Future sergeants put their training to the test in the ‘‘Minerva’’ exercise

The 547 student sergeants of the XL class in the NCO Scale have successfully completed the “Minerva” exercise, which was held from 28 June to 4 July in several locations in the region of Pallars Jussá (Lleida).

The aim of this annual exercise, which is organised and led by the General Basic NCO Academy (AGBS by its Spanish acronym), is to foment leadership and implement the knowledge acquired. The exercise is the culmination of the training the student sergeants receive at the academies of the different branches: infantry, cavalry, artillery, engineers and logistics.

During the exercise, the future staff sergeants have been confronted with a variety of situations to show their skills and capabilities in command of a small group of people. The tasks included light weapons shooting; convoy preparation, protection and movement; route reconnaissance; dealing with an IED; calling for, observing and adjusting terrestrial, naval and aerial gunfire; communicating with satellite terminals; navigating mountain obstacle courses; and NBC protection and decontamination. All operation orders were drafted both in Spanish and English.

The exercise involved the 62nd Mountain Light Infantry Regiment “Arapiles”, the 1st NCB Regiment “Valencia”, the 3rd Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion, the “San Gregorio” Training Centre, the Helicopter Training Centre, the NBC Military Defence College and members of the Logistic and Medical Brigades. Likewise, several civilian organisations took part.

The new non-commissioned officers of the Army General Corps will received their official diplomas (“Reales Despachos”) on 10 August at AGBS, during a ceremony presided over by His Majesty the King. They will subsequently move on to the units they have been assigned to and assume their postings.