Infantry provides security and defense at Latin America’s largest warfare exercise.
CRUZEX 2024, Latin America’s largest military exercise, brought together thousands of participants from various nations in Natal (RN) for complex mission simulations and joint training among armed forces from different countries.
To ensure the safety and protection of all involved, the Force Protection (FP) Cell played an essential role, coordinating a contingent of 537 Air Force Infantry soldiers from different regions of Brazil. This specialized team, led by Major Guilherme Henrique Barbosa de Souza, worked to protect Air Force assets, including aircraft, equipment, materials, and personnel involved in the training.
Strategic Missions and Operational Control
Force Protection activities required preparation and advanced technology. With the mission of supervising and protecting the most sensitive areas of the exercise, the FP contingent carried out operations that included credentialing over 3,600 participants, integrating electronic access control systems, and securing restricted areas at Natal Air Base (BANT). An average of 9,300 daily access entries were monitored and recorded to ensure compliance with security protocols.
The FP was also responsible for patrolling access roads to BANT and parking areas, utilizing an advanced electronic surveillance system with sensors and cameras, as well as Motorized Reaction Teams for a rapid response to any situation.
“The use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft enhanced our situational awareness, allowing FP to monitor the entire BANT area with greater precision,” explains Major Ewerton Ricardo de Menezes Rodrigues, FP Operations Chief. This technology provided an open view of the environment, ensuring the protection of facilities.
Additionally, FP was responsible for securing the radar and installations of the Group of Communication and Control (GCC), which were deployed across various locations in the states of Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, and Paraíba.
This strategy extended security beyond the main base, also protecting critical telecommunications and information points.
Challenges and Learning for FP Soldiers
For Lieutenant Marcus Vinicius Portela Leal do Prado, from Brasília Security and Defense Group (GSD-BR), the experience was a true test of leadership and preparedness. As FP Commander and Duty Officer at CRUZEX 2024 Headquarter, he was responsible for commanding and supervising security during 24-hour shifts at the Exercise Headquarters.
“Leading a group of dedicated sergeants, corporals, and soldiers was an incredible experience. We planned every detail and trained intensely to ensure everyone was ready for any scenario,” he shared. “It was an intense experience with a lot of learning,” concluded Lieutenant Portela, highlighting the challenge of ensuring security and operational efficiency.
