Brazilian Army captain Carlos Lamarca deserts in order to fight against the military dictatorship, taking with him ten machine guns and 63 rifles.

The Brazilian Army: A Legacy of National Defense and Sociopolitical Influence

The Brazilian Army, known in Portuguese as the Exército Brasileiro, serves as the venerable land arm of the Brazilian Armed Forces, a cornerstone of national sovereignty and security. As a pivotal institution, it has historically played a multifaceted role, engaging in both international conflicts and significant domestic affairs that have profoundly shaped Brazil's geopolitical landscape and internal governance.

Historical Engagements on the World Stage

Throughout its history, the Brazilian Army has participated in numerous international conflicts, primarily focusing on South America during the 19th century. These engagements were crucial in defining national borders and asserting Brazilian influence in the region. Notable examples include its involvement in the Cisplatine War (1825–1828), which led to the independence of Uruguay, and its decisive role in the Platine War (1851–1852) and the devastating Paraguayan War (also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, 1864–1870), one of the deadliest conflicts in South American history.

In the 20th century, the Brazilian Army extended its reach beyond the continent, actively participating on the Allied side in both World War I and World War II. During World War I, Brazil’s contribution was primarily naval and medical, but it signified a growing international presence. Its most significant military deployment, however, occurred during World War II with the formation of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB). Comprising ground troops, the FEB was the only South American contingent to send combat forces to fight in Europe. Under U.S. command, the "Cobras Fumantes" (Smoking Cobras) distinguished themselves in the brutal Italian Campaign, notably at Monte Castello, Montese, and Castelnuovo, demonstrating their combat prowess against Axis forces.

Aligned with the Western Bloc during the Cold War, particularly throughout the period of military dictatorship in Brazil from 1964 to 1985, the Army also played an active role in regional anti-communist efforts across Latin America. This involvement extended to intelligence cooperation and support for counter-insurgency operations. Furthermore, Brazil maintained a presence in Southern Portuguese Africa (specifically Angola and Mozambique) through its anti-communist alignment. Beyond Cold War geopolitics, the Brazilian Army has been a consistent contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide since the late 1950s, deploying troops to conflict zones such as the Suez Crisis and the Congo, and continuing its commitment to global stability to this day.

Domestic Influence and Periods of Rule

Domestically, the Brazilian Army has served as a central force in maintaining internal order, often facing and suppressing numerous rebellions throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. These ranged from regional revolts to more widespread civil unrest, frequently with the backing and support of local political and economic elites seeking to preserve social hierarchies and specific interests.

Beyond its conventional military and internal security duties, the Army has also historically asserted significant political power, directly intervening in governance and imposing its political views and economic development projects during various periods of direct rule. Its instrumental role in ending the monarchy and proclaiming the First Brazilian Republic in 1889 marked a pivotal moment, ushering in the "República da Espada" (Sword Republic) from 1889 to 1894, during which military presidents governed the nascent republic. Later, the Army played a crucial part in the 1930 Revolution, which brought Getúlio Vargas to power, influencing the country's direction through the First Vargas period and the subsequent Dutra years (1930–1950), a period characterized by nationalist and developmentalist policies, including the authoritarian Estado Novo (1937–1945).

The most recent and impactful period of military rule occurred from 1964 to 1985. During this time, the Brazilian Army, as the dominant force within the military regime, implemented a highly centralized government, often characterized by political repression, censorship, and widespread human rights abuses, including systematic torture of dissidents. Simultaneously, it pursued ambitious economic development projects, often referred to as the "Brazilian Miracle," which led to significant industrialization and infrastructure growth but also exacerbated social inequalities. This period left a lasting legacy on Brazilian society and its political landscape.

Key Figure: Carlos Lamarca and the Armed Resistance

Carlos Lamarca (October 23, 1937 – September 17, 1971) was a figure of immense significance in Brazil's modern history. A Brazilian Army Captain by profession, Lamarca made the pivotal decision to desert his post to join the armed resistance movements that emerged in opposition to the repressive military dictatorship established in 1964. His defection symbolized a profound ideological break with the established order and a commitment to fighting for democratic and socialist ideals.

The Popular Revolutionary Vanguard and the Struggle Against State Terrorism

Lamarca became a prominent member of the Popular Revolutionary Vanguard (Vanguarda Popular Revolucionária - VPR), a Marxist-Leninist guerrilla organization dedicated to overthrowing the military regime and establishing a socialist state. Along with Carlos Marighella, another highly influential revolutionary leader and theorist, Lamarca became one of the most recognized figures in the armed struggle against the dictatorship. These groups resorted to armed actions as a response to the closure of all democratic avenues for opposition and dissent by the regime.

The decision by these armed groups to take up arms was primarily driven by the dire need for self-protection against what they perceived as and described as "state terrorism" unleashed by the right-wing dictatorship. This state-sponsored repression involved a systematic campaign of human rights abuses against anyone who opposed the regime. This included arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, pervasive censorship, and institutionalized torture, often carried out by security organs like the DOI-CODI (Detachment of Operations and Information - Center of Internal Defense Operations). The targets of this brutal repression were not limited to active combatants but extended broadly to students, journalists, clergy members, artists, and even the families and children of those who advocated for democracy or expressed any form of dissent, aiming to instill widespread fear and stifle all opposition.

In this context of extreme state violence, a few armed groups, including the VPR, resorted to controversial tactics such as kidnappings. These actions were primarily conducted as a desperate means to secure the release of imprisoned comrades who were suffering extremely brutal torture in Brazil's clandestine prisons. A well-known example is the 1969 kidnapping of U.S. Ambassador Charles Burke Elbrick, which resulted in the exchange and release of fifteen political prisoners. While highly contentious, these acts underscore the severe human rights conditions and the desperate measures adopted by those resisting the authoritarian regime.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Brazilian Army and Carlos Lamarca

What is the primary role of the Brazilian Army?
The Brazilian Army serves as the land arm of the Brazilian Armed Forces, primarily responsible for national defense, border security, and maintaining internal order. It also participates in international peacekeeping missions.
Did the Brazilian Army fight in major global conflicts?
Yes, the Brazilian Army fought on the Allied side in both World War I and World War II. Its most significant contribution was the Brazilian Expeditionary Force (FEB) in World War II, which fought in the Italian Campaign.
When did the Brazilian Army directly rule the country?
The Brazilian Army exercised direct political rule during several periods, including the "República da Espada" (1889–1894), the First Vargas period and Dutra years (1930–1950), and most notably, the military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985.
Who was Carlos Lamarca?
Carlos Lamarca was a Brazilian Army Captain who deserted his post to become a prominent leader in the armed resistance against the Brazilian military dictatorship (1964–1985). He was a key figure in the Popular Revolutionary Vanguard (VPR).
Why did armed groups like the VPR engage in resistance?
Armed groups like the VPR engaged in resistance, including armed struggle and controversial actions like kidnappings, primarily in response to the severe political repression, state terrorism, and systematic torture unleashed by the military dictatorship against dissidents and anyone perceived as an opponent of the regime.