The Brazilian government has announced a significant salary adjustment for military personnel, set to take effect in April 2025. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the remuneration of the Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
On March 28, 2025, the federal government published Provisional Measure No. 1.293, which outlines a 9% salary increase for military ranks. This increase will be implemented in two phases: 4.5% in April 2025 and another 4.5% in January 2026. The measure was signed by Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, who is acting as President during Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's trip to Asia.
The financial implications of this salary adjustment are considerable, with an estimated fiscal impact of R$ 3 billion. This adjustment is not just a routine increment but a significant step in recognizing the essential services provided by military personnel. The last salary increase for the military occurred in 2023, during a pension reform that saw adjustments in military compensation.
The base pay for lower ranks, such as recruits and soldiers, will rise from R$ 1,078 to R$ 1,127 in April 2025. Following the second installment in January 2026, this pay will increase further to R$ 1,177. For higher ranks, including admirals and generals, the salary will increase from R$ 13,471 to R$ 14,077 in April 2025, and then to R$ 14,711 in January 2026.
It's important to note that the implementation of this salary increase is contingent upon the approval of the Annual Budget Law (LOA) for 2025. If the budget is sanctioned with the necessary resources, the new salary structure will officially come into effect on April 1, 2025. This means that while the announcement has been made, its execution hinges on legislative processes that are yet to unfold.
The negotiations leading to this salary adjustment were conducted between August and September 2024, involving Minister of Defense José Múcio Monteiro, President Lula, and the Commanders of the Armed Forces. These discussions reflect a commitment to improving the financial conditions of military personnel, which has been a topic of concern in recent years.
Historically, military salary adjustments in Brazil have seen fluctuations, with the last notable increase occurring during the presidency of Dilma Rousseff. The previous administration, led by Jair Bolsonaro, had also implemented salary adjustments in four installments starting in 2020, which resulted from a restructuring of military careers that included substantial increases in bonuses—some reaching up to 150% for higher ranks.
As the government moves forward with this new salary adjustment, it highlights the importance of supporting military personnel through competitive compensation, particularly given the significant roles they play in national security and public safety.
In summary, the Brazilian federal government has laid out a clear plan for enhancing military salaries, with a focus on ensuring that the financial benefits are both substantial and sustainable. The next steps will depend on the legislative approval of the budget, which will determine the practical implementation of these adjustments.
