The units are currently in training at the mountain school, the jungle school, and the commando school, respectively. The Bolivians hope to use the UN experience to inject new purpose into their army and already have provided an officer with the Argentine Battalion in Cyprus. They are currently 12th on the list for missions and are anxiously awaiting their first unit deployment. The former program is designed for citizens who are enrolled in a university or college. It is offered by the government as an alternative to one-year of conscription so as not to delay their studies.
Students receive military training one-day a week for two years.
We continued the discussion about the operation of the various Battalion staff elements and did a practical exercise during the morning. We were given the resumes of 15 officers and NCOs and were tasked with placing them within the staff as either primary or assistant staff officers and NCOs. Each team presented their staffs to the class. I was amazed at how emotionally charged the debate on choices was. Class standing effects everything to include selection for attendance at foreign military schools.