The Spanish Army shares formation with journalists at the 14th Activities of War Correspondents

25 journalists altogether have participated, from the 16th to the 20th of October, at the 14th Activities of War Correspondents, organized by the Army's Department of Communication and the Army School of Warfare.

Coming from the great media and freelances, the participants have had the opportunity to feel what it means to be embedded in conflict zones together with the Spanish troops.

The activities have been developed along five intense days and, during this period of time, the correspondents have been instructed in first aids techniques and sanitary prevention, stress control, sensitization of mines, apart from Chinook and Superpuma helicopters transport, among other activities.

In this way, Javier Pajarón, who participated in the activities and belongs to Cadena Ser and La Voz de Almería, admitted that he had been surprised by the Chinook's manoeuvre ability. Furthermore, participants had the chance of travelling by APC M113 (TOA in Spanish) and of getting to know the Pizarro, Leopardo and other Army's combat vehicles; apart from observing grenade launches, Bangalore torpedo exercises or fire corridors.

In that same way, professionals have conducted driving practices of 4x4 vehicles at Ilunion company, in Brunete, and they have used different simulators about the use of the seat belt or a turned over vehicle. Adriana Alonson, from Publi Ondas, would feel safe when driving a 4x4 vehicle, after having performed these exercises, although she admits that it is necessary to add the pressure of that exact conflict moment.

However, the key moment of the activities was the embedding of the journalists into a company, in a night tactical exercise. 25 journalists, distributed throughout the different squads, had the oportunity of feeling under their skin the meaning of being embedded in conflict zones.

Far away from war, manoeuvre field "Los Alijares" in Toledo, was the perfect scene to put what they have learnt into practice. Pilar de la Cuesta, from Europa Press, had to get in through a sewer during the exercise. "It was a narrow space and we had to bend down, choosing different ways until we finally found the exit, after a series of obstacles", explains about the procedure.

Soldiers and journalists from different media have shared experience. Without any doubt, it has been a great oportunity for professionals, but also for the soldiers who participated in the different exercises, due to the fact that the activity was useful for their instruction.