Peruvian Army

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Peruvian Army
Ejército del Perú
Founded18 August 1821[1]
Country Peru
TypeArmy
Size92,500 (2021) active
Motto(s)Hasta quemar el último cartucho (English: "Until the last cartridge has been fired")
ColorsRed and white
March"Himno del Ejército del Perú"[2]
AnniversariesDecember 9, Army Day
June 7, Battle of Arica and National Flag Day
Engagements
Websitehttps://www.gob.pe/ejercito
Commanders
Minister of Defense
 Jorge Chávez
Chief of the Joint Command Army General Manuel Gómez de la Torre
Commanding General of the Army Army General Walter Córdova Alemán
Chief of the General Staff of the Army Divisional general David Ojeda Parra[3]
Notable
commanders
Insignia
Flag
Peruvian Army
History
History of the Peruvian Army
Battles of the Peruvian Army
Personnel
Army commanders
Rank insignia
Other
Military Academy

The Peruvian Army (

military force. Additional missions include assistance in safeguarding internal security, conducting disaster relief operations and participating in international peacekeeping operations. It celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Ayacucho
(1824) on December 9.

History

Military traditions in Peruvian territory go back to

pirates and corsairs as well as internal rebellions
.

Independence

The Ejército del Perú was officially established on August 18, 1821, when the government of general José de San Martín established the Legión Peruana de la Guardia (Peruvian Guard Legion), although some militia units had been formed before. Peruvian troops were key participants in the final campaign against Spanish rule in South America, under the leadership of general Simón Bolívar, which ended victoriously in the battles of Junín and Ayacucho in 1824.

19th century

Battle of Arica, July 7, 1880.
Painting by Juan Lepiani

After the

Peruvian president until 1872 held some military rank. The Ejército del Perú also had a major role in the definition of national borders by participating in several wars against neighbor countries. This included a conflict against Gran Colombia (1828-1829) where naval victories were obtained and the blockade of Guayaquil but had setbacks in Tarqui, after that an armistice is signed where it is indicated that it remains in statu quo, the Great Colombia dissolves months later product of the war with Peru, the wars of the Peru-Bolivian Confederation (1836-1839), two military invasions to Bolivia and the subsequent expulsion of Bolivian troops from Peruvian soil (1828 and 1841) and a successful occupation of Ecuador (1858-1860). Starting in 1842, increased state revenues from guano. Exports allowed the expansion and modernization of the Army, as well as the consolidation of its political power. These improvements were an important factor in the defeat of a Spanish naval expedition at the Battle of Callao (1866). However, continuous overspending and a growing public debt led to a chronic fiscal crisis in the 1870s which severely affected defense budgets. The consequent lack of military preparedness combined with bad leadership were major causes of Peru's defeat against Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879–1883). The reconstruction of the Army started slowly after the war due to a general lack of funds. A major turning point in this process was the arrival in 1896 of a French Military Mission contracted by president Nicolás de Piérola. By 1900 the peacetime strength of the army was evaluated at six infantry battalions (nearly 2,000 soldiers), two regiments and four squadrons and cavalry (between six and seven hundred soldiers), and one artillery regiment (just over 500 soldiers) for a total of 3,075 personnel.[4] A military school was reportedly operating in the Chorrillos District of Lima and French officers were continuing to assist in the army's reorganization.[5]

20th century

During the early years of the 20th century the Peruvian Army underwent a series of reforms under the guidance of the French Military Mission which operated in the periods 1896–1914, 1919–1924 and 1932–1939. Changes included the streamlining of the

General Staff, the establishment of the Escuela Superior de Guerra (War College) in 1904, the creation of four military regions (North, Center, South and Orient) in 1905 and a general professionalization of the military career. Improvements such as these were fundamental for the good performance of the Army in the border skirmishes with Colombia (Colombian troops are expelled from the territory of La Pedrera in 1911 and the Peruvian Colombian war in 1933) and a victorious war against Ecuador (1941)
.

Peruvian dragoon guard.

Even though the Peruvian Army was not involved in World War II, this conflict had a significant effect in its development, mainly through the replacement of French military influence by that of the United States. A US military mission started operations in 1945 followed by an influx of surplus American military equipment delivered as military aid or sold at a very low cost.

Washington also established itself as the leader of continental defense through the creation of the Inter-American Defense Board in 1942 and the signing of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance in 1947. A parallel development was the founding in 1950 of the Centro de Altos Estudios Militares (CAEM, Center of High Military Studies) for the formation of officers in the major problems of the nation beyond those related to its military defense.

