Training runs until the end of August, converging efforts to increase the capacity of the Brazilian Armed Forces
Air Force Agency – Lieutenant Journalist Eniele Santos
The skies over Campo Grande (MS) will be busier for the next few days. With a combination of operational skill and coordination between various military units, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) began the activities of Joint Exercise (EXCON) Tápio 2023, this Monday (14), at the Campo Grande Air Base (BACG).
In its sixth edition, EXCON Tápio 2023 is the largest irregular warfare training in Latin America and the activities aim to train the military personnel involved in situations common to irregular conflicts. For this reason, representatives from the Brazilian Navy (MB), the Brazilian Army (EB) and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) are taking part, as well as participants from the New York Air National Guard.
According to the BACG Commander and Exercise Director, Air Brigadier Eric Breviglieri, EXCON Tápio 2023 is a milestone in the Air Force’s training agenda, since it also seeks to mature and develop joint tactics in a dynamic environment, with a large number of elements on the ground and simulated movement of Opposing Forces’ personnel.
“EXCON Tápio promotes mutual understanding, trust and interoperability between participants, converging efforts to increase the capacity of the Brazilian Armed Forces,” says the General Officer.
This year, the activity brings together around 700 military personnel, 13 Squadrons, 26 Operational Units, 16 interrelated Military Organizations and more than 25 aircraft, including A-29 Super Tucano and A1-M fighters, H-60 Black Hawk and H-36 Caracal helicopters and the E-99 radar aircraft, which will act in missions covering Aerospace Reconnaissance, Aerial Infiltration, Combat Search and Rescue, NVG (Night Vision Goggles), Close Air Support, Paratrooper and Cargo Launch and Aeromedical Evacuation.
“As a training scenario, the Joint Exercise plays a crucial role. Its planned activities not only fill a training gap in conflict environments, but also have the potential to substantially raise the performance capabilities of the Armed Forces. By providing realistic simulations and complex challenges, the exercise not only improves participants’ individual and collective skills, but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic adaptation. It should be noted that this initiative not only improves operational readiness, but also strengthens the ability to respond in challenging contexts,” explains Major Raphael Lopes Rosa, one of the EXCON coordinators.
In addition, EXCON Tápio stands out for the advanced technology used in air operations, modern aircraft and state-of-the-art equipment, which are essential to ensure that the FAB can respond effectively and quickly to complex challenges and emergencies.
Mobilization
Another factor worth highlighting concerns the mobilization of the team responsible for the mission. On board the KC-30 – the FAB’s newest transport aircraft, currently operated by the Second Squadron of the Second Transport Group (2nd GT – Corsair Squadron) and considered the largest in the history of the Air Force – all the military personnel involved were able to travel to Campo Grande in a short space of time.
According to the Squadron’s pilot, Major Rafael de Oliveira Bertholdo, the use of the aircraft to mobilize for this mission was essential. “With the KC-30 we were able to facilitate air operations, since it has great logistical transport capacity, which increases our tactical and strategic flexibility, ensuring that we can carry out vital missions with efficiency and range. Thus, for this deployment, more than 400 passengers and 7 tons of cargo were transported,” he adds.
First activities
The start of the training also includes a package of theoretical instructions, which are essential to support each soldier’s perspective on the role they will have to play in the exercise as a whole.
On the first day of the operation, a presentation was given by Brazilian Army Colonel Alessandro Vissacro, with the aim of placing each task that all the soldiers will plan and carry out in a macro context, seeking logical, military and strategic coherence.
“I personally consider it a privilege to have access to this audience, which plays an important role in the future of the Air Force. The reception and understanding of the lecture were extremely positive and gave me the impression that I was sowing a seed in fertile soil,” said the speaker.
Photos: Sergeant Müller Marin/ CECOMSAER – Video: Sergeant André Souza/ CECOMSAER