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The 13th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the Barão de Melgaço Brigade, gathered 183 soldiers in August 2026 at the Instruction Field of the 18th Field Artillery Group in Mato Grosso for the Collective Fire Exercise using howitzers, mortars, and machine guns, according to a statement from the Brazilian Army.
The Brazilian Army convened 183 soldiers from the 13th Motorized Infantry Brigade, the Barão de Melgaço Brigade, for the Collective Fire Exercise (TAC), held in August 2026 at the Instruction Field of the 18th Field Artillery Group (18th GAC). Howitzers, mortars, and machine guns were employed throughout the training, which tested the precision, coordination, and quick response of the troops.
The information was included in a statement published by the Brazilian Army on September 14, 2026, dated from Cuiabá (MT). According to the text, the exercise simulated situations similar to those required in an operational environment.
Six military organizations participated, from Brigade Command to Jauru Border Command
The 183 soldiers came from six organizations: the Brigade Command, the 14th Motorized Infantry Battalion, the 58th Motorized Infantry Battalion, the Jauru Border Command / 66th Motorized Infantry Battalion, the 18th Field Artillery Group, and the Command Company of the 13th Motorized Infantry Brigade.
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Infantry, artillery, and the border unit trained on the same field, under the command of the Barão de Melgaço Brigade.
Howitzers, Mortars, and Machine Guns in Coordinated Action
image: Brazilian Army
The three types of collective weaponry were employed throughout the exercise, according to the report. The units had the opportunity to apply technical knowledge in coordinated actions, rather than in isolated shots from each unit.
More than just shooting: procedures and skills for synchronized employment
Executing the firing was only part of the task. According to the Army, the soldiers needed to apply procedures and mobilize essential skills for the effective synchronized use of collective weapons.
Situations replicated what is required in an operational environment
The TAC was set up to replicate situations close to those required in an operational environment, according to the report. Precision, coordination, and rapid response were the elements put to the test at the Instruction Field of the 18th Field Artillery Group.
Exercise is a step in the training cycle and measured the level of preparation
The activity represented an important step in the training cycle of the Barão de Melgaço Brigade, according to the Army. The exercise allowed the assessment of the troop’s level of preparation and the refinement of techniques and procedures.
Integration among units and cohesive strength for operational demands
The training also enhanced integration among the different military organizations involved, according to the report. Joint operations, according to the Army, strengthen the coordination capacity among the units and contribute to maintaining a cohesive and prepared force to respond to operational demands.
Note of September 14 documents the exercise conducted in August
The Collective Fire Exercise (TAC) took place in August 2026 and was announced by the Brazilian Army on September 14, featuring photographic documentation from the 13th Motorized Infantry Brigade. The 183 military personnel from the six participating organizations completed this phase within the training cycle of the Barão de Melgaço Brigade in Mato Grosso.
In your opinion, should live-fire exercises like those of the Barão de Melgaço Brigade occur more frequently within Army units, or is the current training cycle sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments.
