20170404_ECO_militares

"The amount of leadership that can be learned from a single maneuver by a soldier is incredible. Resilience in the face of adversity, the discipline to follow orders or the ability to listen to subordinates are lessons that will help us in the degree program and in the labor market", highlights Pedro Robalino, one of the 2nd year students of Economics, Leadership and Governance (ELG) who, together with other students of his class and in partnership with the Infantry Regiment "America" 66, has organized the Green Beret exercise, within the course of leadership and decision making in high-risk situations.

A total of 40 students from ELG, International Office, Psychology and Nursing exchanged for 36 hours their notes and the University's campus for military equipment and the mountains of Iturgoyen. " We needed to get out of our comfort zone, face stressful situations and adverse weather conditions," says Bruno Andrés Landa, student of Psychology, who as part of his subject 'Psychology of groups' was encouraged to take part in this simulation in which through "vignettes" or situations they have faced an attempted jihadist attack at 2:30 am or lighting fires in the snow.

The students joined the Regiment "America" 66 as a member of the military corps. With one leader per team, they followed the strategy and operation of this specialized mountain unit. "I have learned the importance of delegating tasks when in command of a group. Also that those who are under your orders trust and believe in what you send them. It is very important to lead by example," says Íñigo Bronte, one of the leaders of group and student of International Office.

            With this exercise, the students have put an end to the course on Leadership and high risk decision making in which they have attended lectures by Lieutenant Colonel, Fernando Noval Garcia or the Ensign of the Plana Mayor, the student, Ricardo Valle Bellver, amongothers. "We have been able to put on internship what we have seen in class about leadership such as communication, planning, respect or stress management, among other areas. In addition, working in a team with students completely unknown to us has allowed us to deal with situations that we are not normally used to, such as, for example, different ways of thinking and acting," Landa emphasizes. 

The easiest way

The soldiers, NCOs and officers acted as teachers for the university students throughout the exercise. " We quickly got along with them, they gave us a confidence that we are not used to having from a military officer," Robalino emphasizes. "I would highlight the predisposition they have had at all times to answer our innumerable questions, as well as to leave us any subject of their material if they saw that we needed it at that moment", adds Bronte.

            As the major teaching of the exercise, Bruno Andrés Landa is clear: "Sergeant Viana recommended us to take a supposedly 'easier' road. Once we had overcome all the obstacles on this road, he told us: 'Did you realize that it was not an easy road? In life you will face very hard times and you have to be prepared'. The Lieutenant's intention was that we could overcome these moments by working as a team and making the right decisions. This helped group realize that the easy way out is not always the best way out and that we will face many obstacles in life that we must be prepared and willing to overcome."