'MINERVA', cadets to sergeants

The execution of the “Minerva”

Before the realisation of the “Minerva” exercise, a preparation phase was carried out on 23rd and 24th June. During these days the necessary means and participating personnel were incorporated and the preparation and delivery of all the material were carried out. After this, from 25th to 29th June, the sergeant cadets began the development of the activity and passed through the task stations in their corresponding patrols.

One of the major difficulties which they had to face was the thermal stress caused by the high temperatures and the difficulties of the practices. The Sergeant Alonso, from Communications emphasises the harshness of the NBC defence practice conditions, the basic-operative level, as they had to put on the NBC suits. However,  it must be noted that the exercise has been very productive for them, since it simulates what could occur in reality. “I have completed individual NBC exercises before however this is the first time that I have carried out a supposed situation inspired by a real case, in which the incidents although simulated have caused more tension and realism” he explains.

In all the stations the sergeant cadets had to face situations which closely reflected reality. An example of this has been the combat practice in a population where the The Training Centre “San Gregorio” was responsible. In this task station, the simulated case required tactical movement in a group and the carrying out of a reconnaissance mission in the area. For this an enemy recognition section and an assault section were employed.

The combat exercise within a population relied on a combat simulator for the HK G-36 rifle. In this way, the sergeant cadets could know if they had been reached by the enemies´fire. The Full Corporal Samelea, based at the Training Centre “San Gregorio” controlled the exercise through the use of a referee pistol. “The objective is to try and capture the leader of a terrorist cell alive, for this they have 90 minutes to equip themselves and execute the exercise” he explains.

In the exercise the Opposition Forces come into play, to represent the enemy forces. “Although the objective of the exercise is maintained, as the cadets progress through changes are introduced to the activity”, claims the Full Corporal.

Although some of the sergeant cadets have previously had the occasion to carry out similar exercises in their respective academies, they recognise that to do this exercise together they will acquire additional knowledge. The Sergeant Berdini, from the Army´s Aviation branch says that he joined in 2011 as a soldier and although some of the practice exercises were not new to him, he underlines that the possibilities and capabilities which an interarmes training can offer.

In the same way the sergeant cadet Morante, from Communications, doesn’t hide the emotion that  “Minerva” causes, he himself being a step away from becoming a sergeant, “The Spanish Army, also gives great value to the non-commissioned officers. I feel proud of everything that the Army represents”, he concluded during the exercise..