Educational model of the Armed Forces for developing professional competencies in Marine Corps students

Authors

  • Shirley Yuliana Flores-Tomalá Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador -Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Centro Tecnológico Naval”, Ecuador
  • Gustavo Javier Garzón-Mendoza Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador -Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Centro Tecnológico Naval”, Ecuador
  • Roberto Santos Quintana-Quiñonez Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador -Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Centro Tecnológico Naval”, Ecuador
  • José Israel Reyes-Álava Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador -Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Centro Tecnológico Naval”, Ecuador

Keywords:

competencies, educational model, curricular design, professional profile, technical skills

Abstract

Introduction: Military education constitutes a key axis for institutional strengthening and the professional development of members of the Armed Forces. The Educational Model of the Armed Forces of Ecuador (MEFA) aims to address contemporary challenges through the comprehensive training of students, integrating technical, tactical, strategic competencies, and ethical values. Objective: To analyze the theoretical and pedagogical foundations of the MEFA and evaluate its contribution to the development of professional competencies in students of the Naval Infantry technology program. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach was used through the Focus Group technique, with a purposive sample of eight participants, including program directors and instructors. The session was moderated by researchers, following a structured questionnaire and applying thematic coding for analysis. The discussion made it possible to identify common patterns, divergences, and levels of consensus regarding the educational model. Results: Participants agreed that the competency-based model is appropriate for military training. The ethical, technical, and operational focus of MEFA was valued, as well as its contribution to the development of transversal competencies such as leadership and teamwork. Progress in the use of technologies and active methodologies was also acknowledged, although the need to strengthen technological infrastructure and impact evaluation mechanisms for graduates was highlighted. Conclusions: The MEFA represents an educational model consistent with the demands of the current military environment. Its comprehensive approach supports the preparation of competent and ethical professionals. However, there is a need to improve curricular feedback and consolidate tools that ensure the model’s continuous updating, thus enabling relevant, dynamic training aligned with the institutional challenges of the 21st century.

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Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Flores-Tomalá, S. Y., Garzón-Mendoza, G. J., Quintana-Quiñonez, R. S., & Reyes-Álava, J. I. (2025). Educational model of the Armed Forces for developing professional competencies in Marine Corps students. Maestro Y Sociedad, 22(3), 2297–2305. Retrieved from https://maestroysociedad.uo.edu.cu/index.php/MyS/article/view/7137

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 3 (2025)

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Artículos

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Copyright (c) 2025 Shirley Yuliana Flores-Tomalá, Gustavo Javier Garzón-Mendoza, Roberto Santos Quintana-Quiñonez, José Israel Reyes-Álava

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