This Master Thesis explores the module of an MA programme in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Innsbruck, organised in the form of a Civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) exercise, aimed at training peace students in leadership, decision-making, and technical skills through immersive simulation of a post-conflict scenario. Guided by the question What is the theory behind the Native Challenge as a form of training for civilian peace workers for CIMIC operations? it delves into the exercise’s origins, objectives, and challenges. Through participant observation and a series of expert interviews, it provides a narrative ethnographic presentation of the exercise and its learning objectives for the training audience. While exploring the complexities of CIMIC, including the absence of its standardised understanding and guidelines for its implementation, this research highlights the importance of individuals and their ability to cooperate. This study provides insights, contributing to the discourse on effective peacebuilding and CIMIC training strategies. The findings serve as a foundation for future research in similar contexts.