General Marcus Alexandre Fernandes de Araújo assumed command of the 3rd Army Division in Santa Maria on 11 December, promising to focus on professional training, stronger ties with local communities and the historic inclusion of women in initial military service. He took over from General Paulo Roberto Rodrigues Pimentel and outlined priorities for 2026 in an interview with the programme F5.
Born in Rio de Janeiro but with family roots in Santa Maria, Araújo joined the Army at 14 and graduated from the Military Academy of Agulhas Negras in 1990. His career has spanned operational and strategic roles, including leadership of the 3rd Motorised Infantry Brigade in Goiás and positions in project oversight and science and technology departments. He was promoted to general in 2020.
Brazil army women to join service in Santa Maria
In a move described by the commander as culturally significant, women will enter initial military service in Santa Maria for the first time in 2026. A total of 255 women voluntarily registered for enlistment in the municipality, and 39 will be incorporated as temporary soldiers next year. They will undergo the same basic instruction and qualification phases as male recruits, covering individual training and collective exercises designed to prepare them for military duties and future civilian employment.
Araújo emphasised that the military intends to support both professional development and civic formation, giving recruits skills that are transferable to the labour market after their service. “The Army is a possibility for men and women,” he said, noting that the temporary service can lead to a permanent career through public selection for either officer or non-commissioned ranks.
The newly incorporated women will be stationed in three local units: the Garrison Administrative Base, the Military College and the General Hospital of Santa Maria. According to the commander, all necessary structural adjustments, including accommodation and bathroom facilities, have been completed. Planning for these changes began under the previous command and were well advanced before Araújo’s arrival.
Looking beyond 2026, the division expects to expand places for women. In 2027 the number of vacancies in Santa Maria should reach 116 and openings will be made available in municipalities such as Santiago, Santo Ângelo and São Borja. Araújo said the initial intake aims to spark interest, broaden horizons and demonstrate that military service is a real option for women.
The 3rd Army Division has responsibility for 342 municipalities and around 60 percent of Rio Grande do Sul. Its force comprises roughly 15,000 personnel across 44 military organisations, 21 of which are based in Santa Maria. Araújo described the division as among the most operational commands in the Army, with more than 600 armoured vehicles and four major subordinate commands.
For 2026 the division will concentrate on enhancing technical and operational readiness. The year will be structured around regular weeks of instruction and training to ensure troops remain capable of executing institutional missions. Araújo also reiterated the Division’s role in providing subsidiary support to society when required.
As the first female recruits prepare to begin service, the command aims to balance operational demands with a sustained effort to integrate military activity with community needs. The commander invited the public to follow the full interview on F5 for a more detailed account of the Division’s plans and the path ahead for new soldiers.
Key Takeaways:
- New commander of Brazil’s 3rd Army Division prioritises troop training and community integration.
- For the first time women will join initial military service in Santa Maria, with 39 recruits to be incorporated in 2026.
- Infrastructure and housing adaptations for female soldiers are already complete in key local units.
- Command plans to expand female recruitment to more municipalities in 2027 while maintaining a focus on operational readiness.
