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Amid the basic period of military training, ESA students report loss of motivation after witnessing career complaints, psychological pressure, and even instructors working as app drivers outside the barracks
The increase in the number of voluntary dropouts of students from the School of Sergeants of Arms (ESA) in 2026 began to draw attention within the military community and also among candidates who dream of pursuing a career in the Brazilian Army. Although dropouts during training have always existed, recent reports indicate that the main motivation has changed — and this is causing concern even among veteran military personnel.
According to testimonies published by students and family members on social media throughout May 2026, many students are leaving the course not only due to the traditional physical or psychological pressure of military training but also due to a factor considered unexpected: the demotivation caused by the very reality of the sergeant’s career.
The information gained traction after reports shared by the channel Speed Militar on May 14, 2026, where students claim to have witnessed instructors complaining about the military career and even working as app drivers outside of service hours.
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Dropouts at ESA have always existed, but motivation changed in 2026
Historically, the highest number of dropouts at ESA usually occurs during the so-called “Zero Week,” an adaptation period conducted right at the beginning of the military course. It is at this stage that many candidates face the first reality shock of the routine in the Army.
The adaptation includes:
- Strong disciplinary demand
- Constant psychological pressure
- Few hours of sleep
- Intense physical demand
- Rigid routine and lack of autonomy
- Frequent shifts and duties
Additionally, units located in colder regions of the country, such as Alegrete and Blumenau, also tend to register additional difficulties for students coming from warmer states.
However, according to reports released in May, this year’s scenario presents a differential. According to students in the basic period, many dropouts are happening even after the initial adaptation phase.
“My son said that yesterday three left,” reported a student’s mother in a post shared on social media. Another student stated that colleagues decided to request dropout after witnessing sergeants complaining about the military career daily.
According to the reports, some students began to question their professional future upon discovering that graduated military personnel were seeking extra income outside the barracks.
Reports about sergeants driving for Uber increased psychological impact on students
Among the comments that resonated most among candidates and reserve military personnel is the information that some third sergeants were working as app drivers outside of service hours.
Although there is no official survey by the Brazilian Army on this type of side activity, the topic gained traction after military profiles on social media shared alleged numbers of discharge requests made by sergeants in 2026.
According to ESA students, the situation ends up causing a psychological effect within the training.
This is because many students arrive at the school with an idealized view of a military career. However, upon witnessing frequent complaints about salary, routine, and professional prospects, some of them begin to reconsider staying in the course.
“There are instructors complaining about the career all the time,” commented a student in a post shared on social media.
Another student stated that, despite “being enthusiastic about the Army,” he began to see that stability might not outweigh the profession’s wear and tear.
Pressure of military training remains one of the main factors
Even with the new wave of demotivation, experts and veteran military personnel emphasize that ESA training remains extremely demanding.
The course lasts approximately two years and requires a high level of emotional resilience and continuous discipline. During this period, students experience:
- Little rest time
- High volume of studies
- Constant physical training
- Rigid hierarchy
- Intense performance pressure
- Distance from family
Moreover, the military environment naturally reduces individual freedom, especially during the basic period.
For many candidates, the combination of physical exhaustion and doubts about their professional future ends up weighing more than expected.
Experts warn about romanticizing military careers
The increase in dropouts also reignited an old debate among military exam candidates: the romanticization of the career.
According to various content creators focused on military exams, many candidates start their studies motivated only by financial stability, the status of the uniform, or the emotional influence of social media.
However, veterans warn that the reality of the profession is much more complex.
Before choosing any public exam — especially military —, experts recommend that candidates research deeply about the career routine and speak directly with professionals in the field.
The guidance includes analyzing:
- Actual work routine
- Quality of life
- Mandatory transfers
- Psychological impact of the profession
- Salary perspective
- Service schedules
- Relationship between personal life and career
As published by candidates on social media in May 2026, many students claim that they only understood the true weight of the career after joining the ESA.
Debate on Military Appreciation Grows on Social Media
The topic also expanded discussions about salary appreciation in the Armed Forces.
Although the Brazilian Army remains one of the most respected institutions in the country, low and mid-ranking military personnel frequently use social media to report financial difficulties, professional weariness, and dissatisfaction with career progression.
Even so, many military personnel continue to defend the profession and claim that the career remains an excellent opportunity for those with a true military vocation.
Despite the negative repercussions involving recent dismissals, students and veterans emphasize that there are thousands of military personnel satisfied with the profession throughout the country.
The discussion, however, highlighted an important point for those intending to join the ESA: to deeply understand the career before investing years of preparation.
According to reports released in May 2026, many of the students who dropped out stated that the shock between expectation and reality ended up being greater than they imagined.
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