São Paulo (SP) – On February 6, the Commander of the Brazilian Army gave a lecture entitled “The Brazilian Army in the current scenario”, at the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (FIESP). On the occasion, General Tomás Miguel Miné Ribeiro Paiva discussed the Army’s constitutional mission, world conflicts and the latest military operations. The audience was made up of professionals and representatives of the defense industry, as well as military and public security authorities.
General Tomás also presented the Army’s strategic programs: Armored Forces, Astros, Aviation, Anti-Aircraft Defense, Achieving Full Operational Capability and the Integrated Border Monitoring System (SISFRON). Stressing the need for investment in the Armed Forces, the Commander concluded: “You can’t prepare an Armed Force overnight”.
When talking about humanitarian actions in the Yanomami Indigenous Land, the Commander highlighted the Army’s work. “Our goal is to deliver 15,000 food baskets by the beginning of April. There are 366 indigenous communities and you can only get there in a small helicopter (the Pantera), because a large aircraft could damage the houses,” he explained. “We have to participate with our hearts and souls. These are Brazilians who are there,” he added.
On the same occasion, the Commander was honored by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo with the Order of Industrial Merit, awarded to personalities and institutions that work to promote the development of São Paulo industry.
General Tomás said he was honored by the award. “A week ago, I was in the Yanomami Indigenous Land. It’s a real problem, a problem that can be solved by talking to institutions,” said the Commander, emphasizing the good relationship between the Brazilian Army and other federal, state and municipal institutions. “This is a commendation that goes to the 212,000 members of the Force,” he added.
The award ceremony took place during the plenary meeting of the Department of Defense and Security (DESEG) and the National Union of Defense Materials Industries (Simde). In attendance were the president of FIESP, Josué Gomes da Silva, the Military Commander of the Southeast, Army General Guido Amin Naves, the General Support Commander, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Ricardo Augusto Fonseca Neubert, among other civilian and military authorities.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***