The ceremony, held on December 11 at the Brasilia Air Base, included tributes and a military parade.
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Myrea Calazans
“And in combat, always ready to engage, a lot of grit and unparalleled impetus, you are from the Brazilian Air Force, the rifle, vigilant in defense of Brazil.” The verses put into context the importance of the Air Force Infantry, which celebrates its 82nd anniversary on 11 December.
The military ceremony celebrating the date was held on Monday (11/12) at Brasília Air Base (BABR), and was presided over by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Brigadier Lieutenant Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, who was welcomed by the Commander of BABR, Colonel Aviator Miguel Ângelo Côrtes Salvio Júnior.
The ceremony was also attended by the Commander of Aerospace Operations, General Hudson Costa Potiguara; the Commander of Preparedness, General Sergio Roberto de Almeida; the General Commander of Personnel, General Ricardo Reis Tavares; other General Officers; Chiefs, Directors and Commanders of Military Organizations, among other civilian and military authorities, both active and reserve.
In reading the Order of the Day, the Commander of the Air Force mentioned the areas in which the Air Force Infantry operates, as well as its recent actions. “The moment is more than opportune to reaffirm our admiration for those who, with seriousness and extreme labor, have outlined the Infantry’s trajectory in the right azimuth. The Infantry of 2023 has two General Officers on active duty and a contingent capable of carrying out the most varied operational activities with prompt response. This preparation extends to the crucial areas of security and defense, surface self-defense, aerospace defense and special operations, all of which are jointly geared towards specific Air Force actions,” said Air Lieutenant General Damasceno.
For the military parade, the troop was made up of the Brasília Security and Defense Group (GSD) Scout Group; the Music Band of the Brazilian Air Force Symphony Orchestra (OSFAB); the Troop Commander, Infantry Colonel Antônio Fernandes Filho and his staff; the National Flag and its Guard; the Historical Flags Group; the Santos-Dumont Ceremonial Group; the Infantry Unit Commanders Group; the Air Force Police Group; the Disturbance Control Operation Group; and the Surface Self-Defense Representation Group. In addition, an infantry unit was formed at the rear of the troops, made up of officers and graduates specializing in guards and security, as well as veterans.
“It’s a very significant date because in 1982 I joined the ranks of the Brazilian Air Force. So this year marks a trajectory not only for the Infantry, but also for the success of my career. And the feeling of being honored on this day is summed up in satisfaction, because it portrays the successful trajectory of reaching this rank with a brilliant troop,” said the oldest active General Officer in the Infantry and Head of the Air Force Intelligence Center, Infantry Brigadier José Roberto de Queiroz Oliveira.
Air Force Infantry
The creation of Air Force Infantry Day dates back to the formation of the first six Guard Infantry companies on December 11, 1941. With the motto “Defending the dominion of the air on land”, the Infantry is responsible for a range of combat missions, from the defense of national installations to operations to guarantee law and order.
Its ranks include combatants with the highest operational qualifications, special forces soldiers and members trained in anti-aircraft defense. For this reason, it is conditioned to the highest degree of readiness, in order to act in the full range of military operations, employing its means in the right dimension, in the right place and at the right time. In this way, it tirelessly participates in national defense, control and integration activities in response to the demands of the Air Force.
Photos: Sergeant P. Silva / CECOMSAER – Video: Sergeant Lucas / CECOMSAER *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***