Brasília (DF) – The last week of February marks the leave of Corporals and Soldiers who have completed their compulsory military service. These soldiers joined the army through conscription, when they turned 18, and served in the force for a minimum of one year. The soldiers who stood out were able to join and remain on active duty for up to eight years.
After joining, the recruits go through the basic period, characterized by internment in the barracks and completion of the Recruit Basic Camp, a field exercise designed to put into practice the military techniques they have learned. They then receive the olive green beret and attend the Soldier Training Course, designed to train the combatant for the specific functions of their military qualification. Finally, this knowledge is put into practice in the field, in military camps during the training period.
During compulsory military service, soldiers can also be selected for the Corporal Training Course, based on their performance and attitude during the basic period. On completion of the course, these soldiers are promoted to corporal, responsible for leading a small group of soldiers.
During their time in the army, corporals and soldiers are employed in a variety of roles, from purely military activities – operating artillery pieces, garrisoning combat vehicles or undertaking patrols – to administrative activities – working in the areas of IT, mechanics and materials maintenance or personnel management. To do this, they take part in various additional training courses.
Cavalry Corporal Kerley Santarém is one of the graduates. He joined the 1st Guards Cavalry Regiment and, after two years, was transferred to the Army Commander’s Office, where he used his knowledge as a computer specialist. “The Army enabled me to study undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Systems Development, as well as various other courses through the Citizen Soldier Project. Now, after eight years in the barracks, I’m returning to civilian life with plenty of professional experience and an improved sense of discipline, commitment and camaraderie,” he said.
Citizen Soldier Project and job offers
The Citizen Soldier Project professionally qualifies recruits for military service, complementing their civic-citizen training and facilitating their entry into the job market after their time in the Armed Forces. The program has been running since 2004 and covers the entire country through partnerships between technical schools and the military. The project trains young people who are leaving the uniform to return to civilian life.
Throughout Brazil, it is also common for military organizations to hold job fairs to help graduates enter the job market. In Cascavel (PR), the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade organized the II Job Fair, in partnership with the municipality’s Workers’ Agency. The soldiers attended lectures and registered for vacancies offered by companies in the western region of Paraná. Commitment to a schedule, adaptability and the ability to carry out tasks as part of a team are among the military virtues desired by employers.
In Belém (PA), the Northern Military Command held the 1st Employability Fair, which brought together military personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force. As well as connecting professionals and employers, the event included lectures and training. “It’s an opportunity for us to receive qualified labor from the Army itself. They are excellent profiles, because the military can add organization and discipline,” said Grupo Mais Barato’s HR Coordinator, Shelly Watrin. According to Colonel Ricardo Gibson, more than 500 registrations were made.
Young Evandro Oliveira, 21, served for a year in the FAB. Today he is studying for competitive exams and took advantage of the Fair to make contacts. He highlighted the characteristics that can make a difference when it comes to selection. “Today I’ve come to look for a job, I’m looking for something new. The Armed Forces have enabled me to have the discipline I didn’t have before and to talk to people better,” he concluded.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***