Known for its expeditionary capabilities, the Navy already has UN-certified groups
By Marine Ranger (RM2-T) João Stilben – Brasília, DF
The Brazilian Navy (MB) is carrying out a training operation in Itaoca (ES) until the 25th to ensure that the Marines are at the maximum level of readiness to act in peace operations around the world.
The action reinforces the Force’s commitment to the United Nations (UN), regarding the availability of troops to mitigate conflict situations, wherever necessary.
A total of 700 military personnel are taking part in the operation, working in simulated situations, carrying out activities such as patrolling, escorting convoys, riot control, sieges and searches, setting up traffic control posts, among others.
One of the operational groups undergoing training is the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon. The Platoon has military personnel and resources from various MB Military Organizations and is training to improve its readiness for demining and deactivating explosive devices, with the aim of requesting a UN inspection in 2024, so that it can be upgraded to level 2 of the United Nations Peacekeeping Capabilities Readiness System (UNPCRS).
In general, the exercise aims to get the Navy to achieve the highest score in all the UNPCRS questions in the shortest possible time, a sort of bank of military forces from the UN member states, established in three levels of evaluation, which determine the ability to activate military personnel from certain specialties when necessary.
Known as the “Force that comes from the Sea”, the Squadron’s Marine Force has the vocation of being able to carry out Amphibious Operations, which are the most complex of military operations. In the context of Peace Operations, the Brazilian Marines have already been certified by the UN as having the highest level of readiness for Rapid Reaction.
Currently, MB participates in the UNPCRS with a Quick Reaction Company, level 3; an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, level 1; a Marine Operational Group, level 1; an Infantry Battalion, level 2; and a Field Hospital, also level 2.
In a report released in 2021, the UN classified Brazil’s Marines as a group with an “expeditionary, mobile and agile” mentality and composed of the “highest standards of operational readiness and personnel”, as well as “strong command and control and high morale and discipline”.
Navy personnel have already worked in peace operations in countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Syria, Western Sahara, Yemen, the Dominican Republic and Angola. The most recent and high-profile deployments were between 2004 and 2017, in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH); and between 2011 and 2020, when Brazil commanded the Maritime Task Force of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Social Action
As part of the Operation, the Navy is also holding a Civic-Social Action (ACISO), until this Saturday (21), in Marataízes and Itapemirim (ES), with lectures, medical and dental care, influenza vaccination, animal anti-rabies vaccination, barbershop service, band performance, as well as a display of materials used in the operations.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias