Campo Grande
Campo Grande (MS) – The Western Military Command began this Friday, 21, another edition of the Know Your Army program. In 2023, nine participants will tour several points considered essential for the defense and preservation of the western border.
The activities will begin at the historic Coimbra Fort, but will continue on Saturday through the Porto Índio Special Border Platoon, with a visit to the Guatós village, where civic and social support will be provided to the indigenous people.
On Sunday, the last day, participants will visit the Museum of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force, located in the 9th Combat Engineering Battalion, in the city of Aquidauana, and will have the opportunity to watch an assembly of the Engineering treadmill, used in works and in the various operations of the Brazilian Army.
Among the guests of the 2023 edition are the Governor of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Eduardo Riedel, the President of the State Court of Justice, Sérgio Martins, the Chief Prosecutor of the State Public Prosecutor’s Office, Alexandre Benites, and national and regional businessmen, journalists and influencers.
Santa Catarina
Florianópolis (SC) – Strengthening ties between the Brazilian Army and society was the main purpose of the first edition of the Know Your Army program in Santa Catarina. The event, which lasted from July 18 to 20, had its official opening ceremony held in the city of Florianópolis.
The event was an opportunity for the public to interact and delve into the activities and values of the Brazilian Army. Journalism students, professors, journalists, members of state agencies and bodies, security forces, freelancers, specialized media and digital content producers had a greater understanding of the activities developed by the Institution in national defense and in support of the population.
One of the highlights of the activity was the inaugural lecture, given by journalist Henrique Zanotto. With the theme “The Media and the Army,” Zanotto brought important insights into the relationship between the press and the Armed Forces, emphasizing the importance of a healthy relationship between both parties.
Different topics were addressed in the following days: military logistics, the technologies employed and other relevant subjects. The lectures, practical demonstrations and exhibitions provided a more comprehensive view of the work of the Brazilian military, with special emphasis on the activities developed by the 14th Motorized Infantry Brigade (14ª Bda Inf Mtz).
On July 19, participants visited the 14th Combat Engineering Company, in Tubarão (SC). During the visit, they learned about the unit’s mission and the materials used in humanitarian aid activities. In addition, they were able to experience the routine of the military and attend several practical activities, such as the assembly of a treadmill for the passage of personnel and other training actions.
At the 28th Field Artillery Group, in Criciúma (SC), participants had the opportunity to learn about the activities developed by the artillery. They visited the fire support simulator and the exhibition of materials for military use, practiced tower abseiling and got to know a field kitchen. A remarkable demonstration of the firing line provided an even richer and closer experience of the activities performed by the military of that unit.
On July 20, it was the turn of the infantry to show its potential through the 63rd Infantry Battalion, in Florianópolis (SC). Participants watched a demonstration and experienced the techniques of riot control, shooting fundamentals, campaign orientation, setting up a military camp and, to close with mastery, they were treated to a performance by the music band, which brought even more emotion to the event.
During the event, participants were greeted by the Commander of the 5th Army Division, General José Ricardo Vendramin Nunes, via videoconference. Among other things, he highlighted the relevance of the Army’s mission in defending the nation, promoting security, and providing humanitarian aid, conveying a broad and enlightening view of the institution’s role. The Commander of the 14th Motorized Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Marcio Cossich Trindade, also welcomed the participants and highlighted the relevance of the program for understanding the role played by the Army in the national context.
The first edition of the Meet Your Army program in Santa Catarina was considered a success, fulfilling its objective of bringing the Brazilian Army closer to society and providing greater knowledge about the activities performed by the Institution, strengthening the bonds of trust and mutual understanding between citizens and the Armed Forces, contributing to the construction of a more conscious and participatory nation.
São Luís e Manaus
São Luís (MA) and Manaus (AM) – On July 17, the Know Your Army program began in the city of São Luís and in the city of Manaus. However, in São Luís, in an unprecedented way. For a week, the civilian population will have the opportunity to get to know the Brazilian Army, its structure, peculiarities and routine.
The program is aimed at communication professionals and students and, in São Luís, is promoted by the Northern Military Command (CMN) and executed by the 24th Jungle Infantry Battalion (24th BIS), which has been present in the capital of Maranhão since 1870.
On the first day of activities, participants saw up close the versatility of the 24th BIS Music Band, which prepared a special repertoire for the moment. They then learned about the history of the military presence in the region through a visit to the Cultural Space.
One of the participants in the first edition of the program is journalism student Victor Melo. He who had never entered the battalion had his curiosity piqued. “My expectation is one of the best. I want to know the battalion, the facilities, the work of the soldier. For me everything here is new, it is welcome “, he highlighted.
Until Friday (21), participants will be introduced to various activities. The program includes instructions on obtaining water and fire, animal and plant food, shooting, orientation course, sniping and exhibition of military equipment.
“We see this Battalion as historic and very representative for Maranhão and Brazil. We take the name of our patron, who has a very interesting history with Maranhão, because it was from here that Luís Alves de Lima e Silva received the title of Baron of Caxias. It is of great importance to have this intertwining and to be able to show a little of our Battalion to society, “said the commander of the 24th BIS, Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Krepke Leiros Peixoto.
Meet Your Army Program in Manaus – In Manaus, the Amazon Military Command (CMA) hosted journalists and university students from the media field on Monday (17) to participate in the Get to Know Your Army program. An exhibition of materials from the 4th Area Telematics Center and the 4th Geoinformation Center was part of the program on the first day. In a week of activities, opinion makers will learn about the work carried out by members of the Ground Force, from operational actions to subsidiaries. The experience is enriching because it is different from the usual curricular experiences. Participants will also get to know the daily life of the military organizations of the Manaus garrison.
The opening of the event included a welcome by the Commander of the 12th Military Region, General Leite, as well as lectures on the structure of the Brazilian Army and how the work of the CMA is developed in subordinate military organizations, and guidelines on preparation and employment in real operations in the Western Amazon.