In a social media post, the president noted the presence of female service members at the parade held this Tuesday at Army Headquarters in Brasilia to mark Soldier’s Day.

  “Brazilian women are ready to defend our country,” wrote the president, linking the expanded female presence in the Armed Forces to a broader concept of defense and sovereignty.

  As part of the Women’s Initial Military Service—which began on a voluntary basis this year—the women joining the Army serve as soldiers and hold the same rights and responsibilities as those performing mandatory military service.

  During the 2025 enlistment process, the program received over 33,000 applications and offered a total of 1,467 positions: 1,010 for the Army, 300 for the Air Force, and 157 for the Navy.

  This incorporation marks a new stage in women’s participation in the Armed Forces, where they were already serving in various roles and career paths.

BThe president has insisted that sovereignty requires investment not only in military assets but also in science, technology, and domestic industrial capacity.

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