Colombian National Army

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Colombian National Army Ejercito Nacional de Colombia
Colombian Army Emblem
Active	August 19, 1819 - Present
Country	Colombia
Role	Foreign and Domestic Defense
Garrison/HQ	Colombian Ministry of Defense
Colors	Colombian Flag; yellow, blue and red.
March	"Himno del Ejercito"
Anniversaries	August 7
Battles/wars	Independence War against Spain, Thousand Days War (Civil war), War Against Peru, Korean War, Colombian Armed Conflict
Commanders
Current commander	Gen. Mario Montoya Uribe
Notable commanders	Simon Bolivar, Francisco de Paula Santander, Gustavo Rojas Pinilla, Harold Bedoya, Manuel José Bonett Rafael Reyes Prieto

The Colombian National Army (Spanish: Ejercito Nacional de Colombia) is the land force of Colombia and the largest branch of the Colombian Armed Forces. It has the responsibility for land-based military operations along with the Infanteria de Marina (Marine Corps) to protect Colombia against national or international threats.

The modern Colombian Army has its roots in the Ejercito de los Comuneros or Army of the Commoners which was formed on August 7, 1819, before the establishment of the present day Colombia to meet the demands of the Revolutionary War against the Spanish Monarchy.

The Congress of Angostura created that same day the Greater Colombian Army after the triumph over the Spanish, to replace the disbanded Commoners Army. However, the Colombian Army considers itself to be an evolution of the Commoners Army, and thus dates its inception from its origins.

1 History
- 1.1 Recent History
2 Special Units
3 Current Overseas Military Operations
4 Divisions
5 Aircraft inventory
6 See also
7 References
8 External links

[edit] History

The Colombian Army trace its history back to the 1770s and 1780s, when the comuneros (Commoners) (mostly descendants of Spanish and Amerindians) decided to separate from the Spanish crown to create their own country and iniciated a revolutionary war. The Greater Colombian Army is consolidated on August 7, 1819 by defeating the Spaniards at Boyacá in the Battle of Boyacá and under the command of Simon Bolivar. Since then the Colombian Army has been the biggest organization of Colombia.

During the 19th century the military reform carried out by General Rafael Reyes Prieto in the year 1907 would denote the professionalization of the Colombian Armed Forces.

[edit] Recent History

Colombian National Army soldier searching for landmines by a highway.

The Colombian Army is at present at war with leftist rebels of the FARC, ELN and EPL, as well as other minor groups. Throughout the war, military personnel have usually maintained a level of professionalism.

Members of the military have been accused or condemned for collaborating with the activities of right wing paramilitaries, such as the AUC and others. The BBC and other sources have reported on cases of corruption in the military, as well as other scandals.

The United States government approved the Plan Colombia initiative. Part of the resources provided by this initiative would be directed to the support of the Colombian Army by strengthening its combat and logistics capabilities.

The Colombian Army is led by the President of Colombia (a civilian) and directed as well by a "three suns" general.

The training of Colombian soldiers is world recognized due to its demanding features. The promotion courses (courses that the candidate has to take in order to be promoted to a higher rank) are usually tough and physically demanding.

A "Lancero" training course in counterinsurgency warfare is held in Tolemaida, 150 miles (240km) from Bogotá, where temperatures range between 85 and 100 degrees F. (29.5-38 degrees C.) throughout the year. The course, which has been called the toughest in the world, is run by the Colombian army with U.S. military instructors also playing a role. According to Paris Match (no. 2964, March 9-15, 2006) the course lasts 73 days and trains Bolivian, Ecuadorean, and Panamian troops as well as Colombian soldiers; some French and American soldiers are also trained there.[1] The course, founded in 1955, derives from the Ranger program of the US Army. Reportedly, severe techniques and live ammunition are used. Because of its exceptional nature, the course has gained international prestige.

[edit] Special Units

The Colombian National Army Flag.

The Colombian Army has created new programs in order to fight terrorism and leftist guerrillas that during the last 40 years have fought a war to overthrow the Colombian government.

[edit] Fast Deployment Force

Fuerza de Despliegue Rapida abr. FUDRA, was created as a modern quick reaction force to deploy to different regions and to all types of weather. Currently, its function is to solely carry out ofensive operations against insurgents or outlaws.

[edit] Brigade Against Narcotics

Brigada Anti-Narcoticos, This unit was especially activated for operations against the trafficking of narcotics. It was created on December 8, 2000 and has its main headquarters in the Guaviare Department.

[edit] Army Aviation Unit

Unidad de Aviacion del Ejercito, The Colombian Army has an aviation branch that works autonomously from the Colombian Air Force. It's part of the Colombian Army Cavalry Corps and its main mission is to support the army's ground operations. The unit has recently focused in the security of the Colombian border and Colombia's sovereignty. This Unit was created on September 7 of 1916 and it is managed by the Colombian Cavalry.

[edit] Current Overseas Military Operations

The Colombian Army deploys soldiers in the Sinai and has joined forces many times with different armies around the world.

[edit] Divisions

1st Division
2nd Division
3rd Division
4th Division
5th Division
6th Division
Colombian National Army Rapid Deployment Force (FUDRA)
Colombian National Army Counternarcotics Brigade
Colombian National Army Aviation Brigade
Colombian National Army Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Group
Colombian National Army Special Forces Brigade

[edit] Aircraft inventory

While reliant on the Colombian Air Force for heavier air support, the Army maintains a fleet of 114 aircraft, including 99 helicopter.

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Versions	In service^[1]
Aero Commander	United States	utility transport	Commander 1000	1
Beechcraft King Air	United States	utility transport	Model 90	1
Bell 205	United States	utility helicopter	UH-1H	31
Bell 212	United States	transport helicopter	UH-1N	27
Convair 580	United States	airliner		1
Kaman K-MAX	United States	transport helicopter		5
Mil Mi-17	Russia	transport helicopter		11
Piper PA-31	United States	utility		2
Piper PA-34	United States	utility		5
Sikorsky S-70	United States	transport helicopter	UH-60L	25