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.