Marines from the United States and China are taking part in the training, which runs until September 17.
By First Lieutenant (T) Ederson Soares
Around 3,000 military personnel from the Brazilian Navy (MB), the Brazilian Army (EB) and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) are taking part in the largest military exercise in the Central Plateau. Operation “Formosa” began on September 4 and will end on September 17. On Wednesday (11), the Commander of the Navy, Fleet Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, accompanied by civil and military authorities, watched an operational demonstration.
Held at the Formosa Instruction Center (CIF), the operation includes representatives from South Africa, Argentina, France, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Republic of Congo. The United States and China have sent Marines to take part in the operational part.
In the exercise, the Brazilian Armed Forces act together, simulating an amphibious operation, considered the most complex of military operations. “All the weaponry used is real ammunition, marking the professionalism and realism of the training. The aim is to enhance interoperability and integration between the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as promoting the exchange of experiences with allied forces from other countries, which is always very important,” explains Rear Admiral Max Guilherme de Andrade e Silva.
The soldiers use armored vehicles from the Marine Corps (CFN), such as the JLTV, the ASTROS system, the Piranha, the Amphibious Caterpillar Truck (CLAnf), the UNIMOG truck, the AF-1 Skyhawk fighter and the Navy’s helicopters. The FAB’s KC-390 Millennium, A-29 Super Tucano and R-99 aircraft, as well as the EB’s ASTROS, Guarani and M60 Combat Car, among others, are also being used.
For the first time, female Marines are taking part in Operation “Formosa”. “It’s a great source of pride to be here. We took part in the activities with the other soldiers and managed to overcome the difficulties. We’ve been given this opportunity and we’re going to do our utmost to overcome any prejudice and show our ability,” says Marine Soldier Jamily de Souza, who was a classmate of her older brother. Both graduated together this year and were side by side during the operational demonstration.
The first class of Marine Soldiers graduated in July from the Admiral Milcíades Portela Alves Instruction Center (CIAMPA), with 113 women. Of these, 91 were introduced to the Operational Sector, specifically the Fleet Marine Force, taking part in different activities and performing the same duties as their male counterparts.
In addition to firing live rounds, Operation “Formosa” provided tactical pre-hospital care, guidance and navigation with armored vehicles, airspace control, reconnaissance of nuclear, chemical, radiological and biological agents, among other various actions.