Positive Assessment of the Armed Forces’ Activities during the 2016 Rio Olympics

By Social Communication Office, Brazilian Ministry of Defense
September 28, 2016

On September 19th, Brazilian Minister of Defense, Raul Jungmann, gave a positive assessment of the Armed Forces' activities during the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. "We've made it to the end of a cycle of major events that began in 2007, all of which have gone off without a hitch. Brazil and Rio de Janeiro demonstrated their vocation and ability to successfully host major events," Jungmann stated. During a press conference at the headquarters of the Military Command of the East, the minister highlighted the 13 Olympic medals won by military athletes and the adjustments and improvements made to the Armed Forces' training centers, which received foreign delegations. "Right here in this room, a few months ago, we made a promise that we would have calm and peaceful Olympic Games. Today, I'm happy to announce that we contributed, along with other agencies, to the Games' success. The whole world has acknowledged us," Jungmann said. During 58 days of defense-related activities, 23,000 personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force were employed to secure the Rio 2016 Games in the state capital. In the five cities that hosted soccer matches 43,000 men and women worked on the Games. This nationwide effort involved the monitoring, surveillance, and protection of 139 strategic structures. In Rio alone, the Armed Forces ensured the protection of 73 strategic structures. In Rio de Janeiro, there were 12,300 patrols, including maritime, foot, mounted, motorized, and armored vehicles. All told, 26 ships, 3,083 cars, 109 armored vehicles, 51 helicopters, 81 vessels, 80 aircraft, and 370 motorcyles were used. Minister Jungmann pointed out that the Joint Command to Prevent and Combat Terrorism did not ignore a single suspect. "We didn't overlook a single thing," he said. In Rio de Janeiro, 49 reports were made, though none represented a single attempt or threat of a terrorist attack. In terms of aerospace defense, the Air Force completed 35 interception missions, eight interrogations, and four missions involving route changes. The Cybernetic Defense Command did not record any relevant incidents during the Games. According to the command, 2,747 information assets and 805 sites were monitored. Even before the Games began, the Army had completed several operations to inspect explosives and related items. Most of the incidents involved inconsistently transporting and documenting the products. Forty-six tons of explosives, 20.5 tons of ammonium nitrate, 21,500 fuses, and 147,000 meters of det cord were seized. According to the minister, the Games' legacy also includes greater integration among public safety agencies and the Armed Forces, ensuring greater interoperability, new training, and other enhancements. In his explanation, Jungmann announced an athletic integration program for service members with disabilities, named "João do Pulo." Regarding the request from the acting Governor of Rio de Janeiro, Francisco Dornelles, that the Armed Forces continue working a while longer on security measures in the city, Minister Jungmann said that Brazilian President Michel Temer was expected to consider the request in the next few days. "We are able to contribute our intelligence, training, logistics, and equipment. However, the Armed Forces cannot replace the role of public safety," Jungmann added. At the end of the presentation of results, Jungmann spoke about the Armed Forces' next mission, when they will be employed during the 2016 municipal elections on October 2nd and 30th. "Duly authorized by the President of Brazil, the Armed Forces are going to ensure fair voting and tallying in seven states, with military troops in 107 cities," the minister said.