The Peruvian Army was the main protagonist of the Gobierno Revolucionario de las Fuerzas Armadas (Revolutionary Government of the Armed Forces), an institutionalized

civil-military relations
.

In 1981 during the government of

Belaúnde Terry, the Paquisha war
broke out where 3 infiltrated bases from Ecuador were detected in Peruvian territory on the source of the Comaina River, ending with the eviction and bombardment of Ecuadorian bases.

The presidency of

Chavín de Huantar which put an end to the Japanese embassy hostage crisis. In 1999, one year after the signing of a peace treaty with Ecuador conscription was abolished and replaced by a voluntary military service
for both genders.

21st century

Peruvian Infantry disembarking from Infantry Fighting Vehicles in the Cruz de Hueso Exercise, 2007

The downfall of the Alberto Fujimori regime left the Peruvian Army in a difficult state, with some of its senior officers compromised in scandals of corruption and human rights violations. Several reforms were undertaken during the presidencies of Valentín Paniagua (2000–2001) and Alejandro Toledo (2001–2006), among them the prosecution of criminal cases related to the military, the reorganization of the military rank system and an increased civilian supervision through a revamped Ministry of Defense. The outcome of this and other initiatives is a major factor of order, major preparation, new equipment and development of the Ejército del Perú. G-3 America (G3 and Associates International Corporation) facilitated the incorporation of new technology to eliminate or reduce terrorism. They have been working tenaciously in getting the right equipment for the Armed Forces while working with the US State Department and US companies to accomplish it.

The Ollanta Humalla administration has also had the Army engaged in training members of Peru's indigenous peoples for the duties of national defense as well as, through the BECA 18 program, helping to reduce poverty while teaching the youth of the values of national service. His term also saw the revival of the Army's modernization process with the arrival of the Type 81 MRL, pushing its BM-21s into retirement.

Organization

Cavalry Regiment of the Chorrillos Military School.

The current

Armed Forces
. They are organized as follows:

  • Comandancia General del Ejército (Army General Command)
  • Estado Mayor General del Ejército (
    Army General Staff
    )
  • Inspectoría General del Ejército (
    Army General Inspectorate
    )
  • Secretaría General del Ejército (Army General Secretariat)

Operational units are assigned to one of the following military regions, which are directly subordinate to the Army General Command through the Ground Operations Command.

1st Army Division

Peruvian cavalry at the Plaza de Armas - Lima, Peru.

North Military Region and 1st Division, formerly known as the Northern Army Detachment. Headquartered at Piura.[6]

2nd Army Division

Peruvian Special Forces marching in 2016.

Central/North Central Military Region and 2nd Division, headquartered at Lima.[7]

3rd Army Division

Peruvian Army March – Cusco, Peru

South Military Region and 3rd division, headquartered at Arequipa.[8]

  • 3rd Armored Brigade (Moquegua)
  • 6th Armored Brigade
  • 3rd Cavalry Brigade (Tacna)
  • 4th Mountain Brigade (Puno)
  • 5th Mountain Brigade (Cuzco)
  • 6th Special Forces Brigade
  • 3rd Divisional Communications Brigade
  • 3rd Divisional Air Defense Artillery

4th Army Division

4th (South Central) Military Region and Division.[9]

  • 2nd Infantry Brigade
  • 31st Infantry Brigade
  • 32nd Engineering Brigade
  • 33rd Infantry Brigade

5th Army Division

Eastern Military Region and 5th Division, headquartered at Iquitos.[10]

  • 5th Jungle Brigade (Iquitos)
  • 35th Jungle Brigade
  • 115th Logistics Brigade

Personnel

Order of battle (click to enlarge)
Personnel (as of 2001)[11]
Commissioned Officers 6,231
Non-commissioned officers 13,586
Cadets
 1,090
NCO in training 1,000
Enlisted 54,321
Civilians 11,480
Total 76,228 (excl. civilians)

Ranks

Main article: Military ranks of Peru
  • Ranks of the officers, sub-officers and others enlisted of the Army. [12]
Officers
Rank group General / flag officers Senior officers Junior officers Officer cadet
 Peruvian Army[13]
 Army General Divisional General Brigade General Colonel Lieutenant Colonel Major Captain Lieutenant Sub-Lieutenant
Gran Mariscal del Perú General de ejército General de división
General de brigada
 		Coronel Teniente coronel Mayor Capitán Teniente Subteniente Cadete EMCH
Enlisted
Rank group Senior NCOs Junior NCOs Enlisted
 Peruvian Army[13]
Suboficial primero Suboficial segundo Suboficial tercero Sargento primero Sargento segundo Cabo Soldado

