News Article Release

Midshipmen Build Leadership Skills in Chile

April 12, 2012

From the International Programs Office

Ten Naval Academy Midshipmen traveled to Chile this spring as part of the International Programs Office’s cultural immersion program in which midshipmen visit foreign countries to learn more about the culture, develop proficiency in the local language and gain regional expertise and perspective.

The trip accomplished these objectives through hands-on experiential learning and had the added benefit of providing the midshipmen with the chance to lead their peers in hikes through the wilderness. This not only developed backpacking skills, such as navigation and operational risk management, but also small unit leadership skills.

While in the country’s capital of Santiago, the midshipmen took full advantage of the diverse culture throughout the city. One day’s activities included climbing to the top of San Cristobal Hill, visiting the beautiful 250-year-old Santiago Cathedral, and walking through fresh meat and fish markets in Santa Lucia.

The city of Puerto Natales provided a different type of culture for the midshipmen. The inhabitants of this town were less dominated by Western tradition, maintaining old Native Chilean traditions throughout the centuries. Between searching for the perfect rendition of Milodon (a Chilean Big-Foot) and a great local steakhouse, the midshipmen kept busy studying the distinct differences between Santiago and Puerto Natales.

Patagonia provided the paramount leadership experience for the trip by thrusting midshipmen into the wilderness and forcing them to lead each day of a 50-mile hike along one the world’s most famous trail routes.

Going up and over John Gardner’s pass was a highlight for the midshipmen, as they traveled across glaciers in the midst of clouds and rain. Waterfalls, bogs, and glacier lakes all offered a unique playground for the midshipmen to test their leadership and orienteering skills.

Overall, this trip was a success on many levels. The midshipmen presented themselves as worthy ambassadors of the Naval Academy in Chile. They developed cultural sensitivities and immersed themselves in the traditions of Chilean social life and studied some of the most beautiful sites the country had to offer.