Brazilian Army Research Articles

Indirect markers of muscle damage in military physical training session with neuromuscular and aerobic exercises in circuit (Cross operational): acute effects and recoverability

The Brazilian army recently developed the military physical training “Cross Operational” (CO), composed of four different difficulty levels. The moderate/high intensity character of CO can damage the muscle fibers, characterized by alterations at the cellular level, which can be evaluated indirectly by intramuscular proteins showing up in the bloodstream. In this context, the analysis of muscle damage biomarkers can be used as part of an initial injury prevention tool and in the evaluation of training progression and post-exercise recovery. This study aimed to observe the acute effect of CO on indirect markers of muscle damage in military personnel of the Brazilian army. Twenty-four male recruits aged between 18 and 26 years participated in the study. The four sessions corresponding to the CO levels were performed in cross-design, with a seven-day washout period, and blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after, 24 and 48 hours after each training session. The measured markers were creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In all CO levels, CK had a significant increase 24 hours after CO, whereas Mb and LDH incresead immediately after CO. Regarding recovery time, LDH returned to baseline values within 48 hours in all levels, whereas CK and Mb, after 48 hours of recovery, reduced but did not return to baseline in level 4. The serum elevations of the biomarkers studied, like those found in studies with other consolidated physical training methods, suggest that CO can contribute to the improvement of the physical training of military personnel.

A IMPORTÂNCIA DO PERCHERON NO PÓS GUERRA: UMA ANÁLISE HISTÓRICA

This article aims to present a systematic study on the correlation between the post-war period, the importance and changes of the Percheron horse in the historical and economic context of world development. A horse from France with descendants of breeds such as Shire, Belgian and Arabian, with a docile temperament, strong and resistant morphology, participated in different historical scenarios that range from the war field to the work field and new modalities of today. Known for its great strength, it is one of the most outstanding draft horses in the world with a robust but elegant appearance. However, with Modernization and the use of mechanized vehicles, its creation suffered a decrease and appreciation, being sold at lower prices. It arrived in Brazil around the 20th century, brought by the Brazilian army, the Matarrazo company and the Companhia Cervejaria Antárctica with the aim of transporting cargo. The research was based on a bibliographical review of articles, books and theses that discussed the subject and presented an understanding of the topic. Faced with many impasses and socioeconomic and technological changes in the post-war period, the creation and destiny of the Percheron horse in agriculture and society underwent changes that compromised its existence for a certain period. From a sought- after and luxurious animal used in transportation and fighting in war due to its compact morphology and good musculature, to new forms of agricultural work and leisure, in addition to its role in Modern society.

Prejudice against gender and sexual diversity among soldiers of the Brazilian army

ABSTRACT Prejudice against Gender and Sexual Diversity (GenSex prejudice) is a significant issue of scientific study. Negative attitudes towards lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and gender nonconforming people are prevalent in many countries. Gender, age, education, income, religion, and military enrolment are associated with higher prejudice levels. The present study measured GenSex prejudice in an all-male military sample of Brazilian soldiers. Participants were 354 recruits of the Brazilian Army between the ages of 18 and 20. Measures included a 5-point Likert scale to assess GenSex prejudice. Data was analyzed using descriptives and ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni comparisons. Being religious, having lower income, and being less educated were significantly associated with higher levels of prejudice. Soldiers with elementary education were more prejudiced than those with higher levels of education. Soldiers with a monthly family income of less than USD 530,36 had more GenSex prejudice than those with higher earnings. Also, religious soldiers had more prejudice than the nonreligious ones. Protestant soldiers had significantly more GenSex prejudice than all other religious groups measured. No significant differences were found between ethnic or racial groups. Results are discussed with the literature on human rights, educational practices, racial discrimination, religiosity and prejudice.

The Role of Student Coping Strategies on Success in the Command Actions Course: A Special Operations Selection Course of the Brazilian Army.

