Campo de Mayo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Campo de Mayo
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 Campo de Mayo
Location in Greater Buenos Aires
Campo de Mayo
Location in Argentina
Campo de Mayo
Location in South America
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| Country |  Argentina |
| Province |  Buenos Aires |
| Partido | San Miguel |
| Elevation | 22 m (72 ft) |
| Population
(2001 census [INDEC])
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| • Total | 1,397 |
| CPA Base |
B 1659
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| Area code(s) | +54 11 |
Campo de Mayo is a very important military base in Argentina. It is located in Greater Buenos Aires, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northwest of the city of Buenos Aires.
This large base covers an area of 8,000 hectares (about 20,000 acres). It is home to many different parts of the Argentine Army.
Here are some of the important places you can find at Campo de Mayo:
- Army NCO School "Sergeant (CAV) Juan Bautista Cabral" (This is where future army leaders are trained)
- Campo de Mayo Military Hospital (A hospital for military personnel)
- Metropolitan Military Garrison HQ (The main office for military operations in the area)
- Army Infantry School (Where soldiers learn to fight on foot)
- Army Cavalry School (Where soldiers learn to use vehicles and horses)
- Army School of Communications (For training in military communication)
- Army Engineering School (For training in building and fixing things for the army)
- Army Artillery School (Where soldiers learn to use large guns)
- 601 Air Assault Regiment (A special unit that uses helicopters)
- 601 Commando Company (A special forces unit)
- Main units of Argentine Army Aviation (The army's aircraft division)
Campo de Mayo also hosts the aviation service for the Argentine National Gendarmerie. This is a special police force that helps protect the country's borders and important places.
A Look at Its History
The idea to create Campo de Mayo started a long time ago. In 1901, a general named Pablo Riccheri, who was the Minister of War, suggested building this military base. President Julio Roca agreed, and a law was passed on August 8, 1901.
Later, in 1910, a good spot was chosen northwest of Buenos Aires. The land was bought from Eugenio Mattaldi, and that's how Campo de Mayo began.
Important Events at Campo de Mayo
Campo de Mayo has been the site of some important events in Argentina's history. In April 1987, there was a protest by some soldiers at the base. This group was led by Lt. Col. Aldo Rico. They were known as Carapintadas, which means "painted faces," because they used camouflage paint.
This event was a challenge to the government of President Raúl Alfonsín. However, President Alfonsín was able to stop the protest peacefully. This showed the strength of Argentina's democracy.
See also
In Spanish: Campo de Mayo para niños
