Arnavisca, Santiago
Born in Málaga, Spain. Although the family's holdings
were greatly reduced under Franco's rule, the Arnaviscas still
control large tracts of farmland around Córdoba and the
Guadalquivir river valley. The second youngest son in a family
of eight, his eldest brother is a deputy in the Andalucian Parliament.
Attended University of Seville, 1983-88. Joined the Guardia Civil
upon graduation. Served as a brigade commander 1994-96 in the
Western European Union (WEU) administration of Mostar in Bosnia
where he was instrumental in rebuilding the local police force.
In 1997 recruited by the Guardia Civil's counter-terrorism unit,
the Unidad Especial de Intervención (UEI) as part of their
focus on the growing threat of terrorist action within the European
Union by former citizens of Yugoslavia.
Arnavisca has competed in shooting competitions since he was
a child and is an expert marksman. He speaks English, German
and Italian fluently, as well as his native Spanish, and can
make himself understood in most other European languages. Despite
his aristocratic bearing, he is more comfortable acting as a
lieutenant and advisor than a team lead. Extremely tenacious
in combat, he has a reputation for maintaining an air of calm
detachment no matter how tense the situation. |