Army Command Action units in Brazil are recognized for their operational effectiveness, operating in hostile scenarios. However, these operations are extremely stressful, requiring specific stress-coping skills. The objective of this study was to identify the profile of stress-coping strategies of military personnel enrolled in the Command Actions Course (CAC) and their relationship with completion of the course. A prospective cohort study was carried out with 87 military personnel from the CAC class of 2022. Data were collected on personal characteristics, coping strategies, and stress levels, among other variables. Specific instruments were used to assess coping (Brief-COPE), stress (DASS-21), social support (MOSS), and sociodemographic variables (own instrument) to evaluate the relationship between coping with stress and course completion. Descriptive analyses were performed (central tendency and dispersion measures), and overall survival analysis was performed using the log-rank test for comparison (P < .05). Cox regression was used for multiple analyses considering a statistical significance of 5%. A total of 31% of the participants completed the course. The profile of graduates is mainly composed of young people with higher education, single status, and White. Certain coping strategies such as Active Coping (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.25-1.75) as well as high stress levels (HR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11) were associated with disengagement, while the Humor-based coping strategy reduced the chance of disengagement by 15% (HR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.98). This study highlights the importance of investigation using coping strategies in the military context as a useful tool in coping with stress in the CAC.

New development: Assessing the influence of Brazil's public governance narrowness on the Brazilian Army

IMPACT This article addresses the challenges non-English-speaking countries face in implementing imported policies and how Brazil's federal-level understanding of governance impacts sectoral public organizations. The authors’ focus is on the impacts on the Brazilian Army, an understudied organization among public administration scholars, which is often called to operate in areas other than defence policy. The insights provided in the article will help researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners to navigate such challenges by advocating for a more transparent policy debate and fostering context-specific approaches to governance. ABSTRACT Concerns have been raised in Public Money & Management about Brazil's narrow view of governance and its disregard for networks. The authors extend this debate, investigating its effects on the Brazilian Army’s governance norms and structures and whether network dynamics play a role in the army's operations. A narrow understanding of governance was discovered to persist. However, networked action exists under other-than-governance labels.

Preserving Brazil's Military Heritage: some museum management strategies

Navigating the intricacies of museum collection management within the structured confines of the Brazilian Army, this paper presents a unique yet compelling avenue for exploring the intersection of military discipline and cultural preservation. It delves into the intricacies of museum collection management within the structured and disciplined environment of the Brazilian Army, overseen by the Directorate of Historical and Cultural Heritage. Its primary objective is to shed light on the directorate's endeavours, including the challenges it faces in aligning with museological legislation and its pivotal role in curating the military museological collection. Both achievements and daily hurdles are examined in detail. Through a blend of bibliographical research and case studies, the paper was meticulously crafted, harnessing their synergy to yield comprehensive insights and facilitate robust discussions. The findings underscore the presence of proactive initiatives within the museum landscape, offering viable solutions to challenges encountered by various cultural institutions nationwide. It emphasises the importance of standardising methodologies and procedures, fostering collaboration among interdisciplinary professionals to disseminate operational tools effectively. These policies not only inform day-to-day practices but also provide valuable guidance for decision-making, serving as a crucial resource for professionals and students in the military museological cultural field and cultural managers nationwide, while also highlighting the Army's significant contribution to Brazil's cultural landscape. This analysis serves as a bridge to diverse audiences, seeking to narrow the gap between the institution and society, while reinforcing the notion that our national heritage is a collective treasure.

Teachable monuments: using the captain Kirk memorial for formal and informal history education

