Army and Borders

La Tercera, Thursday, May 2, 2019

It is clear to all of us that our Army is not at its best moment, and while the legal contingencies are not resolved, it will be difficult to thoroughly review its purpose, organization, and capabilities.

For now, we should consider moving forward with the recommendation that military garrisons in the highlands take on greater responsibilities in safeguarding our northern borders and in the assistance they could provide to Carabineros at the border with Peru and Bolivia.

What is being proposed is not illogical, as the Army has the necessary capabilities and can perfectly function in a complementary and supportive role to the important work carried out by Carabineros. Moreover, it should not surprise us, as the Armed Forces have the constitutional obligation to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and borders of Chile.

No one is talking about replacing Carabineros, only about being efficient in the use of the resources available to Chile and in providing security to the population and safeguarding our borders exposed to risks inherent to modern times.

We could perfectly consider a border interagency force, where each contributes its own resources, and where the respective legal competencies are respected.

The example of what has been achieved in Cariquima speaks for itself; it is enough to ask the residents of that place, where the mere presence of a small military detachment in that locality brings peace and tranquility.