Brigadier-General Bartolomeu Pedro Martins de Bastos took office as the new Commander of the School of Arms, in Mafra, succeeding Major-General Octávio João Marques Avelar. The ceremony took place at the "Magalheses Osório" Parade and included ceremonial moments such as the signing of the Command Term of Office, the delivery of the National Standard, and the imposition of the Coat of Arms on the new responsible.
Martins de Bastos joined the Military Academy in 1988 and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General in August 2026. His predecessor, Marques Avelar, had been serving as Commander of the School of Arms since January 2025.
The Portuguese Army carried out two changes in its command structure this week. In addition to the takeover ceremony in Mafra, Marques Avelar took up the position of Director of Training, in Évora, in a move that represents a swap of positions between the two units.
