Colegio Militar de la Nación facts for kids
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Colegio Militar de la Nación
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Coat of arms
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| Type | military College |
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| Established | October 11, 1869 |
| Undergraduates | undergraduate education of officers of the Argentine Army. |
| Location |
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34°36′03″S 58°36′11″W / 34.60083°S 58.60306°W |
| Fight Song | March of the Military College |
| Colors | Red, Blue and White |
The National Military College (Colegio Militar de la Nación in Spanish) is where young people train to become officers for the Argentine Army. It's located in El Palomar, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This important school was started on October 11, 1869. President Domingo Sarmiento created it during the Paraguayan War. Its first buildings were where Parque Tres de Febrero is today. Colonel Juan F. Czetz was the first leader.
The college moved to San Martín in 1892. Then, in 1938, it moved to its current spot. This location is famous for the 1852 Battle of Caseros. This battle changed who was in charge of the country. The current buildings opened in 1937. The old buildings from the Battle of Caseros, called El Palomar and La Casa de Caseros, are now National Historic Monuments.
For a long time, most students came from wealthy or middle-class families. Many of them had family members who were also in the military. But in recent years, more students from different backgrounds have joined. This makes the college more like all of Argentina. In 1999, women were allowed to join the college for the first time. By 2013, they could also join the Infantry and Cavalry branches.
Contents
Training Programs at the College
The National Military College offers different types of courses. These programs prepare students for various roles in the Argentine Army.
Four-Year Officer Course
This is the main program for future officers. It lasts four years. Students learn to be officers in five main combat areas:
- Infantry (foot soldiers)
- Cavalry (soldiers who used to ride horses, now often in tanks)
- Artillery (soldiers who use big guns)
- Engineers (soldiers who build or destroy things)
- Signals (soldiers who handle communications)
Students can also train for the Quartermaster and Ordnance corps. These groups handle supplies and equipment. When students finish, they become second lieutenants. They also earn a degree in administration.
Four-Year Nursing Course
This program is for students who want to become professional nurses in the Army. It also lasts four years. Graduates become second lieutenants. They earn a degree in Nursing.
One-Year Professional Course
This course is for people who already have a university degree. It's for professionals like doctors, dentists, lawyers, and IT specialists. Private airplane pilots can also join. After one year, they become lieutenants or second lieutenants. Their rank depends on how long their previous university degree was.
Two-Year Band Officer Course
This program is for experienced non-commissioned officers (NCOs) from military bands. They must have served for at least five years. After two years, they graduate as second lieutenants.
How to Join the College
Getting into the National Military College is competitive. Students must pass several tests. These include academic exams, medical checks, psychological tests, and physical fitness challenges.
For the four-year courses, you need to have a high school diploma. Many applicants have also completed at least one year of college.
Life as a Cadet
Cadets at the college have special names for their years. They are called fourth class, third class, second class, and first class cadets. This is different from "freshmen" or "seniors."
During parades, the cadets march in a specific order. They wear their full dress uniforms.
- Infantry: These cadets carry Mauser rifles. They march using the "goose step." This is a special way of marching where legs are kept straight. They are the only unit in Argentina that still uses this step.
- Cavalry, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Services: These cadets carry M4 or FN FAL rifles. They march with a "high step."
- Cavalry Troop: These cadets carry lances. They march using a cavalry walk or trot.
The Superintendent of the College leads the entire group of cadets.
In 2020, the college brought back a horse artillery section. This was to celebrate the college's 150th anniversary. This section is part of the Cavalry Troop. Also, each cadet specialty company now has its own standard (a special flag). These standards were blessed in 2020 and are now carried at the front of their formations during parades.
Images for kids
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Coat of arms
See also
In Spanish: Colegio Militar de la Nación para niños
