Venezuelan Army

National Army of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Ejército Nacional de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela
File:Venezuelan Army seal.png Venezuelan Army Emblem
Active	19 April 1810 – present ()
Country	Venezuela
Branch	Army of Venezuela
Role	To protect and guaranty the permanent sovereignty of the nation against any external, or internal threats.
Size	120,000 (2010)
Part of	Under the Ministry of the People's Power for Defense
Patron	Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Motto	"Forger of liberties"
Colors	Blue, Red
Anniversaries	June 24, Army Day and anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo
Engagements	Venezuelan War of Independence Spanish American wars of independence Federal War
Commanders
Minister of the People's Power for Defense of the Republic of Venezuela and Commandant of the Operational Strategic Command of the National Armed Forces	General-in-Chief Vladimir Padrino López
Commanding General, Venezuelan Army	Divisional General Juan de Jesús García Toussaintt
Inspector General, Venezuelan Army	Divisional General Luis Medina Fernandez
Chief of Staff, Venezuelan Army	Divisional General Jesus Alberto Milano Mendoza
Notable commanders	Simon Bolivar Francisco de Miranda José Tadeo Monagas Juan Crisóstomo Falcón José Antonio Páez Santiago Mariño Carlos Soublette
Insignia
Flag	100px

The National Army of Venezuela is one of the six professional branches of the Armed Forces of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela It has the responsibility for land-based operations against external, or internal threats that may put the sovereignty of the nation at risk.

It is the largest military branch of Venezuela and the second in Latin America, which on 24 June 1821 won a huge military victory against the Empire of Spain, which led to the independence of the nation. It later contributed to the independence of the present-day countries of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia.

Mission and vision

Its mission, as the ground forces of the National Armed Forces of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is to:

• Secure the ground defenses of the nation,
• Contribute to the establishment of democratic institutions and build up respect and full compliance to the laws of the Republic as mandated,
• Support national development and integration,
• And to participate in programs of international cooperation and peacekeeping.

Functions of the Army

In accordance with the Article 9 of the National Armed Forces Organic Law as amended, the functions of the Army are to

• Organize, train and equip units for ground forces operations
• Establish doctrines for the various operations it has to undertake
• Participate in military mobilization programs
• Maintain the national borders
• And actively achieve readiness to develop technologies and scientifically advances for the advancement of national defense

Official hymn

Spanish lyrics

Chorus

Adelante marchemos, valientes, al combate y al rudo fragor

por la patria muy altas las frentes, despleguemos pujanza y valor.

Por la patria muy altas las frentes, despleguemos pujanza y valor.

Nuestra sangre es la savia del pueblo y en el pueblo se plasma en canción

es la rosa más pura del viento que en la historia da brillo a la acción,

En las aguas, el aire y la tierra la victoria es el alba inmortal,

si sublime es el triunfo en la guerra, preservemos la gloria y la paz.

Chorus

Y si el brazo extranjero se atreve a infamar de este suelo el honor

antes muerte mil veces nos llegue que rendirnos al torpe invasor,

pues de todas las patrias que el cielo diera al hombre en morada de amor,

es la nuestra el más hondo desvelo en el sueño de un mundo mejor.

Chorus

Organization

The Venezuelan Army is divided into 4 main commands and 6 army divisions as well as other independent units reporting to Headquarters, Venezuelan Army. The Army's Air Defense Artillery Brigades also report directly, as part of the Venezuelan Air Force Air Defense Forces Command, to the Operational Strategic Command for national defense purposes in air defense matters.

Army major commands

Army General Command

3

Army Logistics Command

3

Army Aviation Command

3

Army divisions and corps

1st Infantry Division

3

2nd Infantry Division

3

The 79th Andes Air Defense Artillery Brigade reports directly to the Operational Strategic Command, while being in the 2ID's territorial jurisdiction.

3rd Infantry Division

3

Since 2016 the newly created 34th CCB reports also to the Operational Strategic Command.

