Full inclusion of women in Armed Forces

Revolution achieves full inclusion of women in the FANB 

Translation by Owen Richards

RNV

July 29, 2012

Carmen Melendez, first Admiral of Venezuela, said on Sunday that the full inclusion of Venezuelan women in the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) was achieved during Hugo Chavez’s presidential rule.

She made the comments during the Jose Vicente Hoy program, hosted by journalist Jose Vicente Rangel and transmitted by the private channel Televen.

Melendez recalled that during the Fourth Republic period, the FANB was clearly an environment only open to men. “We weren’t allowed into operational units”.

Starting in 2000, women were allowed to join all components of the FANB, “without any kind of discrimination. We have officers on ships, chief pilots, submarine crew, and tank crew. Life has changed”.

Melendez also pointed out that 26% of new graduates were women, and that the number of women currently enrolled in various [military] academies is “incredible”.

“Within ten years, we’ll have a women’s participation rate of 50% or more in the FANB”. Melendez also pointed out that “we have an National Armed Forces, that is better equipped, trained and ready to combat any aggression”.

Army reaffirms loyalty to Chavez

Translated by Owen Richards

The defense minister, Carlos Mata Figueroa sent a message of strength and solidarity to the president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, assuring that the National Armed Forces remains loyal to president Chavez and the Revolutionary Government.

“To you, whose heart fills with pride when you speak of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, now, this Armed Forces expresses its pride in having you as our Commander in Chief. You have inculcated values and principles in us, and for this, we, as soldiers of the Homeland want to express our deepest sentiments of loyalty to the Commander in Chief and the Revolutionary Government”, said the defense minister.

General Mata Figueroa wished the quick recovery of president Chavez, who underwent the removal of a cancerous tumour in Cuba.

“I take this opportunity to send a message of strength and solidarity to our commander, Hugo Chavez. For you, my commander, all our firepower, all our battle strength turned to blessings for your prompt recovery”.

He pointed out that it was a good moment for reflection, and reiterated that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces is “more united and more inspired than ever”.

He said, “this revolutionary process wants its leader back, recovered, healthy and strong, you who are the mainstay of this Revolution. You represent and constitute the best example of the unity of the people with its National Armed Forces”.

Mata Figueroa’s speech was presented at the Honour Courtyard of the Military Academy in Caracas in a ceremony to mark the Official Promotion of Generals and Admirals of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) regarding the inauguration of activities to celebrate the Bicentennial Year.

http://www.chavez.org.ve/temas/noticias/fuerza-armada-bolivariana-ratifica-lealtad-al-presidente-chavez/