Equipment

See also: List of equipment of the Peruvian Army

Future Equipment

The Peruvian Ministry of Defence has awarded a US$67 million contract to

2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States was reported to be pushing Central and South American countries with large quantities of Russian equipment to provide them to Ukraine, by either donating them or exchanging them for U.S. military equipment. Analysts report that Peru is a likely candidate, due to their large quantities of Russian equipment.[16]

Heroes and Patrons

Anthem of the Army

Spanish lyrics

El ejército unido a la historia
por fecunda y viril tradición,
se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
El ejército unido a la historia
por fecunda y viril tradición,
se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
Se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
Evocando un pasado glorioso
del Incario su antiguo esplendor,
Ayacucho, Junín, Dos de Mayo
libertad conquistó con valor.
Zarumilla, La Breña y Arica
gestas son que a la historia legó
Bolognesi ¡oh, sublime soldado!
por patrono ejemplar te aclamó.
El ejército unido a la historia
por fecunda y viril tradición,
se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
El ejército unido a la historia
por fecunda y viril tradición,
se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
Se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
Las fronteras altivo defiende
cual guardián del honor nacional
de su pueblo recibe las armas
y es bastión de justicia social.
Soy soldado que en filas milito
y un deber tengo yo que cumplir,
a la patria vivir consagrado
y por ella luchar a morir.
El ejército unido a la historia
por fecunda y viril tradición,
se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
El ejército unido a la historia
por fecunda y viril tradición,
se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.
Se corona con lauros de gloria
al forjar una libre nación.

English translation

The army united to history
by a fecund and virile tradition,
is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
The army united to history
by a fecund and virile tradition,
is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
Is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
Evoking a glorious past
from the Incas its ancient splendor,
Ayacucho, Junín, Dos de Mayo
liberty conquered with bravery.
Zarumilla, La Breña and Arica
The heroic deeds are bequeathed to history
By Bolognesi, oh, sublime soldier!
As exemplary patron, you're acclaimed.
The army united to history
by a fecund and virile tradition,
is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
The army united to history
by a fecund and virile tradition,
is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
Is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
The borders he proudly defends
like a guardian of national honor
from his people receives the arms
and is bastion of social justice.
I am soldier who in these militate ranks
and a duty I have to fulfill,
to the Fatherland I shall live consecrated
and for it I will fight to the death.
The army united to history
by a fecund and virile tradition,
is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
The army united to history
by a fecund and virile tradition,
is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.
Is being crowned with laurels of glory
by forging a free nation.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ejército del Perú anunció que la fecha oficial de su creación fue el 18 de agosto de 1821". El Comercio. 2020-08-18.
  2. ^ "Himno del Ejército del Perú". YouTube.
  3. ^ "David Guillermo Ojeda Parra - Jefe del Estado Mayor General del Ejército". www.gob.pe (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  4. ^ Keltie, J.S., ed. The Stateman's Year Book: Statistical and Historical Annual of the States of the World for the Year 1900. New York: MacMillan, 1900. p 887. (Retrieved via Google Books 3/4/11.)
  5. ^ Keltie 1900, p. 887.
  6. Mil.pe. Archived from the original
    on 2018-07-14.
  7. ^ "II División de Ejército". Mil.pe. Archived from the original on 2018-07-14.
  8. Mil.pe. Archived from the original
    on 2020-01-17.
  9. Mil.pe. Archived from the original
    on 2020-02-14.
  10. ^ "V División de Ejército". Archived from the original on 2020-02-14.
  11. ^ "RESDAL - Artículos destacados - los militares tras el fin del régimen de Fujimori-Montesinos". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-09-27., based on Supreme Decree DS No. 69 DE/SG of 2001.
  12. ^ Grados Militares
  13. ^ a b "Grados Militares". ccffaa.mil.pe (in Spanish). Joint Command of the Armed Forces of Peru. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  14. ^ Nathan Gain (July 25, 2014). "General Dynamics Awarded $67Mn by the Peruvian Ministry of Defence for Light Armoured Vehicles". Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2014.
  15. ^ "Government of Peru – Reconditioned Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicles | Defense Security Cooperation Agency".
  16. ^ "US Pushing Central, South American Countries to Give Ukraine Quick Military Boost". Archived from the original on February 6, 2023.

Sources

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Army of Peru.
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