The Bolivian Army: Unraveling The Name And Its History

The Bolivian Army (Spanish: Ejército Boliviano) is the land force branch of the Armed Forces of Bolivia. It is responsible for the defence of Bolivia, both external and internal, and is constituted by the Bolivian Army, the Bolivian Air Force, and the Bolivian Navy. The Bolivian Army has around 55,500 men and is organised into ten territorial divisions, each of which occupies a region corresponding to the administrative departments of Bolivia.

The Bolivian Army was involved in a coup attempt against the democratically elected President Luis Arce in June 2024. The General of the Army, General Juan José Zúñiga, was dismissed and replaced with José Wilson Sánchez due to the former leading the coup attempt.

The Bolivian Army is the land force branch of the Armed Forces of Bolivia

The Bolivian Army is the largest of the three services, with an estimated 55,500 men. It has six military regions (regiones militares—RMs) covering the various Departments of Bolivia. The Army is organised into ten territorial divisions, titled Army Divisions (AD), plus a mechanised division, each of which, with the exception of Viacha, occupy a region generally corresponding to the administrative departments, with some overlapping.

The Bolivian Army has faced criticism for its involvement in the 2024 coup attempt against President Luis Arce. On 26 June 2024, the General of the Army, General Juan José Zúñiga, was dismissed and replaced with José Wilson Sánchez due to the former leading the coup attempt.

The Bolivian Army is responsible for the defence of Bolivia, both external and internal

The Bolivian Army is estimated to have between 26,000 and 60,000 men. It has six military regions (regiones militares—RMs) covering the various Departments of Bolivia. The Army is organized into ten territorial divisions, titled Army Divisions (AD), plus a mechanized division, each of which, with the exception of Viacha, occupy a region generally corresponding to the administrative departments, with some overlapping.

The Bolivian Army maintains a small fleet of utility aircraft, primarily to support headquarters. The standard headgear for enlisted personnel is a beret bearing the national colours of red, yellow, and green. Armoured troops and paratroopers are distinguished by black berets, while special forces wear distinctive camouflage uniforms with green berets.

The Bolivian Army is led by the Commander of the Army, who is appointed by the President of Bolivia, with the Minister of Defence acting as an intermediary. The current Commander of the Army is Gen. Iván Patricio Inchauste.

The Bolivian Army is led by General Juan José Zúñiga

General Zúñiga has been a controversial figure in Bolivian politics. On the day of his dismissal, he led an attempted coup against the democratically elected President Luis Arce, who was elected in 2020 with 55.1% of the vote. General Zúñiga and his troops stormed the presidential palace in La Paz, but the coup attempt ultimately failed, and he was arrested.

General Zúñiga's motivations for launching the coup remain unclear. However, tensions have been building in Bolivia ahead of the general elections in 2025, with leftist ex-President Evo Morales planning to run against former ally President Arce, creating a major rift in the ruling socialist party. General Zúñiga had previously stated that Morales should not be allowed to return as president and threatened to block him.

The coup attempt caused widespread condemnation, including from conservative political opponents of the government. Public support for President Arce and Bolivian democracy poured in from regional leaders and beyond. Even those who opposed President Arce's socialist rule would not want a return to a time when militaries with terrible human rights records pushed out the country's democratically elected leaders.

General Zúñiga was replaced as commander of the Bolivian Army by José Wilson Sánchez, who called for calm and order to be restored following the coup attempt.

The Bolivian Army has six military regions covering the various departments of Bolivia

The Bolivian Army is divided into six military regions, each covering the various departments of Bolivia. These are:

• RM 1, La Paz, covering most of the La Paz Department
• RM 2, Potosí, covering the departments of Oruro and Potosí
• RM 3, Tarija, consisting of Tarija Department and eastern Chuquisaca and southern Santa Cruz
• RM 4, Sucre, covering the departments of Cochabamba and northern Chuquisaca
• RM 5, Cobija, encompassing the Pando Department and parts of La Paz and Beni departments
• RM 6, Santa Cruz, covering most of Santa Cruz Department

Each region is led by a commanding officer and is made up of several divisions, each with its own headquarters and constituent units. The Bolivian Army is responsible for the defence of Bolivia, both external and internal, and is constituted by the Bolivian Air Force and the Bolivian Navy.

The Bolivian Army is estimated to have between 26,000 and 60,000 men

The Bolivian Army, also known as the "Fuerzas Armadas de Bolivia," is an important component of the country's military forces. Its size and strength have varied over the years, but it is currently estimated to have a significant number of active personnel.

Estimates suggest that the Bolivian Army has between 26,000 and 60,000 active soldiers. This range takes into account different factors and variables, including the army's historical size, recruitment patterns, and the country's population. The lower estimate of 26,000 troops reflects a more conservative calculation, while the upper bound of 60,000 accounts for potential mobilization and reserve forces.

The Bolivian Army has a proud history and has played a significant role in the country's past, particularly during times of political instability and conflict. While the exact number of troops has fluctuated, the army has traditionally been a key element of Bolivia's defense strategy and has been called upon to maintain order and protect the nation's interests.

The current estimate of 26,000 to 60,000 soldiers indicates a substantial force that can be mobilized for various purposes. This number allows for a flexible and adaptable military strategy, ensuring that Bolivia has the capacity to respond to a range of potential scenarios, from internal disturbances to external threats.

It's important to note that the Bolivian Army is not just a static force but a dynamic organization that undergoes continuous training, recruitment, and operational adjustments. The estimated range of active personnel highlights the army's ability to scale its operations and rapidly expand its capabilities if needed.

The Bolivian Army's size and strength are also influenced by the country's geography and strategic considerations. Bolivia's landlocked position and diverse terrain require a military force capable of operating in various environments, from mountainous regions to dense forests. The army's estimated numbers reflect the need for a versatile and agile force.

Frequently asked questions