Major General Florin-Marian Barbu
has dedicated over three decades to distinguished service in the Romanian Armed Forces. Born on November 12, 1969, in Câmpina, Prahova County, he embarked on his military journey in 1984, enrolling in the Military High School. By 1991, he had graduated from the Field Artillery Military School, laying the foundation for a respected career marked by leadership, international missions, and strategic expertise.
From his early days as a Platoon Leader in the early 1990s to commanding the 29th Artillery Regiment by 2002, Major General Barbu demonstrated a steadfast commitment to excellence. His career trajectory reflects a series of increasingly demanding roles, including serving as Commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade and later as Commander of the Land Forces Operational Component. Along the way, he honed his strategic acumen at institutions like the National Defense University and through specialized training such as NATO’s Field Artillery Course in France and the Combined/Joint Force Land Component Commander Course at US Army War College in the USA. During his career, he participated in various multinational exercises and training programs at operational and strategic levels as STEADFAST PINNACLE.
Internationally, Major General Barbu contributed to global security, serving as a Liaison Officer for the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later supporting NATO operations in Afghanistan as a Staff Officer at ISAF HQ. These missions underscored his ability to adapt to complex, multinational environments.
His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards (five emblems of honor and five emblems of merit), including the Emblem of Honor of the Romanian Armed Forces, the Emblem of Merit “In Service of Romanian Armed Forces”, the Order “The Military Virtue” in the rank of Officer, with military insignia and multiple distinctions for his years of dedicated service. Known for his leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to innovation, he has shaped the operational effectiveness of the Romanian Armed Forces, particularly in his current role as Chief of the Operations Directorate, a position he has held since December 5, 2022.
Beyond his professional achievements, Major General Barbu is a proud father of an adult daughter.