Brazilian Defense Minister attends Aman cadet ceremony

Defense Minister José Mucio Monteiro attended the traditional ceremony at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy (Aman) in Resende, Rio de Janeiro. During the event, the minister presented the 'espadim'—a ceremonial small sword—to 359 Brazilian Army cadets, including 35 female cadets.

One of the highlights was the presentation of the espadim to the top-ranking cadet of the General Gleuber Vieria class, Caio Schops Santos. Additionally, nine cadets from foreign nations, including South Africa, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Mozambique, Namibia, Paraguay, Senegal, and Tanzania, received replicas of the sword.

Since 1932, this annual ceremony has been part of the training process for future officers. The espadim, a smaller version of the sword of the Duke of Caxias, serves as a symbol of honor and commitment. Cadets retain the item throughout their approximately 20-month academic training, returning it upon completion to receive their official officer swords.