By Carolina Militão
This Friday (25th), the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces (EMCFA) celebrated 12 years of existence, consolidating interoperability among the Brazilian Navy, the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force. The commemorative ceremony, presided over by the Minister of Defense, Paulo Sérgio Nogueira de Oliveira, took place in the main auditorium of the Defense College (ESD).
This year 96 personalities were honored with the EMCFA Merit Medal, as well as nine military institutions. The award is given to Brazilian and foreign military personnel and civilians, military organizations and national civilian institutions that have rendered relevant services to the Armed Forces Joint Staff.
The Chief of Staff pointed out, during his speech, his joy in presiding over the solemnity. “It is an honor to participate in the continuous improvement of the actions of EMCFA, whether through projects or policies that ensure the sovereignty and democracy of the country. Defense is everyone’s duty”, highlighted the Minister.
Anniversary – During the ceremony, the Chief of EMCFA, Army General Laerte de Souza Santos, also congratulated all those present for the celebration of the Joint Staff anniversary. “It has been 12 years of creation and excellence in the unification of the Armed Forces. I highlight our continuous effort in the elaboration and joint planning of the actions of the Singular Forces, which increasingly act with greater synergy in operations,” he stressed.
Also present were the Commander of the Brazilian Army, Army General Marco Antônio Freire Gomes; the Chief of Education and Culture of the Ministry of Defense, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Luis Roberto do Carmo Lourenço; the Chief of Joint Operations of EMCFA, Army General José Eduardo Pereira; the Chief of Strategic Affairs, Lieutenant Brigadier Hudson Costa Potiguara; the Chief of Logistics and Mobilization, Admiral André Luiz Silva Lima de Santana Mendes; and the Commander of the Defense College, Vice Admiral Paulo Renato Rohwer Santos.
About the EMCFA – Created on August 25th, 2010, it is the Defense agency responsible for strategic planning and for the joint employment planning of the Brazilian Naval, Land and Air Forces. As such, the EMCFA advises the Minister of Defense in matters such as military defense policies and strategies; articulation and equipment of the Armed Forces; and monitoring of the strategic nuclear, cybernetic and space sectors, among others.
Photos: Hamilton Garcia and Antônio Oliveira *** Special Advisory of Social Communication (Ascom)
Ministry of Defense (MD) *** Translated by the DEFCONPress FYI Team ***