Editing Brazilian Advanced War College (section)

===ESG’s Connection to Condor===
The ESG’s connection to Operation Condor is significant, rooted in its role as a training ground for Brazil’s military elite and its ideological alignment with Condor’s anti-communist objectives:

Training of Condor Operatives: ESG graduates were assigned to Condor units, the school trained many officers who led Brazil’s military regime during Condor’s peak (1975–1985). For example, General Ernesto Geisel (president, 1974–1979) and General João Figueiredo (president, 1979–1985), both ESG alumni, oversaw Brazil’s participation in Condor. The ESG’s emphasis on counterinsurgency and psychological warfare mirrored Condor’s tactics, as noted in CIA reports on Condor’s “non-violent activities” like propaganda campaigns.

Ideological Foundation: The ESG’s National Security Doctrine provided the intellectual framework for Brazil’s repressive policies, justifying the targeting of “subversives” as a national security imperative. This doctrine aligned with Condor’s goal of eradicating leftist movements, fostering a mindset among ESG-trained officers that supported cross-border repression.

Regional Cooperation: The ESG promoted hemispheric defense concepts, advocating for coordination among Latin American militaries, a principle reflected in Condor’s multinational structure. A 1968 statement by U.S. General Robert W. Porter, cited by historian J. Patrice McSherry, emphasized U.S. efforts to foster “inter-service and regional cooperation” in Latin America, with institutions like the ESG serving as hubs for such collaboration.

SOA Overlap: Many ESG instructors and graduates attended the SOA, where Condor operatives from other countries, such as Chile’s Manuel Contreras, also trained. The SOA’s curriculum, including torture and interrogation techniques, was disseminated to ESG-trained officers, potentially influencing Brazil’s Condor-related activities.