This study, part of the project “Museums, Monuments and Communities: Places of Public Memory,” investigates the unique value of the Captain Kirk Memorial, including those of the Aniz Domingos Museum and the Archives of the Federal Institute of Paraná as pedagogical tools in formal and informal learning environments about the Contestado War (1912-1916). These spaces, located in União da Vitória-PR and Porto União-SC, respectively, are not just monuments but “living entities” that engage the public, especially the students of the Thomaz Padilha School. Inaugurated in 2015, the Captain Kirk Memorial celebrates the historical significance of the Contestado War, which influenced public memory and often diverged from other narratives. Analyzing monuments and historical archives and conducting a community study between 2021 and 2022, we seek to deepen our understanding of the interconnections between monuments and memory, based on public history, and Oral history. We highlight the importance of pedagogical and exhibition practices, which not only provoke reflections on memory and history but also culminate in the creation of a monument for the centenary of the District of Taquara Verde, Caçador-SC, a significant site in the memory of the Contestado War. Thus, the project allowed the students and the community to connect with the past and reflect on the links between personal memory, the memory of the Brazilian army, and the memory of the thousands of caboclos-sertanejos (backlands) killed in the Contestado War. Therefore, these sites are not only educational means but also environments for dialog and understanding the dynamics of public memory. These are crucial for developing a diverse and shared historical consciousness.

Enhancing operational rations for Special Operations Forces: A qualitative analysis and roadmap for product improvement

AbstractNinety‐eight (n = 98) military personnel from the Brazilian Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) participated in 10 Focus Groups to discuss the suitability of Combat Operational Rations with the service doctrine. The operational rations provided partially meet the operational and doctrinal demands of the SOF. Although the military personnel felt secure with the rations provided, the need to customize kits with locally sourced food items before the start of the mission and complaints about the excessive packaging volume were the categories that showed the highest level of engagement. The insights obtained for improving the rations indicated the need for adjustments in palatability, menu variety, modularization, practicality, and an increase in the nutritional content of macro and micronutrients. Further studies should be conducted in partnership with military technical sectors and strategic defense companies to assess the feasibility of developing rations better aligned with the SOF doctrine.Practical ApplicationsAddressing the challenges identified in the Rations used by the Brazilian Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) is crucial for improving the readiness and performance of elite military units and offers valuable insights for academic research. This benefits the academic community by demonstrating the real‐world relevance of nutrition science, food technology, and logistics in military settings. Furthermore, the collaboration between military technical sectors and strategic defense companies presents an opportunity for industrial innovation. Companies involved in producing and supplying rations can use these findings to develop more suitable, efficient, and cost‐effective products tailored to the unique demands of SOF units.

Is tooth loss associated with oral health-related quality of life among young men? Findings from southern Brazil.

To determine the association between tooth loss and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among young men from southern Brazil. Cross-sectional study of 518 young men aged 18-19 years enlisted for mandatory military service in the Brazilian Army in two cities of southern Brazil in 2019-2021. Participants were clinically examined regarding gingivitis, dental caries experience (caries lesions, missing and filled surfaces), and malocclusion. A questionnaire collected socioeconomic information and the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP-14). The outcome was OHRQoL, modeled as a discrete variable. The main explanatory variable was tooth loss due to caries (0 or ≥1). Negative binomial regression analysis was used; rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Tooth loss prevalence was 22.2%. Associations were detected between tooth loss and OHRQoL in the physical pain and handicap domains. Individuals with at least one missing tooth had 17% higher OHIP-14 scores in the physical pain domain (adjusted RR=1.17; 95%CI=1.01, 1.35) and 49% higher in the handicap domain (adjusted RR=1.49; 95%CI=1.03, 2.15) than those with no tooth loss. Tooth loss was negatively associated with OHRQoL among 18-19-year-old Brazilian Army conscripts, and this association was related to physical pain and handicap domains.

The Brazilian army and the low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in women of the military garrison of Campinas between 2017 to 2020: a prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological study.

Given the characteristics of military missions, intense interpersonal contact, and wide variation in casual relationships, the military has long been recognized as a high-risk population for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To assess the prevalence of STIs and socioepidemiological profile of women in the military garrison of Campinas. This prospective, cross-sectional epidemiological study, assisted by the Health Fund in the military garrison of Campinas, assessed the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia, and gonococcus in military women or companions of soldiers with active or previously active sexual life. This study included 647 women based on the non-inclusion criteria. They underwent clinical and laboratory tests for diagnosis of STIs. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into groups according to the presence or absence of STIs and into age groups. Most women were military dependents, and the majority were asymptomatic. The prevalence of STIs, in ascending order, was 0.3% for hepatitis B and C, 0.62% for syphilis, 0.62% for gonorrhea, 1.08% for chlamydia, and 2.63% for HPV. There were no cases of HIV infection. The Brazilian Army has the most women-like dependents in the military, belonging to the hierarchical circle of the squares. Early onset of sexual activity favored STIs approximately twice, and younger women had approximately seven times more chlamydia infections. In the general population studied, the prevalence of STIs was lower than expected than in the armed forces of other nations.

