Initiative is a milestone in the inclusion of women in the operational sector of the Armed Forces
By First Lieutenant (RM2-T) Vanessa Mendonça – Rio de Janeiro, RJ
On Monday (19), a new page began to be written in the history of the Brazilian Navy (MB) and the Armed Forces. Of the 720 young people starting their adaptation period in the Marine Soldier Training Course (C-FSD-FN) this year, 120 are female. This unprecedented fact represents the inclusion of women in all of MB’s corps, cadres, schools and instruction centers, allowing them to now occupy positions and functions that were previously reserved only for men.
In the early hours of the morning, the young women arrived at the Almirante Milcíades Portela Alves Instruction Center (CIAMPA), in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), where the course is held. “Here, we enter as civilians and leave as Marine Soldiers. I’m sure that, at the end of our training, we’ll be more mature. It’s a great honor to know that, after so many years, we’re taking part in this new era. I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” said Apprentice Marine Lohana Cristina dos Santos de Almeida.
Many even lost sleep with anxiety. “All I can think about is how innovative all this is. I didn’t sleep last night thinking about it. And now, finally, I’ve set foot here. It’s going to be a milestone for Brazil and an incredible career for all the women here,” reflected Naval Apprentice Isabela Vernin.
To ensure a proper and inclusive welcome for women, CIAMPA has undergone several changes in recent months. Among them are the creation of women’s accommodation, with a facial recognition system for entry and security cameras around it; the adaptation of the infirmary; the reformulation of internal rules of social behavior; and the updating of combat equipment so that it is more anatomical for women.
“The integration of women into the Marine Soldier Training Course is a clear demonstration of the Brazilian Navy’s ongoing commitment to adapting and evolving in line with the demands of contemporary society, without compromising the Force’s combat power. Over the years, we have seen women demonstrate exceptional ability, determination and skills, and now we will have the honor of seeing them shine as Marines,” said Captain Vanderli Nogueira, Commander of CIAMPA.
As part of CIAMPA’s preparations, visits and consultations were also carried out with various national and international military institutions that have already gone through the process of integrating women into their ranks. In addition, CIAMPA’s team includes Lieutenant Gizelle Rebouças (Marine Auxiliary), who was part of the first class of female officers to attend the Marine Corps Auxiliary Officers’ Training Course (CFN).
“The entry of female apprentices into the C-FSD-FN reinforces the CFN’s growing recognition of the important role that women play in national security and the defense of the homeland. This significant advance will greatly contribute to the operational effectiveness of the Institution by bringing new perspectives and valuable skills. It is important to emphasize the importance of making the most of these skills, while respecting differences,” she said, who is in charge of the women’s segment monitoring unit.
Learn more about the course
The Marine Soldier Training Course (C-FSD-FN) trains apprentices to carry out the responsibilities inherent to the position of Marine Soldier (SD-FN) in Marine Corps (CFN) units. The course lasts a total of 19 weeks, 10 of which are spent in a boarding school.
During this period, the apprentices take part in three field exercises, the first two of which take place at the Guandu do Sapê Naval Complex (CNGS), in the Campo Grande district of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), where they put into practice the knowledge acquired in the seven subjects taught over 112 school days. The third field exercise takes place on Marambaia Island, also in Rio de Janeiro, and is considered a milestone in the complete transformation of the citizen who has joined the course into an amphibious combatant.
The main activities of the course include Naval Military Instruction, United Order, Military Physical Training, Basic Combat Instruction, Marine Operations, Weapons and Shooting, as well as Professional Military Ethics.
Pioneering history
The pioneering path of women in the Navy was a gradual process, which began in 1980 with the creation of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps of the Navy Reserve. In the 1990s, there was a restructuring of Corps and Staff, which increased the participation of women in positions of Management, Command and Commissions.
In 2012, Rear Admiral (Medical) Dalva Maria Carvalho Mendes was the first Brazilian military woman promoted to the rank of General Officer in the Armed Forces, followed in 2018 by Rear Admiral (Naval Engineer) Luciana Mascarenhas da Costa Marroni and Rear Admiral (Medical) Maria Cecília Barbosa da Silva Conceição, promoted in March 2023.
In 2014, 12 young women joined the first class of female aspirants at the Naval Academy, the oldest institution of higher education in the country. In 2017, a law gave women the opportunity to join all corps at the Naval School (the Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the Navy Lieutenant Corps, an option that had previously been available). And in 2023, the first women entered the Santa Catarina Seamen’s Apprentice School and the Naval College.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***