Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Daniel Wetzel | The first group of Brazilian female recruits march in line for a pass and review in...... read more read more
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a groundbreaking and historic moment for the Fuzileiros Navais do Brasil, the first group of female Marines graduated from the rigorous Brazilian Marine Corps boot camp July 5, 2024. This landmark achievement signifies a pivotal step toward gender equality and integration within the armed forces and underscores the increasing opportunities for women in the military.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Centro De Instrução Almirante Milcíades Portela Alves (CIAMPA), Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was marked by a mix of pride, emotion, and a sense of accomplishment. Families, friends, and military officials gathered to celebrate the perseverance and dedication of these pioneering women who have set a new precedent for future generations.
“All of us take great pride being in the presence of these women,” said Vanderli Cordeiro, commandant of CIAMPA. “They overcame all the barriers and obstacles to complete the training and show us their capacity to provide to our forces.”
The inclusion of women in the Brazilian Marine Corps is the result of years of advocacy and policy changes aimed at creating a more inclusive military. The Brazilian government and military leadership have been working to integrate women into various branches of the armed forces, recognizing the invaluable contributions they can make.
Female service members are not new to Brazil and have served in their armed forces since the 1980s. Brazil was the first military in South America to accept women, however only in the Women’s Reserve Corps. In 2012, the Brazilian armed forces made history when Rear Adm. Dalva Maria Carvalho Mendes of the Brazilian Navy became the first woman to achieve the rank of flag officer in all the armed forces.
The Brazilian government passed a law in December 2017 that expanded the role women could serve. Prior to this law, women could only serve in health and support roles; however, with the passage of Public Law No. 13.541, they can now serve in all capacities to include combat operation roles and within the marine corps for the first time.
“We’re very proud of Brazil and our brothers and sisters in their Marine Corps,” said Brig. Gen. Omar Randall, deputy commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve. “Just like the United States, Brazil is continually opening pathways to give their young women the same opportunities as men to serve their beloved country.”
The female marines underwent the same grueling training regimen as their male counterparts, which included physical fitness tests, combat training, survival skills, and leadership development. The demanding nature of the training is designed to prepare Marines for the challenges they may face in defending Brazil's interests both domestically and abroad.
High-ranking officials from the Brazilian military and government attended the ceremony, offering their congratulations and emphasizing the importance of this milestone. General João Carlos, the Commandant of the Brazilian Marine Corps, highlighted the graduates' determination and the positive impact their success would have on the future of the military.
“I’d like to thank the families for lending [these men and women] to the country through the Naval Infantry to raise up and defend it,” said José Mucio Monteiro, Brazilian Minister of Defense. “They completed the rigorous training that had the end results of making them truly capable of being ready to defend the Brazilian people and national interests.”
Defense Minister Monteiro continued by praising the graduates and reiterated the government's commitment to supporting women in the military. “We have much to do for a more just and sovereign Brazil and this is the right step. ADSUMUS.”
The graduation ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Brazilian Marine Corps and sets a powerful precedent for the future. The pioneering spirit of these women will inspire others to pursue their dreams and contribute to the strength and diversity of Brazil's armed forces.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2024 16:48 |
| Story ID: | 475790 |
| Location: | RIO DE JANEIRO, RIO DE JANEIRO, BR |
| Web Views: | 801 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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