Cochabamba (Bolivia) – The Brazilian Army maintains a historic partnership with Bolivia and its Armed Forces. In 2023, a Brazilian officer served as an instructor at the Weapons and Technology Application School and another officer completed the course at the Bolivian Army’s Command and General Staff School. A Brazilian colonel also completed the Bolivian Army’s High Studies course with distinction.
At the Bolivian Army’s Weapons and Technology Application School, Major Julio César Bittencourt was a guest instructor in the subjects of military exercise technique and preparation, field artillery doctrine and operations, and logistics. His work contributed to the training of officers and non-commissioned officers in the Bolivian Army. He also gave a series of lectures on Brazil, the Army and the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB).
At the end of the mission, the Brazilian Army representative was awarded the Procer de la Libertad General de División José Miguel Lanza Medal and the Laureles y Sables de Oro Badge for his outstanding services to the Bolivian Armed Forces. In 2024, he will serve as an instructor at the School, reinforcing the partnership between the nations.
At the Bolivian Army’s Command and General Staff School, Brazilian Major Alexandre Mendes Jonsson completed the course with distinction, scoring over 85 points. Throughout the year, he studied the planning and decision-making process in the general staff to solve complex military problems. The course also aims to develop critical and creative thinking.
In his postgraduate work, the Brazilian dealt with the “Doctrinal Principles for the Establishment of Immediate Response Forces in the Bolivian Army”, contributing to integration and cooperation between nations, in accordance with the Army’s Strategic Objectives. He was awarded the Master’s Medal in Command and General Staff of the Military University of the Armed Forces of Bolivia.
The activities of Brazilian military personnel in Bolivia contribute to building the knowledge and doctrinal practices of the two Armed Forces, as well as strengthening the bonds of friendship between the countries. The outstanding action of the Brazilian Army proves the Force’s ability to act in complex and multicultural scenarios and consolidates Brazil’s presence in the areas of its strategic surroundings.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***