Barriers to Balanced Scorecard institutionalization in a brazilian army unity

Purpose: Based on Kasurinen's model (2002), this study aims to analyze the barriers in the BSC institutionalization process in a Brazilian Army unit, discussing its main influencing factors. Design/methodology/approach: It is a case study with a descriptive approach. The collection of evidence was conducted through interviews, questionnaires, document analysis, and observation. Findings: The study mapped five barriers in the project: lack of top management sponsorship; organizational culture; fear of exposure of people; lack of training; and lack of systems integration. Due to the power structure in this type of organization, the barrier linked to the lack of management support exerted the main influence on the process. Originality/value: The research contributed by discussing the processes of implementation and institutionalization of management control tools and the possible barriers found in public organizations. Furthermore, it discussed how organizational characteristics can influence the process, providing factors that public managers should consider when formulating projects.

Managerialism and 4th Generation Wars: an analysis of the military thinking of the Brazilian Army

Managerialism and 4th Generation Wars: an analysis of the military thinking of the Brazilian Army

Thermal Behavior of Curaua-Aramid Hybrid Laminated Composites for Ballistic Helmet.

Hybrid composites are expanding applications in cutting-edge technology industries, which need materials capable of meeting combined properties in order to guarantee high performance and cost-effectiveness. This original article aimed for the first time to investigate the hybrid laminated composite thermal behavior, made of two types of fibers: synthetic Twaron® fabric and natural curaua non-woven mat, reinforcing epoxy matrix. The composite processing was based on the ballistic helmets methodology from the North American Personal Armor System for Ground Troops, currently used by the Brazilian Army, aiming at reduced costs, total weight, and environmental impact associated with the material without compromising ballistic performance. Thermal properties of plain epoxy, aramid fabric, and curaua mat were evaluated, as well as the other five configurations of hybrid laminated composites. These properties were compared using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with its derivative (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The results showed that the plain epoxy begins thermal degradation at 208 °C while the curaua mat at 231 °C and the aramid fabric at 477 °C. The hybrid laminated composites curves showed two or three inflections in terms of mass loss. The only sample that underwent thermal expansion was the five-aramid and three-curaua layers composite. In the third analyzed temperature interval, related to the glass transition temperature of the composites, there was, in general, an increasing thermal stability behavior.

Serological survey of leptospirosis in horses with historical displacement through different geographic regions in Brazil

Leptospirosis has worldwide occurrence and shows higher incidence in tropical areas. Equines can present several serovars according to geographic region and it is important analyze de possible contribution of animal displacement on the Leptospira spp. strains occurrence. This research aimed to conduct a serological investigation in an equine regiment belonging to the Brazilian Army Guard Cavalry, resident in an urban area of Rio de Janeiro municipality, but with history of displacement between different regions in Brazil. A microscopic agglutination test was performed in a serum bank of 197 horses using 29 Leptospira spp. strains. The test showed 94.92% positivity, with 90.36% of the animals presenting a positive result for two or more serovars. Higher titers (?1:400) could be detected in 54.31% of horses for at least one serovar, whereas seropositivity for more than one bacterial type occurred mostly at lower titers (&lt;1:400). All animals were clinically healthy. Occurrence of serogroup Icterohaemorraghiae in urban areas was confirmed; however, equine serovars Bratislava and Australis presented low frequencies. The serovars Hardjo, Wolffi, and Canicola were detected, and indicated the presence of ruminants and dogs as reservoirs in proximity in some of the places frequented by the animals. It is suggested that travel history has contributed to the high frequency found and a possible greater contact with different types of Leptospira spp. Therefore, veterinarians should consider the history of geographic displacement and other animal species coexistence with horses when conducting their clinical investigation.

