Chargé d’Affaires Herro Mustafa visited the Military Academy in Amadora on 15 March where she was greeted by Major-General João Botelho Vieira Borges, the Commandant of the Academy. The Chargé delivered a speech to an audience of approximately 120 students and staff focusing on immigration, perseverance and leadership. Following the presentation, the cadets and Chargé Mustafa engaged on a variety of topics including leadership and current U.S. policies. Chargé Mustafa concluded the engagement by presenting an awards presentation to Roberto Alexandre Rosa Ladeiras, the Academy’s senior cadet.
In addition to approximately 100 second, third, fourth and fifth year Portuguese cadets, the audience included some international students from Angola, Mozambique, São Tomé and Principe, three West Point cadets from the United States, as well as professors and staff.
Outside of the formal presentation, Chargé Mustafa discussed future engagement with Major-General João Botelho Vieira Borges and members of his staff. They discussed ongoing and future cooperation, including exchanges of students, professors, and curriculum. The Portuguese and U.S. Military Academies have a ten-year history of cooperation. Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy completed their first semester abroad at the Portuguese Military Academy in 2016. Cooperation has continued to present day with three American cadets currently attending the spring semester at the Portuguese Military Academy. The engagement on March 15th was another outward sign of the vibrant partnership between the Portuguese and U.S. Armies.
The Portuguese Military Academy was founded in 1790 and prepares highly qualified Portuguese Army and Republican National Guard Officers to lead in uncertain and arduous situations. Studies center on national defense and security requirements, developed through teaching, research and community service. The Academy offers five-year and seven-year programs. Students graduate with a Master’s degree in one of four academic areas with curricula tailored to their future assignments as Army or Republican National Guard officers: military sciences, administration and management, engineering, and health.
