Brazilian army confirms promotion of first woman to the rank of general
The Brazilian Army promoted, this Wednesday (1st), the first woman to the rank of brigadier general. At 57 years old, Claudia Lima Gusmão Cacho will occupy the fourth highest position in the Force hierarchy, classified as a two-star general.
The appointment of the new general’s promotion was made on February 24th, but was only endorsed by President Lula (PT) on March 24th.
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The award took place during a ceremony in Brasília. At the event, the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Francisco Humberto Montenegro Junior, stated that Cláudia’s promotion represents “the maturity of an Army that recognizes its talents fairly and that values its professionals”.
The promotion of the new general is a milestone in the long process of female inclusion in military service, which began to admit women to its additional ranks of officers only in 1992 and voluntary enlistment as soldiers only in 2025.
Promotion generated friction at ministerial meeting
Cláudia’s promotion prompted comments from Defense Minister José Mucio during the ministerial meeting held on Tuesday (31). In conversation with Civil House Minister Rui Costa, Mucio said that he would have “done more than the entire Ministry of Women” with the nomination. The statement was captured by an open microphone during the meeting.
There were, until then, no comments from the Minister of Women, Márcia Lopes.
Who is Cláudia Gusmão?
Born in Recife, Pernambuco, Claudia Lima Gusmão Cacho is a doctor specializing in pediatrics. She joined the Army on January 30, 1996, and has since built a solid career in the health sector of the Armed Forces. In her personal life, the soldier is married and mother of two children.
The colonel has previously served as director of the Natal Garrison Hospital and the Campo Grande Area Military Hospital. She also headed the Medical Expertise Division of the Health Inspectorate in the Northeast and the Health Echelon of the 1st Military Region.
