Students from U.S. to Compete in Germany at NATO-Focused Competition

Two talented students from Servite High School, Anaheim, CA, fought their way into international finals of the annual Aliante academic competition, to be held at the United Kingdom Base in Rheindahlen, Germany. There they will be the only team representing the United States for the first time in this prestigious international competition.

Encinitas, CA (PRWEB) June 24, 2007 -- Two talented students from Servite High School, Anaheim, CA, fought their way into international finals of the annual Aliante academic competition, to be held at the United Kingdom Base in Rheindahlen, Germany. There they will be the only team representing the United States for the first time in this prestigious international competition.

"Aliante 2007 is for high school students who have the courage to prove their knowledge and skills against other international students in a challenging environment," said Zbynek Pavlacik, Chairman of the Jagello 2000 Association, the organizer of the Aliante project. "The winners of the final round will participate in a unique trip to several elite US military bases including NORAD in Colorado Springs and STRATCOM in Nebraska."

The Aliante competition originated five years ago in the Czech Republic and immediately attracted about 300 high school students. This year, more than 4,000 students from 11 countries participated in the competition. The purpose of the project is to promote greater understanding of international security issues and strengthen transatlantic cooperation amongst NATO members.

Thanks to the San Diego-based U.S. Tactical, Inc., U.S. students had the opportunity to participate in the competition in 2007. As the sponsor, U.S. Tactical helped organize US participation, and inform potential candidate schools. "I believe that our students will benefit from greater exposure to our European allies -- especially in these turbulent times," said Mark Divine, CEO of U.S. Tactical.

With great teamwork and focus, freshmen Scott Zimmerman and Joey Hennings II successfully passed through two knowledge-based rounds answering 50 questions centered on international security policy, North-Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), geography and history. Out of 16 US teams, their second round work was chosen by the political scientists from the International Institute of Political Science of Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, ensuring them a spot in the Finals.

While Scott and Joey proved their knowledge, now they will have to prove their skills to cooperate at an international level under difficult physical and psychological conditions. They will be incorporated into an international 4-member team. Paired with their Slovak teammates, Scott and Joey will navigate experiential events such as orienteering and a ropes course, strategy game-play and other team-based skills in the finals.

Both Eagle Scouts and top students at Servite, the competition has been a challenge already for Scott and Joey: "It was an eye-opening experience for both of us. I learned things that I don't think I would have learned anywhere else," says Scott. However, they are really excited about traveling to Germany, partnering with their Slovak teammates and gunning for the winner's circle.

The Finals, each year hosted by a different NATO member country, will be held at the British Rheindahlen Support Unit in Germany on June 24-28, 2007.

The Aliante project is made possible thanks to a generous support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Slovak Ministry of Defence, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, the United States Department of Defence, the NATO Public Diplomacy Division, the Office of the Governor of California, and U.S. Tactical, inc.

Please, visit the Aliante project website for more information: www.project-aliante.org

U.S. Tactical is a veteran owned business which provides personal protective products and performance training to the Government and individuals worldwide. See them on the web at www.ustactical.com, or contact CEO Mark D. Divine for information: mark.divine@ustactical.com

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