Ever wondered what it takes to command Portugal’s land forces. Here at the Comando das Forças Terrestres that crucial work happens. The Comando das Forças Terrestres or CFT is the land component command of the Portuguese Armed Forces. A tenente-general commands the CFT. He is known as the Commander of the Land Forces.
The CFT supports the Chefe do Estado-Maior do Exército. This support helps the CEME in his role as commander of the Army. CFT ensures the preparation and sustainability of forces. It also helps fulfill specific Army missions. The CFT coordinates with the Joint Operational Command. It manages units under its direct control.
Let’s step back in time. The CFT has undergone several transformations. It was created in 1993 as the Comando Operacional das Forças Terrestres. This was part of an army reorganization. In 2006 it became simply the Comando Operacional. It took on some functions of the extinct territorial commands. A new Army Organic Law in 2009 changed things again. The Comando Operacional became the Comando das Forças Terrestres. It shifted from a central administration body to a land component command.
The headquarters of the Comando das Forças Terrestres moved in 2019. It is now located in Aquartelamento da Amadora. Before that, it was at Forte do Alto do Duque in Monsanto from 1993 to 1999. Then it moved to Quartel da Medrosa in Oeiras from 1999 to 2019. There were plans to move it to Monsanto’s fortified underground installations. It would have joined the Joint Operational Command and the Naval Command. The Air Command was already there but this never happened.
The Comando das Forças Terrestres is headed by the Comandante das Forças Terrestres. An adjunct assists him. He reports directly to the CEME.
The CFT includes several key components. These are the commander’s office and staff. There is also a headquarters inspection finance center. It features a communications and information systems directorate. Several support bodies are included too.
Several units depend on the CFT. These include the operational component of the force system. There are also military zones the Military Information and Security Center. The Transmission Regiment also reports to the CFT through the DCSI.
The motto of the Comando das Forças Terrestres is “Um Pedaço de Terra Defendida”. This translates to “A Piece of Land Defended”. The unit celebrates its day on April 23.
The Comando das Forças Terrestres plays a vital role. It supports Portugal’s army operations and defense. It has evolved over the years. The CFT continues to adapt to meet modern challenges.