The Commanders >> Commander CV

Colonel Jorge Manuel Gaspar Esteves (Portuguese GNR) was born in Abrantes on December 2nd 1958. He began his military career in 1979 at the Cavalry Army School. He attended the Guarda Nacional Republicana Officer’s Training Course in 1984, the Captain Promotional Course in 1990, and the Superior Officer Promotional Course in 1998. As a low-ranking officer he served as Cavalry Platoon Commander at the GNR Cavalry Regiment (1986 – 1990). As a Captain, he was Company Commander of GNR enlisted soldiers, Deputy Territorial Group Commander and Territorial Detachment Commander (1991 – 1999).

As a high-ranking Officer he has been Territorial Group Commander, Head of the 3rd Territorial Brigade Operations and Information’s Office, Head of the 3rd Territorial Brigade Criminal Investigation Office, 3rd Territorial Brigade Chief of Staff and 3rd Territorial Brigade Deputy Commander (2000 – 2007). During 2006 he integrated the Working Group for the Reform of the Portuguese Internal Security System. From 2004 to 2007 he was Assistant Lecturer of Military Sociology at the Military Academy in Lisbon. From July 2007 till June 2009 he has been the European Gendarmerie Force Chief of Staff.

He attended several courses related with Crisis Management Operations among them the United Nations Police Commander Course, the Strategic Planning for European Union Police Mission Course, the European Security and Defence Policy Orientation Course, the NATO Staff Officer Force Planning Course and the NATO Partnership for Peace Staff Officer Course.

He has been awarded with:

• Two Silver Medals of Distinct Public Services;
• Military Meritorious Medal;
• Silver Medal of Exemplary Behaviour;
• Medal of Public Order;
• Bronze Medal of Exemplary Behaviour.

He holds a University degree and Master’s degree both in Sociology.

Appointed by the High Level Interdepartmental Committee (CIMIN), Colonel Jorge Esteves became the third Commander of the European Gendarmerie Force on June 26th 2009, and will cover this position until 2011