Army of Argentina
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| Army of Argentina | |
|---|---|
| Name | Ejército Argentino |
| Native name | Ejército Argentino |
| Established | 1810 |
| Country | Argentina |
| Branch | Armed Forces of Argentina |
| Type | Land force |
| Garrison | Campo de Mayo |
| Commander | President of Argentina |
| Notable commanders | José de San Martín, Manuel Belgrano, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento |
Army of Argentina The Army of Argentina is the land force component of the Armed Forces of Argentina created during the Mayo Revolution and institutionalized through the Argentine War of Independence. It has participated in campaigns from the War of the Triple Alliance and the Conquest of the Desert to the Falklands War and peacekeeping under United Nations mandates. The service traces traditions to leaders such as José de San Martín, Manuel Belgrano, and reformers like Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.
History
The formation of the force began with revolutionary units in the May Revolution and the Army of the Andes led by José de San Martín during the Latin American wars of independence. Post-independence saw involvement in civil conflicts including the Argentine Civil Wars and figures such as Juan Manuel de Rosas and Justo José de Urquiza. In the late 19th century the force executed the Conquest of the Desert under leaders like Julio Argentino Roca to consolidate national territory. During the early 20th century reforms were influenced by Nicolás Levalle and professionalization followed models from Prussia and military thinkers such as Carl von Clausewitz. The Army engaged in the War of the Triple Alliance (as part of allied coordination with Brazil and Uruguay), and later modernized through procurement from France, Germany, and Italy. The mid-20th century featured political interventions linked to leaders like Juan Perón and episodes leading to the National Reorganization Process. In 1982 the force fought in the Falklands War against United Kingdom units including the Royal Marines and Royal Navy. Post-1983 democratization, the Army refocused on constitutional roles, participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions such as UNPROFOR, MINURSO, and UNIFIL.
Organisation and Structure
The institutional hierarchy places the service under the President of Argentina and the Ministry of Defence (Argentina). Command elements include the Estado Mayor General del Ejército headquartered at Campo de Mayo and regional commands like the Tercera División de Ejército and Primera División de Ejército. Combat formations comprise armored brigades such as the I Brigada Blindada, mechanized brigades including the II Brigada de Infantería Mecanizada, mountain units like the Cazadores de Montaña, and jungle-oriented units such as the Cuerpo de Tropas de Operaciones Sonoras. Support arms encompass the Artillería de Ejército, Ingenieros de Ejército, Transmisiones, and Sanidad Militar. Training and doctrine are developed by institutions including the Escuela de Guerra del Ejército, Colegio Militar de la Nación, and officer academies influenced historically by exchanges with St. Cyr and Sandhurst counterparts. Reserve and conscription frameworks have been subject to laws like the Conscript Service Act and reforms enacted under administrations including Raúl Alfonsín and Carlos Menem.
Equipment and Capabilities
Equipment inventories have included main battle tanks such as the Tanque Argentino Mediano and artillery like the Cañón FH-70, as well as infantry weapons sourced from FN Herstal, Heckler & Koch, and Bofors. Aviation support from the Argentine Army Aviation operates helicopters like the Bell UH-1 Iroquois and transport types similar to the DHC-6 Twin Otter used for airborne and logistic tasks. Armored personnel carriers have included models from Panhard and domestic programs like Tanque Argentino Mediano development with General Motors collaborations. Air defense systems historically procured include platforms from Saab and radar systems by Westinghouse. Modernization programs have explored purchases from Israel Aerospace Industries, Rheinmetall, Rosoboronexport, and cooperative projects with Brazil and Chile. Logistics support leverages bases at Campo de Mayo, Punto de Punta, and depots across provinces like Buenos Aires Province and Santa Cruz Province.
Operations and Deployments
Historically the force conducted campaigns during the Argentine War of Independence, the Paraguayan War, and domestic operations such as the Patagonian campaigns. In 1982 the Army deployed to the Falkland Islands in operations including the Battle of Goose Green and engagements around Port Stanley against British forces. Peacekeeping deployments have seen personnel under United Nations mandates like UNTSO and missions in Lebanon with UNIFIL as well as deployments to Cyprus and Haiti. The Army has executed internal security and disaster relief missions during events such as the 1992 Seismic Event responses, humanitarian assistance after 1998 floods, and support during public health crises declared by the Ministry of Health (Argentina). Multinational exercises include participation in events with United States Armed Forces, Brazilian Army, Chilean Army, and NATO partner engagements like Exercise Fuerzas Amigas.
Personnel and Training
Recruitment and professional development occur through the Colegio Militar de la Nación, NCO schools like the Escuela de Suboficiales, and specialty training at facilities such as the Centro de Adiestramiento de Monte and Centro de Instrucción Mecanizada. Notable alumni include commanders linked to reforms during presidencies of Hipólito Yrigoyen and Arturo Frondizi. Training emphasizes combined arms integration, mountain warfare traditions from the Cazadores de Montaña, and jungle operations from units based in Misiones Province. International exchanges involve staff colleges of Brazil, Spain, United States, and institutions like the Instituto Nacional de Estudios Estratégicos. Personnel policies have evolved under legal frameworks including the Argentine Constitution and defense legislation passed during administrations such as Néstor Kirchner and Mauricio Macri.
Defence Policy and Strategy
Strategic doctrine is shaped by national policy documents from the Ministry of Defence (Argentina) and inputs from the Comando Conjunto and vice ministers. Policy focuses include territorial defense of the Argentine Continental Shelf, sovereignty assertions around the Falkland Islands, cooperation within regional mechanisms like the Union of South American Nations and bilateral accords with Brazil and Chile. Modern strategy addresses threats through capability development, procurement plans involving partners such as Germany and Israel, and alignment with international law instruments including the United Nations Charter and the Montevideo Convention. Budgetary allocations and force posture are influenced by economic policy decisions from Ministry of Economy (Argentina) and parliamentary oversight by the National Congress of Argentina.