4th Armored Division

3

5th Jungle Infantry Division

3

9th Cavalry Division

3

6th Corps of Engineers

3

Equipment

Infantry weapons

Assault Rifles
Russia	Kalashnikov AK-103	AK-103	100,000+ Purchased in 2006 with ammunition for $52 million. Two contracts signed in 2006 for $474.6 million to produce AK-103s. Standard issue battle rifle.
Belgium	FN FAL	FAL	150,000-
Belgium	FN FNC	FNC	15.000-
Machine Gun
Belgium	FN MINIMI	MINIMI	Unknown number
Belgium	FN MAG	MAG	Unknown number
United States of America	M60 machine gun	M60	Unknown number
Sub MachineGun
Germany	H&K MP5	MP5	Unknown number
Israel	IMI UZI	UZI	Unknown number
Belgium	FN P90	P90	Unknown number
Pistol
Austria	Glock 17	Glock	Unknown number
Belgium	Browning Hi-Power	HP	Unknown number	150px
DMRs and Sniper Rifles
United States of America	M14 rifle	M14	15.000-
United States of America	M700 rifle	M700	15.000-
Russia	SVD	SVD	15.000-
Portable Anti-Materiel Weapons
Sweden	Bofors RBS-70	RBS-70	Unknown number
Russia	9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch)	9K338 Igla-S	Unknown number
Russia	RPG 7	RPG 7	Unknown number

Artillery

Air Defense Artillery
Russia	S-300VM	Transportable anti-ballistic missile system	1 in service with 11 on order
Russia	BUK-M2	Medium range surface-to-air missile	3, co-shared with the Venezuelan Marine Corps
Russia	S-125 Pechora-2M	Medium range surface-to-air missile	11 mobile missile systems
Russia	Tor M-1	Tracked surface-to-air missile system	12 already in service with 12 to be delivered for a total of 24
Russia	ZU-23-2	Twin 23mm AA	300 units on order from Russia. Zom 1-4 version. Automatic target tracking (mechanism + control electronics), laser rangefinder and optical radar + infrared radar.
Field Artillery - Multiple Rocket Launchers
Russia	BM-21 Grad	Multiple rocket launcher	52
Russia	BM-30 Smerch	Multiple rocket launcher	12
France Israel	AMX-13/LAR-160 160mm	Multiple rocket launcher	25 units in storage
Field Artillery - Field Guns and Mortars
France	Thomson Brandt MO-120	120mm mortar	Unknown number, also used by the National Militia
Russia	2S12 Sani	120mm mortar	Unknown number
Russia	2S23	120mm self-propelled mortar	13 units
USA	M114 155 mm howitzer	155 mm howitzer	24 units
USA	M101A1 105mm howitzer	105mm howitzer	40 units
Italy	OTO Melara M-56 105mm howitzer	105mm howitzer	50 units
Russia	2S19 Msta-S	152mm self propelled howitzer	47 units
France	AMX-13/Mle F.3155mm	155mm self propelled howitzer	10 units, Being phased out by the 2S19 Msta-S, one already modernized

Vehicles

MWV
Venezuela	Tiuna	Light utility vehicle	+3000
Austria	Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle	multipurpose military vehicle	244 Units	200px
Japan VEN	Toyota Land Cruiser (J70)	multipurpose military vehicle	Unknown number (produced locally and imported)
Trucks
USA Switzerland	M35 Fenix	6x6 cargo truck	Unknown number	200px
USA	M-35/A2 Reo	6x6 cargo truck	Unknown number	200px
USA	Chevrolet Kodiak 7A15	Kodiak 7A15	Unknown number
Germany	MAN 20.280D	MAN 20.280D 6x6 cargo truck	Unknown number	200px
Russia	Ural-4320	6x6 cargo truck	Unknown number
Russia	Ural-375D	6x6 cargo truck	Unknown number
Italy	IVECO/Fiat 90PM16	8x8 cargo truck	Unknown number
Armoured Vehicles
Russia	T-72B1V	Main battle tank	192+ 92 T-72B1V MBTs delivered as of March 2012 from Moscow.Equipment to Venezuela acquired from $2.2 billion loan secured by Chavez' government in 2010. 100 more purchased in 2012.
France	AMX-30	Main battle tank	84 units. The AMX-30s and AMX-13C.90s are being phased out by the T-72s, but an upgrading program for them is underway.
France	AMX-13C.90	Light tank	36 units
UK	Scorpion 90FV-101	Light tank	78 units
Russia	BMP-3	Infantry fighting vehicles	130 BMP-3M, 10 BREM-L and some BMP-K ordered, first deliveries in 2011,
Russia	BTR-80A	Armored personnel carrier	114 BTR-80A ordered in 2009.<
France	AMX-13 Rafaga	Light tank	Unknown number
France	AMX-13 VTT-VCI	Light tank and armored personnel carrier	75 units (derivatives are used for ambulance, vehicle recovery, artillery designation and command post roles) (25 VTT/VCI, 10 VTT/LT, 20 VTT/PM, 12 VTT/PC, 8 VTT/TB)
France	Panhard AML S 530	Armored scout car	10
USA	Dragoon 300 LFV2	Armored car	42 units (derivatives are used for ambulance, vehicle recovery, artillery designation and command post roles), to be modernized
USA	Dragoon AFV	Armored car	59 units in storage (25 APC, 21 PM, 11 P, 2 R)
USA	V-100/V-150 Commando	Armored personnel carrier	80 units in storage (50 LAV-100, 30 LAV-150)
Germany	TPz Fuchs	Armored personnel carrier	10 units

