is becoming increasingly like the society it serves. We are working to ensure this continues and, in this way, reduce the existing gap between the number of men and women.”

During his address, he acknowledged the emotional toll taken by two of the students who had recently lost their parents. “All my love and support to Samuel and Claudia, who are standing here today in this parade ground, having faced one of the worst losses a human being can endure.”

He also paid tribute to Captain Jerónimo Jiménez and Civil Guard Germán Pérez, who died in the line of duty, stating that they will “always” be remembered. “We exist because others remember us. Therefore, we will always remember them. They and their families. Luisa and María, Germán's widow and daughter, and Inma, Jerónimo, and Marcos, Jerónimo's widow and children. We are also closely following the recovery of those injured in that same operation: Corporal Vicente Delgado and Civil Guard Cristian Agulló, hoping that they will be able to return to service as soon as possible.”