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 (known in Spanish as Colegio Militar de la Nación) is a special school in Argentina. It trains young people to become officers for the Argentine Army. Officers are leaders in the military. This college is located in a place called El Palomar, Buenos Aires.
The college was started on October 11, 1869. This was during the Paraguayan War. President Domingo Sarmiento created it. Its first home was where Parque Tres de Febrero is today. The first leader was Colonel Juan F. Czetz. The college moved to San Martín in 1892. Then, in 1938, it moved to its current spot. This spot was where the Battle of Caseros happened in 1852. That battle removed Juan Manuel de Rosas from power.
The buildings used today were opened in 1937. Two important places, El Palomar and La Casa de Caseros, were part of the Battle of Caseros. They are now considered National Historic Monuments.
For a long time, most students came from wealthy or middle-class families. Many of these families had a history of serving in the military. But this has changed recently. Now, more students from families with less money are joining the college.
Girls were first allowed to join the college in 1999. In 2013, they were also allowed to train for the Infantry and Cavalry parts of the army.
Contents
What Can You Study at the College?
The National Military College offers different types of courses. These courses prepare students for various roles in the army.
Four-Year Officer Training
This is the main course. It lasts for four years. Students train to become officers in five combat areas:
- Infantry (soldiers who fight on foot)
- Cavalry (soldiers who used to fight on horseback, now often in tanks)
- Artillery (soldiers who use large guns)
- Engineers (soldiers who build and fix things)
- Signals (soldiers who handle communications)
Students also train for the Quartermaster and Ordnance corps. These groups handle supplies and weapons. When students finish, they become second lieutenants. They also earn a degree in administration.
Four-Year Nursing Program
This course also lasts four years. It is for students who want to become professional nurses in the army. Graduates become second lieutenants. They also get a degree in Nursing.
One-Year Professional Officer Course
This short course is for people who already have a university degree. This includes doctors, dentists, lawyers, and IT experts. Private pilots can also join. After this year, they become a lieutenant or second lieutenant. Their rank depends on how long their previous university studies were.
Two-Year Band Officer Course
This course is for experienced band members from the army. They must have served for at least five years. After two years, they become second lieutenants. They then lead army bands.
How to Join the College
Joining the National Military College is competitive. You have to pass several tests. These tests include:
- Academic exams (based on the course you choose)
- Medical checks
- Psychological evaluations
- Physical fitness tests
To join the four-year courses, you need to have finished high school. Many applicants have even studied at college for at least one year before applying.
Life as a Cadet
Students at the college are called "cadets." They are not called freshmen or sophomores like in other colleges. Instead, they are known by their year:
- Fourth class cadets
- Third class cadets
- Second class cadets
- First class cadets
When cadets march in parades, they follow a special 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. The National Military College is the only military unit in Argentina that still uses it.
- 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 leader of the college's cadets is the Superintendent.
In the past, the college had a horse artillery battery. This group used horses to pull cannons. In 2020, the college celebrated its 150th birthday. To honor this, the horse artillery was brought back. It is now a special section within the Cavalry Troop. Also, all the cadet companies now have their own special flags. These flags were blessed in 2020 and are now carried at the front of their groups during parades.
See also
In Spanish: Colegio Militar de la Nación para niños