Aircraft

Helicopters

Mil Mi-26T of the Venezuelan Army in Russia in March 2008.

Mi-35M2

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Versions	In service	Notes
Mil Mi-35	Russia	Attack helicopter	Mil Mi-35M2 Caribe	10
Mil Mi-17	Russia	Transport helicopter	Kazan Mi-17V-5 Panare	17	3 losses in accidents
Mil Mi-26	Russia	Heavy lift transport helicopter	Mil Mi-26T Pemon	3
Bell 205	USA	Transport helicopter	Bell 205A-1/UH-1H Huey	7	being phased out (five UH-1H; two 205A-1)
Bell 206	USA	Transport/training helicopter	Bell 206B Jet Ranger	5	2 transport, 3 training
Bell 412	USA	Transport helicopter	Bell 412EP/SP	12	Two B412SP; Ten B412EP
Sikorsky S-61	USA	Transport helicopter	Agusta-Sikorsky AS-61D Sea King	3	being modernized

Fixed wing

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Versions	In service	Notes
IAI Arava	Israel	Light utility transport		4
Beechcraft Super King Air	USA	Transport		2
PZL M28	Poland	Light transport		11	ENBV0063 crashed in 2010

According to the handbook Military Balance (formally - iiss.org), which is publishes an annual report on all weapons systems in all countries, the Army Air Defense Artillery units already received 18 Pechora 2M, 200 ZU 23-2ZOM1-4 and 12 (Air Force) Tor-M1.

