Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inspected this Friday military training exercises, reinforcing the nation’s defensive system and highlighting the significant female participation among cadets.

Venezuelan Acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, visited on May 8 Fuerte Terepaima in Lara state to inspect military training maneuvers for the nation’s future officers.

These exercises, dubbed “Terepaima 2026“, are central to validating the operational capabilities of first-year cadets from the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela (UMBV, in Spanish), who engaged in squad combat, patrolling and area defense practices under comprehensive defense doctrine standards.

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The activities underscore a commitment to fortifying Venezuela’s Territorial Defensive System to guarantee national sovereignty against any external threats, a core principle of the Bolivarian Revolution.

During her inspection, Rodríguez was accompanied by the Minister of People’s Power for Defense, General in Chief (GJ) Gustavo González López and the Strategic Operational Commander of the FANB, Major General (MG) Rafael Prieto Martínez. Together, they observed the rigorous training regimen designed to forge disciplined and ideologically conscious military leaders.

Text reads: “Accompanied by the Military High Command, I visited Fort Terepaima in the state of Lara where maneuvers are being conducted for the training of future FANB officers. From here, we reaffirm with our glorious military youth the legacy of independence of our liberators.

Let’s always wear with pride the badge of being Bolívar’s children, defending the rights of a free, sovereign and prosperous Venezuela.”

The “Terepaima 2026” exercises are not merely about physical prowess but also about instilling a profound sense of patriotism and adherence to the principles of Liberator Simon Bolívar and Commander Hugo Chávez, emphasizing a holistic approach to military education.

In this sense, evoking the profound legacy of Liberator Simón Bolívar, Rodríguez reminded the young cadets that “it doesn’t matter the rank with which you begin; what matters is the soul with which you serve.” She passionately asserted that the cadet who trains with discipline and honor today is “the general of tomorrow who will liberate people“, highlighting the transformative potential of their commitment.

In parallel, she proudly highlighted the significant strides made in gender equality within the armed forces.

“As a woman, I am proud to know that 34% of the cadets currently undergoing training are women“, Rodríguez pointed out. She lauded this achievement as a historic recognition of Bolivarian legacy, urging the students to proudly carry the insignia of being the children of Bolívar and Chávez. This call to identity aims to empower them to “always uphold the rights of a free, independent and sovereign Venezuela.”

Furthermore, Rodríguez shared a poignant moment, recalling when she received the Commander’s Baton, an act that reaffirmed her oath to uphold the legacy of the heroes and martyrs who built a dignified Venezuela.

“I hand this Commander’s Baton to the people of Venezuela; let the Venezuelan people command. This Commander’s Baton, dear cadets, also belongs to you“, she declared. This symbolic gesture underscored the civilian-military union, a fundamental pillar of the Bolivarian process, where the military is seen as an integral part of the people, dedicated to their defense and empowerment.

Beyond physical training, Rodríguez underscored that military formation encompasses the critical consciousness necessary to nurture love for the homeland and its unyielding defense. This intellectual and moral dimension of military education is crucial for shaping officers who can discern and respond to complex geopolitical challenges.

By integrating schools from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Bolivarian National Guard and Health Sciences, the Bolivarian Military University of Venezuela reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Civic-Military Union, a fundamental principle under the conviction that in the country “the people are the army, and the army is the people.”

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