Argentine Army

Argentine Army
Unit name	Argentine Army
Native name	Ejército Argentino
Caption	Army coat of arms
Founded	29 May 1810
Country	Argentina
Type	Army
Role	Land warfare
Size	~70,000 active personnel
Command structure	Ministry of Defense
Garrison	Edificio Libertador, Buenos Aires
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	"Nacer a la patria es nuestro destino"
Anniversaries	29 May (Army Day)
Battles	* Argentine War of Independence * Argentine Civil Wars * War of the Triple Alliance * Conquest of the Desert * Falklands War
Current commander	Lieutenant General Guillermo Olegario Pereda
Commander1 label	Chief of the General Staff

Argentine Army. The Argentine Army is the land warfare branch of the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic. Tracing its origins to the militias of the May Revolution of 1810, it is one of the oldest standing armies in the Americas. It has played a central role in the nation's history, from the Argentine War of Independence through periods of internal conflict and international warfare, and today functions as a professional force under democratic civilian control.

History

The army's foundational moment was the creation of the first national military units following the May Revolution and the establishment of the Primera Junta. Key early figures included General Manuel Belgrano, creator of the Flag of Argentina, and General José de San Martín, who led the legendary Crossing of the Andes to secure the independence of Chile and Peru. The 19th century was marked by internal strife during the Argentine Civil Wars and external conflicts such as the War of the Triple Alliance against Paraguay and the Conquest of the Desert in Patagonia. The 20th century saw the army's deep involvement in politics, including the Revolución Libertadora of 1955 and the subsequent period of military rule known as the National Reorganization Process. Its most recent major combat engagement was the Falklands War against the United Kingdom in 1982. Since the return to democracy in 1983, it has undergone significant reform to subordinate itself to constitutional authority.

Organization

The army is commanded by the Chief of the General Staff, headquartered at the Edificio Libertador in Buenos Aires. Its operational structure is divided into several divisions and brigades spread across the country. Major commands include the I, II, III, and IV Army Divisions, with their headquarters in Palermo, Rosario, Córdoba, and Bahía Blanca respectively. Key specialized forces include the Argentine Special Operations Forces and the Argentine Army Aviation. The army also maintains important training institutions like the Colegio Militar de la Nación and the Liceo Militar General San Martín.

Equipment

The army's inventory represents a mix of modern and aging systems, with ongoing modernization efforts often constrained by budget. Its main battle tank is the TAM and its variants, developed locally with German assistance. Other armored vehicles include the M113 and the Patria wheeled armored vehicle. Artillery pieces range from the L33 to the Soltam M-68. The army aviation command operates helicopters such as the Bell 212 and the Mil Mi-17, while its air defense relies on systems like the RBS 70 missile. Infantry small arms include the FN FAL rifle and the domestically produced FARA 83.

Personnel and training

The army consists of approximately 70,000 active personnel, with a reserve component. Service is voluntary, following the abolition of conscription. Officer education begins at the Colegio Militar de la Nación, while the Escuela de Suboficiales del Ejército trains non-commissioned officers. Specialized training is conducted at schools like the Escuela de Infantería and the Escuela de Artillería. The Ejército de los Andes high-altitude training center in Mendoza prepares troops for mountain operations, and personnel regularly participate in joint exercises with allied nations such as the United States and Brazil.

Deployments and operations

Beyond national defense, the army is actively involved in United Nations peacekeeping operations. It has deployed significant contingents to missions including UNFICYP in Cyprus, MINUSTAH in Haiti, and UNIFIL in Lebanon. Domestically, it supports civilian authorities in natural disaster relief, most notably during floods in provinces like Santa Fe and wildfires in Patagonia. It also participates in bilateral and multinational exercises like the combined Cruzex exercises with the Brazilian Air Force.

Ranks and insignia

The army uses a standardized rank system shared across the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic. Commissioned officer ranks range from Second Lieutenant to the highest active rank of Lieutenant General. Key senior ranks include Colonel and Brigadier General. The non-commissioned officer corps includes ranks such as Sergeant and Suboficial Principal. Rank insignia are worn on shoulder boards for officers and on sleeves for enlisted personnel, with distinct insignia for branches like the Argentine Engineers Corps and the Argentine Cavalry.

Category:Military of Argentina Argentina