The Armed Forces are national institutions created with the aim of defending the State, democratic institutions and constitutional powers.
The Armed Forces of Brazil are formed by three entities: Brazilian Army, Brazilian Navy and Brazilian air force. They are part of the Ministry of Defense, a federal government agency that organizes and controls actions relating to defense and security in Brazil.
In addition to the Ministry, there is another body responsible for organizing the operations of the Armed Forces: the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces (EMCFA). The agency plans the activities carried out jointly by the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Federal Constitution establishes that the Armed Forces are permanent and under the authority of the President of the Republic.
What is the role of the Armed Forces?
As we have seen, the function of the Armed Forces is to act in defense of interests and security from the country. Some examples of these advocacy activities are:
- protect national territory and borders,
- actions to preserve Brazilian sovereignty,
- projects and actions to protect the environment and natural resources,
- take care of citizens,
- watch over the country's goods and wealth.
All institutions that are part of the Armed Forces, within their limits and areas of activity, work for the same objective: protect and guarantee the law and order of the country..
Brazilian army
The Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces. It works to defend the country's land borders to guarantee sovereignty.
Some of the functions of the Army are:
- act in peace missions,
- develop social assistance and health service actions in communities located in remote regions,
- protect the environment,
- act in educational programs for the general population,
- develop actions necessary to carry out other activities in various sectors.
Also know the military hierarchy in Brazil.
Brazil's navy
The Navy, on the other hand, acts in the defense of the country in the maritime sphere, that is, in national waters (both maritime and inland waters).
Some responsibilities of the Brazilian Navy are:
- protect the environmental wealth of these ecosystems,
- protect the coastal area of Brazil,
- promote knowledge about the maritime environment and its natural resources,
- protect the maritime border regions,
- be prepared to respond to emergency situations at sea in the country.
In addition to its protective functions, the Navy, as well as the Army, can also work on projects aimed at health in hard-to-reach places.
Brazilian air force
Like the other institutions of the Armed Forces, the Air Force also works for the protection of the country. In this case, it protects the territory in airspace.
Some functions of the Air Force:
- prevent attacks that can occur by air,
- control or protect the country's airspace,
- act in the control and safety of air navigation,
- inspect and guarantee the control of the entire national airspace.
Compulsory military service
In Brazil, military service is mandatory for men when they turn 18. Upon reaching this age, it is necessary to enlist in any of the agencies that are part of the Armed Forces.
When you register, you can inform whether you have a preference for the Army, Navy or Air Force. Depending on the availability of vacancies and the candidate's profile, requests can be granted or denied.
Individuals who are not discharged after enlistment must serve in the military for a period of twelve months.