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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