Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
5 min of reading 
1 comment 
The Living Legend: Assombroso, The Greatest Sniper of The Brazilian Army, Who Defied All Odds, Accumulated Numerous Successful Missions and a Number of Kills Kept Classified by The Armed Forces
Surely you have seen movies that portray the life of an exceptional soldier, highly trained and full of unique skills, usually belonging to the United States Armed Forces. Americans love to explore this theme in their films, just as Brazilians enjoy Hollywood productions. We know these characters well.
Now, what if I tell you that Brazilians also have their own war heroes? Today, you will get to know the greatest sniper of the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Early Years and First Steps in Shooting of Marco Antônio de Souza, The Greatest Sniper of The Brazilian Army
Sergeant Marco Antônio de Souza is recognized as the greatest sniper of the Brazilian Armed Forces. His impressive journey began in Rio de Janeiro, where he was born on December 21, 1964. Raised in a humble family, Marco moved to a rural area when he was still young. His first contact with firearms came through his father, a former soldier, who owned a rifle. The family’s house was close to the old Rio-São Paulo Highway, where Marco often saw soldiers marching. This military environment ignited in him the desire to become a soldier.
-
The U.S. Army receives the first Black Hawk helicopter that can fly without pilots, be controlled by a tablet, and even land on its own during high-risk missions.
-
With 11,000 tons and sensors capable of hunting submarines at long distances, the Type 055 has become one of the most feared floating arsenals of the Chinese navy.
-
With over 15,000 tons, radars capable of tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously, and more than 120 missiles ready for launch in seconds, modern destroyers cease to be escorts and begin to dominate the naval battlefield.
-
With over 15,000 tons, radars capable of tracking hundreds of targets simultaneously, and more than 120 missiles ready for launch in seconds, modern destroyers cease to be escorts and begin to dominate the naval battlefield.
Rise in The Armed Forces
On June 30, 1982, at the age of 18, Marco presented himself to the military enlistment board in Baixada Fluminense. In February 1983, he was incorporated into the Parachute Infantry Brigade of the Brazilian Army. From the beginning, his skill with weapons caught the attention of his superiors. He successfully completed parachutist training, proving to be a skilled and dedicated soldier. After joining the Armed Forces, Marco discovered the special groups within the Army. Determined to be part of these elite units, he seized the opportunity when it arose.
After graduation, an officer announced the creation of the 1st Special Forces Battalion, which was accepting new recruits. Of the 80 soldiers who showed up, only nine were selected, including Marco. Marco excelled in the rigorous training of the Special Forces, becoming a member of the Command troop and specializing as a sniper for the Armed Forces.
Marco Stood Out in The Intense Training of The Special Forces, Became a Member of The Command Troop and Specialized as a Sniper
The training for the Special Forces was extremely rigorous, but Marco stood out and became a member of the Command troop. It was during this time that he specialized as a sniper, known in Brazil as a hunter. His skill soon became known in military circles, and he began to be mentored by experienced marksmen. In the late 1980s, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Álvaro Pinheiro, Marco specialized in urban combat and missions in favelas.
At the beginning of his career, Marco received intensive training from experts like Sergeant Deusdedit Cortes and Lieutenant Roberto Queiroz. Both were renowned marksmen and were instrumental in developing Marco’s skills. He absorbed every technique taught, always seeking to improve his performance.
Marco Becomes a Legend in Haiti
It all began in 2004 when a civil war broke out in a small, poor country in Central America. That same year, the UN created a special force to control the political situation in the country and chose Brazil, the largest military power in Latin America, to lead and stabilize the region. Because of this, you can imagine there is a perfect Brazilian soldier for this situation, right? Fortunately, that is what the Brazilian forces’ officers thought as well. Marco Antônio was sent to Haiti in 2006, already a veteran, at 42 years old. In critical missions, he demonstrated his expertise by eliminating enemies with precision and assisting in complex operations.
During the operation in Cité Soleil, one of the most dangerous areas of Port-au-Prince, Marco became a legend by eliminating enemies with a 100% accuracy rate. His deeds in Haiti were widely recognized. In addition to military operations, Marco participated in humanitarian missions following the devastating earthquake in 2010. His role in rescuing people from the rubble, including a nurse, was highlighted in the Brazilian media.
High-Risk Operations and Missions by The Armed Forces
Marco executed several high-risk operations in Haiti for the Armed Forces. In a crucial mission, he and another sniper eliminated a famous enemy shooter known for causing significant casualties among UN forces. Capturing strategic points, such as a house at the beginning of the slum, was essential for the gradual retaking of Cité Soleil. During a counterattack by gangs, Marco positioned himself atop a water tank and, with impeccable precision, neutralized enemies, forcing them to retreat.
His skill with the Heckler & Koch PSG-1, caliber 7.62mm, was crucial in many of these missions. Marco tested the performance of the PSG-1 with Finnish Lapua ammunition, hitting targets at distances of up to 600 meters with extreme precision. This rifle became an extension of his skills, solidifying his reputation as the greatest sniper of the Brazilian Army.
Return to Brazil and Legacy as The Greatest Sniper in The Country
Marco returned to Brazil in 2007 but went back to Haiti in 2010 to assist in post-earthquake stabilization. He continued serving as a Special Forces instructor until his retirement in 2013. His legacy as the greatest sniper in Brazil is marked by numerous successful missions and a number of kills kept classified by the Armed Forces.
Marco Antônio de Souza, Assombroso, is an iconic figure in the Brazilian Army. His dedication, skill, and courage make him a true military legend. The Special Forces Hunter Instruction Center displays his portrait in homage to the greatest sniper in Brazil’s history.
Marco Retired in 2013, but His Impact on The Armed Forces Remains
After a brilliant career in the Armed Forces, Marco retired in 2013, but his impact on the Armed Forces remains. He continues to inspire new soldiers with his stories of bravery and precision. The recognition of his achievements is evident in the numerous honors and commendations he has received over the years.
In the Armed Forces, Marco also dedicated part of his life to training new elite marksmen, sharing his techniques and experiences. He believes that rigorous training and discipline are essential to form new snipers. His contribution to the training of new soldiers is invaluable, ensuring that his legacy continues to live on in the Brazilian Armed Forces.
Assombroso herói brasileiro. Sua vida deveria inspirar um filme.