[Sample B: Approval/Signature Sheet] - George Mason University

1.3 Current Defense Structure and the Brazilian Air Force (BAF)
The Brazilian Ministry of Defense (MD), created in 1999, is the federal agency in
charge of the upward direction of the Armed Forces, comprised of the Navy, the Army
and the Air Force. One of its main tasks is to establish policies related to defense and
security of the country and is the ―main initiator of actions involving more than one
singular force.‖ 14
The MD is responsible for a wide and diverse range of subjects, some of which
are of great sensitivity and complexity, for example, military operations, the defense
budget, military policy, military strategy, and military service.
Subordinated to the MD, the BAF performs a wide array of activities in order to
pursue the achievement of its constitutional duties. They include ―formulating strategic
planning and performing actions for the defense of the country in the aerospace field, and
being always able to act in the full spectrum of operations envisaged in the Military
Doctrine of Defense.‖ 15
In order to accomplish its role, the BAF must contribute with other services and
federal agencies by exercising the ―control of sensitive airspace areas; defending airports,
aviation facilities and others considered of interest; providing the necessary air
14
―Ministério da Defesa,‖ https://www.defesa.gov.br/index.php/o-que-e-o-md.html (accessed December 1,
2010).
15
Comando da Aeronáutica, ICA 11-1 Missão da Aeronáutica (Brasilia, Brasil: Comando da Aeronáutica,
2007), 11.
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