The Colombian MilitaryThe Colombian military is officially known as the Millitary Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Militares de Colombia) and consists of the National Army of Colombia, Colombian National Armada (Navy) and the Colombian Air Force. It is one of the largest and most well-equipped in Latin America and, many of its personnel have received military training assistance directly in Colombia and also in the United States. The United States has also provided equipment and financing though the military assistance program and the international narcotics control program, better known as Plan Colombia. Defeat of the SpaniardsIn the Colombian Military, the National Army of Colombia (Ejercito Nacional de Colombia) is the land force and the largest service of the country’s Armed Forces. It’s responsible for land-based military operations along with the Naval Infantry to protect the Colombian State against domestic or foreign threats. It’s history can be traced back to the 1780s when the Commoners decided to separate from the Spanish crown and establish their own nation. It was consolidated on August 7, 1819 after defeating the Spaniards under the command of Simon Bolivar."Toughest Training Program in the World"Currently, there is a war between leftist rebels of the FARC, drug trafficking and the Colombian Military which gives the Army recognition for its combat and logistics capabilities. The training of Colombian soldiers is recognized worldwide due to its demanding challenges and training that is usually tough and physically demanding. An example of this is what’s called “the toughest training course in the world” and is run by the Colombian Army with US military instructors who play a role as well. It derives from the Ranger program of the US army for which it has gained international prestige.The NavyThe naval armed force of the Colombian Military is the Colombian National Armada (Armada Nacional de Colombia) and it was born independent from Spain by means of a decree dated September 17, 1810. In 1822, Gran Colombia’s Vice President General Francisco de Paula Santander created the Naval School but, it was decommissioned until 1907 when the Naval Academy was created through another decree. Unfortunately, this last decree was censured by General Ramon Gonzalez Valencia in 1909, therefore keeping the navy out of everyone’s sight.In 1932, the armed conflict between Colombia and Peru saw the Navy return to the Colombian Military along with new ships and the foundation of a School for Navy Sailors and one for Navy Officers in 1934 and 1935, respectively. At present, the majority of the Colombian Navy ships are gunboats that are used for patrolling the country’s rivers and coastlines although; there are also frigates, submarines and amphibious warfare crafts, as well as aircraft and helicopters for logistical and operational support. Air ForceLast but not least, the third institution is the Colombian Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Colombiana) that is in charge of “exercising and maintaining control of Colombia’s airspace to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order” according to the 1991 Constitution.Since its creation in 1919, the Air Force has been used in missions of observation and the first ever aerial combat recorded in South American history during the Colombian-Peruvian war of 1932. Thanks to the air force, no elected government has been ousted by force as it has helped quell many rebellions and, today it is one of the largest Latin American air forces and increased activity due to its important role in the fight against narco-terrorism.
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