Argentina

Part of the region that is today the Argentine Republic (República Argentina) was incorporated into the Incan Empire in 1480, but the southern tribes successfully resisted Incan incursion. When the Spanish began colonizing South America and established the Viceroyalty of Peru, a permanent settlement was established at the present day site of Buenos Aires and most of the present Argentine territory designated the Governorate of the Río de la Plata. Between 1810 and 1818 a War of Independence was fought between royalists and patriotic forces who sought independence from the Spanish crown. Full independence was declared in July of 1816, although Argentine forces would continue to battle with the Spanish in support of other regional independence movements for the next eight years.

Argentina fought the War of the Triple Alliance (alongside Brazil and Uruguay) against Paraguay from 1864 to 1870, ending with the resounding defeat of Paraguay (which is believed to have lost over 300,000 dead). The nation has long laid claim to the Malvinas (Falkland Islands), and under a military regime invaded the small territory in 1982, sparking a British response and the Falklands War. Following its defeat, free elections were held in 1983 and the military regime was toppled.

The Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic (Fuerzas Armadas de la República Argentina) fall under the control of two primary ministries: the Ministry of Defence (Army, Air Force and Navy) and the Ministry of the Interior (Gendarmerie and Naval Prefecture or coast guard). Today's Argentine forces are fully committed to peacekeeping roles with the United Nations.

Argentine Camouflage Patterns

• Used by Argentine Army in Patagonia (southern Argentina) and the Cordillerana region - based on the British DPM pattern