Antarctica: the importance of armed forces logistics support to the scientific research

Abstract

The main objective of this study is a data survey regarding the participation of the Armed Forces in supporting the Antarctic Program. It examines how the Armed Forces were structured to meet the logistical needs in order to back the Brazilian Scientific Community in the frozen continent and the limits imposed by the difficulty of operating in the southern region, especially those determined by legal orders. It was necessary to raise and discuss the main principles and evaluate how the logistical support of the Armed Forces may contribute to promote the Brazilian scientific research in Antarctica. The main concepts involved pertain to logistics as an activity related to the support of the scientific activity as well as its relation with the regional geopolitics. Exploratory research was applied through the documentary review of the main legal provisions that regulate the exploitation of that continent, namely, the Antarctic Treaty and the Madrid Protocol. At the same time, the bibliography of some scholars was analyzed, especially Russell (2000 ) and Castro (1976 ). The  obtained information received a qualitative treatment. The resulting findings prove the existence of restrictions and difficulties in supporting operations on the continent. However, despite the problems, the structure adopted by the Armed Forces meets the program demands. The study also points at the necessity of expanding activities into the continent, which will require new challenges for the Ministry of Defense and to the logistics.