From counterinsurgency to law-and-order operations: an analysis of social civic actions implemented by the Brazilian Army

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the content of social civic actions (ACISO, ações cívico-sociais) in contemporary Brazil by placing the developmental role of the Brazilian Army into a historical perspective. I describe a history of implementing social civic actions in two moments: military regime (1964–1985) and democracy (1985-present). The research further describes the geographical dimension, target population, settlement, and activities implemented by the Brazilian Army in democratic Brazil based on a dataset of ACISOS. The paper concludes ACISOS changed from actions to help fight and eliminate guerrillas to activities to ensure the population’s support towards many military objectives in contemporary operations, including counter drugs operations. Yet, the emphasis on providing public services and goods to the popular classes and the search to promote military values in society are important factors of continuity.

Renegotiations and Disallowances by Health Board for Medical-Hospital Care and High-Cost Procedures from Brazilian Army Health System in 2021

This article describes the worth of renegotiations and disallowances by the Health Board of the Brazilian Army for high-cost procedures in 2021 from all military regions. Its principal objective is to describe the economy resulting from the values renegotiated and/or disallowanced by the Board. The specific purposes are to describe the renegotiated and/or disallowanced values distinguished from each military region, to mention the primary medical specialties, and list the main reasons for renegotiations or disallowances, suggesting measures to outcome the Brazilian Army’s health audit services. It is a retrospective, descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative study. In the results, the 11th, 7th, and 2nd Regions stand out with the highest total values in the authorizations, renegotiations, and denials of 2021. Cardiointervention and Neurosurgery/Neurointervention were the areas with the most significant prominence in values, followed by Orthopedics, Oncology, Urology, and home care. We suggested measures to improve the performance of the Brazilian Army’s health audits teams, such as training and continuous education; elaboration and regular updating of the Standard Operating Procedures in audit processes; the exclusive dedication of audit team members, avoiding functional deviations; construction and updating of local market value indicators for orthoses, prostheses, and special materials; use and regular updating of the Brazilian Army’s assistance protocols; closer communication between the Board of Health, Military Regions and Military Health Organizations. This article explored the theme; however, further research must deepen and corroborate our study.

Variations in Body Measurements According to the Role Played on the Field by Football Players in the Brazilian Army

Variations in Body Measurements According to the Role Played on the Field by Football Players in the Brazilian Army

Work absences of Brazilian army soldiers associated with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Work absences of Brazilian army soldiers associated with COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Primeiro registro de melanismo no criticamente ameaçado gato-pampeano (Leopardus munoai), uma espécie endêmica das áreas abertas do Pampa

Abstract We report the first record of a melanistic individual of the critically endangered Pampa cat (Leopardus munoai), from July 8th, 2021, at 10:45 am (coordinates 30.096288° S; 54.941139° W) in the area of the Brazilian army, known as Campo de Instrução Barão de São Borja (CIBSB), popularly known as Saicã.

DA (RE)EXISTÊNCIA E LUGAR DE MEMÓRIA EM ANTES DO PASSADO, O SILÊNCIO QUE VEM DO ARAGUAIA.

The work of remembering and updating the recent past of Brazilian political history, through testimonial literature, allows us to confront the violations of human rights to which dissident political prisoners of the dictatorial government of Brazil from 1964 - 1985 were subjected. repressive actions by the Brazilian army, with the aim of eliminating and leaving no traces of opponents of the military government, torture, deaths and missing persons without whereabouts are part of this dark and irreparable chapter. In this way, in Antes do tarde, the silence that comes from Araguaia (2012), we analyze absence as an updater of memory and memorial ritualization when activated by affectivity. The theoretical supports used in this article are studies on memory, by Aleida Assmann (2011); assumptions about history and memory, by Pierre Nora (1993); and Jeanne Marie Gagnebin's approaches to remembrance (2014).