Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SANTIAGO451
2009-05-12 20:11:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Santiago
Cable title:  

CHILEAN MILITARY LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE

Tags:  MASS PGOV PREL ELAB CI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #0451/01 1322011
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 122011Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4933
INFO RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES 1491
RUEHPE/AMEMBASSY LIMA 6180
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ MAY BRASILIA 0905
RUEHMN/AMEMBASSY MONTEVIDEO 4402
RUEHAC/AMEMBASSY ASUNCION 3972
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 2094
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000451 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS PGOV PREL ELAB CI
SUBJECT: CHILEAN MILITARY LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 000451

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MASS PGOV PREL ELAB CI
SUBJECT: CHILEAN MILITARY LOOKS TOWARD THE FUTURE


1. Summary: Anxious to maintain its reputation as the most
professional military in the region, the Chilean armed forces engage
in continual modernization. Current initiatives include investing
in more efficient technologies and training programs, closing
loopholes in the pension system, creating space for merit-based
promotion, and expanding interaction with the global community. As
part of the modernization process, the Chilean military also aims to
generate better understanding among citizens about the important
role of the armed forces. End Summary.

Modernization of the Military Career
--------------


2. EPOL officers attended a recent seminar, "The Defense of Chile
Approaching its Bicentennial Anniversary," at which experts on
Chilean defense issues discussed their vision for the armed forces
today. A theme common to each presenter was modernization, with a
particular emphasis on revitalizing the military career. The
Chilean government took an important step toward modernizing its
armed forces in July 2008 when it passed the Professional Soldiers
Law, creating an all-voluntary military service. Military personnel
serving in one-year terms can now apply for professional enlisted
soldier status through renewable five-year contracts. Longer-term
military service will protect the investment in personnel who
operate Chile's technologically-advanced military equipment.


3. Building on the Professional Soldiers Law, military leaders hope
to make strides in training and career development. Specifically,
there are plans to make a substantial investment in innovative new
technology. These modernization efforts-- technological
advancements and better training programs--are expected to increase
efficiency among members of the armed services.


4. In an effort to explain the challenges inherent in today's
military career, academic and former defense staffer Guillermo
Pattillo highlighted the rigid structure of military entry and
advancement. Seeking employment in the armed forces assumes a
long-term commitment beginning at the entry-level, which may act as
a deterrent to potential mid-career recruits. In addition,

promotions are more a reflection of the length of time spent in
military service than on individual merit. Pattillo suggested

introducing opportunities to join the military mid-career and to
allow for career path flexibility.


5. The current pension system is another obstacle in the quest for
a modernized military career structure. Eliminating costly
loopholes is a priority. Too many people abuse the pension claim
system, increasing costs to the Armed Services.

Defending Chile's Military Budget



--------------


6. In tones that were sometimes defensive, several of the
presenters tackled the controversial issue of Chile's military
budget. Largely because of a contentious law that ties expenditures
on military equipment to yearly copper revenues, the military budget
is a source of dissonance between some civilians and the armed
forces. The potential reform of Chile's Copper Law--which earmarks
10 percent of earnings generated by the state-owned copper company
for the purchase of defense equipment--is a perpetual topic of
debate. Several conservative commentators defended the Copper Law's
role in keeping Chile safe, and expressed concern over changing the
law at any time in the near future.

7. Guillermo Pattillo assured the audience that only a very small
percentage (1.2%) of Chile's GDP is dedicated to military spending.
(Note: Pattillo clarified later that his statistic is much lower
than other figures because he does not include pensions. End Note.)
Addressing the lack of understanding among citizens about the
importance of military spending, staunchly conservative
parliamentarian Maria Angelica Cristi (UDI) pointed out that "the
cost of arms is the cost of peace." She also noted that Chile's
education and health budget is four times larger than its defense
budget.


8. Responding to social criticism of Chile's military expenditures,
several presenters highlighted the fact that the national security
defended by the armed forces actually increases productivity and
enhances overall well being. They also emphasized the need to
increase communication between civilians and the military to
mitigate the dissatisfaction expressed by many Chileans over the
military budget.


9. Responding to calls for more transparent defense spending,
legislator Maria Angelica Cristi asserted that the details of
military purchases must remain classified to protect national
security. Despite recent surveys suggesting that Chileans
profoundly value the military, many conservative speakers showed a
strong desire to cultivate a clearer understanding among citizens of
the crucial role of a well-funded military.

Chile's Integration into the Globalized World
--------------


10. Chile is working to build a military that is stronger, faster,
and more modern. A new law deals specifically with Chilean
participation in peacekeeping operations, and requires congressional
approval for participation in such operations. Congressional
approval can be given for periods of one year, multiple years, or
permission for the lifetime of the peacekeeping mission. Chilean
forces are currently deployed in a peacekeeping mission in Haiti,
and although there has been some disappointment with the Haitian
government's reception of the troops, the mission itself
demonstrates Chile's commitment to international engagement.


11. Another example of this commitment is Chile's positive
interaction with bordering countries. Despite historic conflicts
with Argentina and Bolivia, Chile now participates in joint military
exercises with both countries. The Cruz del Sur peacekeeping force
is comprised of both Chilean and Argentine troops, and its creation
in 2008 highlighted the increasing political and economic
integration between the countries. Chile and Bolivia have just
recently started joint exercises, focusing on building a capacity to
work together to respond to natural disasters that may occur in
either country.


12. Because southern Chile is so close to Antarctica, the
development of a modernized base there is a matter of national
pride. The military's desire to build a new facility in Antarctica
is also aimed at creating a stronger claim for Chile on the
continent.

Armed Forces' Social Responsibility
--------------


13. Chile's commitment to social responsibility complements the
military's increasing role in the global community. The Defense
Minister of Chile created a military social responsibility policy
that is intended to advance the country's environmental and economic
sustainability. This includes military participation in a wide
variety of projects designed to build understanding and help those
in need, including through blood drives, neighborhood clean-ups,
distribution of food and medicine, and other humanitarian
undertakings.
SIMONS