What happens behind the walls of one of Madeira’s key military institutions? For many residents, it is a world rarely seen up close. Madeira Friends had the opportunity to change that.
The Madeira Friends Association visited Regimento de Guarnição n.º 3 (RG3) in Funchal, bringing together more than 30 members of the international community for a unique behind-the-scenes look at the work carried out by the regiment and its role in Madeira.
During the visit, participants were introduced to the regiment’s mission, its current responsibilities, and some of the challenges facing the Armed Forces today. The programme offered a broad and engaging overview of military life, combining history, innovation, and operational reality.
They had the chance to see historical artillery pieces, learn more about the use of drone technology, visit a bunker, explore the military museum, and step inside a new military vehicle. The visit also gave participants a wider understanding of Portugal’s military presence abroad, including missions in Mozambique, the Central African Republic, and Romania, as well as current challenges such as the shortage of recruits and the low percentage of women in the Armed Forces.
More than a guided tour, the visit created a valuable opportunity for direct contact between the international community and an important local public institution. It allowed participants to better understand the structure, training, and day-to-day reality of military life, while also opening space for questions, discussion, and exchange.
As Major Ivan Nunes explained, “For us, it is a great opportunity to show our work and open our doors to society.” That spirit of openness was one of the defining aspects of the visit and reflected the importance of building closer links between institutions and the wider community.
For Marta Frencel, from Poland, the experience was a memorable one. She described it as “an extraordinary experience”, highlighting the opportunity to see the regiment from the inside, learn more about new technologies and the current military reality, and interact directly with the soldiers. She also noted how well prepared the team was and how the visit stood out not only for the information shared, but also for the openness, attention to detail, and sense of humour with which questions were answered.
Marina also reflected warmly on the visit, saying: “The officers were incredibly welcoming and thorough in their explanations, including a visit to the historic fort on site. I’m very grateful for events like this, which continue to show me new facets of life in Madeira.”
Madeira Friends would like to express its sincere thanks to Major Ivan Nunes for making the visit possible, as well as to everyone involved in welcoming the group, leading the presentation, and guiding participants throughout the day.
At its heart, this initiative represented something larger than a single visit. It was another meaningful step in building stronger connections between Madeira’s international community and the institutions that shape life on the island. By opening its doors, RG3 offered local and international residents a better understanding of its work, its people, and its wider contribution to society.
In a place like Madeira, where community matters deeply, moments like these help turn curiosity into connection and connection into belonging.
