Argentina armed forces face crisis with 18,000 casualties in less than two years

The Argentine Armed Forces cross one of the worst crises in their recent history. In less than two years, 18,659 military personnel called for a scenario of salary delays, low salaries, lack of modern equipment and lack of professional perspectives.

The data appears in the report presented by the chief of staff, Guillermo Franco, to the Chamber of Deputies, based on information from the Ministry of Defense. Since December 10, 2023, when Javier Milei assumed the presidency, the institution left 840 officers, 2,398 subs and 15,421 volunteer soldiers.

Low army concentrated

According to the survey, the army lost 14,614 military personnel, followed by the Air Force (2,971) and the Navy (1,074). Bleeding focuses among volunteer soldiers, temporary contract category that, in theory, serve as a gateway to permanent careers.

High turnover, coupled with the inability to replace casualties with new trainees, worries sectors of the military summit. “It’s not a new problem; it already lasts ten years. But that doesn’t make it less alarming,” an active general admitted to the newspaper The nation.

Salaries outdated and competition with private sector

The main factor pointed out is the salary lag. Low -patent officers receive less than the value considered by the indec as poverty line. A second lieutenant earns about $ 766,000 per month, while a cable does not exceed $ 673,000. By comparison, when migrating to the private sector, these same professionals can double or triple remuneration.

Competition also comes from provincial police forces. Cities such as Buenos Aires and Cordoba offer higher salaries, stability, expanded health coverage and patent recognition, attracting young officers and qualified suffofies.

Precariousness of equipment and dissatisfaction

Another factor that feeds discouragement is the lack of modernization. Soldiers still use the Fal Falm Rifles of the Falkland War, over 70 years of use, and many units have severe ammunition restrictions. “105 mm artillery receives only 40 to 60 shots a year, enough for a school shooting session,” a military source reported.

The crisis of the Armed Forces Social Security Institute (IOSFA), with a debt of US $ 210 billion, aggravates the situation by suspending benefits in various regions.

Government minimizes, but crisis worries

Sectors near the summit try to reduce the severity of the problem, claiming that part of the casualties correspond to normal retirement. “Soldier movement is routine. Every year there are low and additions,” argued an official source.

But behind the scenes, the interpretation is that dissatisfaction erodes the military vocation and weakens the ability to defend. With 83,000 men in activity, the country has difficulty maintaining its units fully operational in the face of lack of resources.

The information is from La Nación