Military ranks of Brazil

The shoulder epaulette pads from Navy and Air Force indicate both rank and specialty branch.

Another important point to mention is that police forces are subordinate to the governors of their respective states.

These positions are freely appointed by each governor and are exclusively assigned to senior officers, most of whom are colonels.

It is worth noting that the Brazilian system includes a preparatory stage before entering the military academy.

Unlike officers, future NCOs are not classified as Cadets but rather as Students (Aluno in PT).

Students who graduate from sergeant courses can attain the positions of Sub-Lieutenant (in the army or police) or Sub-Officer (in Navy, Air Force and Marines).

However, depending on the NCO's performance and additional courses completed, they may rise to the rank of Captain.