Commanding Generals of the Army

Commanding Generals of the Venezuelan Army
Commanding General	Term in office
MGEN Francisco Rodríguez del Toro	April 1810- July 1811
Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda	Jul 1811 - Aug. 1812
Office of Commanding General of the Army was vacant from 1812 to January 1813.
GEN Santiago Mariño	Jan. 1813 - Jun. 1813
GEN Simón Bolívar (first term)	May 1813 - Dec 1814
Office of Commanding General of the Army was vacant from December 1814 to May 1815.
General in Chief José Tadeo Monagas	May 1815
Office of Commanding General of the Army was vacant from May 1815 to May 1816.
GEN Simón Bolívar (second term)	May 1816 - Aug. 1821
GEN Carlos Soublette	Ago. 1821 - Dic. 1822
GEN José Antonio Páez	Dec. 1822 - Jan 1847
General in Chief José Tadeo Monagas (2nd term)	May 1847 - May 1858
GEN Santiago Mariño (acting)	Jun 1848 - August 1848
GEN Julián Castro	March 1858 - August 1859 (acting till May 1858)
GEN Pedro E. Ramos	Aug 1859 - Dec 1859
GEN León de Febres Cordero	Dec 1859 - May 1861
GEN José Antonio Páez (2nd term)	May 1861 - Jul 1863
GEN Juan Crisóstomo Falcón	Jul. 1863 - April 1868
GEN León Colina (acting)	1864
GEN Antonio Guzmán Blanco (acting)	1866
GEN Manuel Ezequiel Bruzual	April 1868 - Jul. 1868
GEN José Tadeo Monagas (3rd term)	Jul. 1868 - Nov. 1868
GEN Juan Antonio Sotillo	Nov. 1868 - May 1869
GEN José Ruperto Monagas	May 1869 - April 1870
GEN Antonio Guzmán Blanco (2nd term)	April 1870 - Feb. 1877
GEN Francisco Linares Alcántara	Feb. 1877 - Feb. 1879
GEN José Gregorio Valera	Nov. 1878 - Feb. 1879 (acting till early February 1879)
GEN José Gregorio Cedeño	Feb. 1879 (acting, served 12 days)
GEN Antonio Guzmán Blanco (3rd term)	Feb. 1879 - May 1884
GEN Joaquín Crespo	May 1884 - April 1886
GEN Antonio Guzmán Blanco (4th term)	April 1886 - August 1887
GEN Hermógenes López	August 1887 - June 1888
Doctor Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl	Jul. 1888 - Mar. 1890
Doctor Raimundo Andueza Palacio	Mar. 1890 - Oct. 1892
GEN Joaquín Crespo (2nd term)	Oct. 1892 - Feb. 1898
LTGEN Ignacio Andrade	Feb. 1898 - Oct. 1899
LTGEN Cipriano Castro	Oct. 1899 - Nov. 1908
LTGEN Juan Vicente Gómez	Nov. 1908 - Dec. 1935
LTGEN Eleazar López Contreras	Dec. 1935 - May 1941
MGEN Isaías Medina Angarita	May 1941 - Oct 1945
LTCOL Carlos Delgado Chalbaud	Oct. 1945 - Nov. 1948
LTCOL (later COL, BRIG and MGEN) Marcos Pérez Jiménez	Nov. 1948 - Aug 1954
BRIG Hugo Fuentes	Aug 1954 - Dec. 1957
BRIG Rafael Virgilio Vivas	Dec. 1957 - Jan. 1958
Office of Commanding General of the Army was vacant from January 1958 to January 1959.
BRIG Marco A. Moros A.	Jan 1959 - Feb. 1960
MGEN Pedro J. Quevedo D.	Feb. 1960 - Jul. 1964
BRIG Pablo A. Flores A.	Jul. 1964 - Ene. 1968
MGEN Roberto Morean Soto	Ene. 1968 - Feb. 1970
MGEN Víctor M. Maldonado	Feb. 1970 - Sep. 1971
MGEN Homero I. Leal T.	Sep. 1971 - Feb. 1973
BRIG Juan Manuel Sucre Figarella	Feb. 1973 - April 1974
MGEN Manuel I. Bereciartu P.	Apr. 1974 - Oct. 1975
MGEN Víctor M. Molino V.	Oct. 1975 - Jun. 1977
MGEN Ernesto Brandt T.	Jun. 1977 -Jun. 1978
MGEN Arnaldo Castro	Jun. 1978 - May 1979
MGENÁngel V. Berrio Brito	May 1979 - Jun. 1979
MGEN Tomás Abreu R.	Jun. 1979 - Jan. 1980
MGen Rafael G. Marín. G.	Jan. 1980 - Jun. 1981
MGEN Vicente L. Narváez O.	Jun. 1981 - Jun. 1982
MGEN Luis Octavio Romero	Jun. 1982 - Jun. 1983
MGEN Luís J. Silva Tirado	Jun. 1983 - Jun. 1984
MGEN José A. Olavarría	Jun. 1984 - Jun. 1985
MGEN José Humberto Vivas	Jun. 1985 - Jun. 1986
MGEN Elidoro A. Guerrero	Jun. 1986 - Jun. 1987
MGEN Italo del Valle Alliegro	Jun. 1987 - Jun. 1988
MGEN José María Troconis Peraza	Jun. 1988 - Jun. 1989
MGEN Carlos J. Peñaloza Z.	Jun. 1989 - Jun. 1991
MGEN Pedro. R. Rangel R.	Jun. 1991 - Jun. 1993
MGEN Jorge I. Tagliaferro De Lima	Jun. 1993 - Jan 1994
MGENMoisés A. Orozco Graterol	Feb 1994 - Dec 1994
Office of Commanding General of the Army was vacant from December 1994 to January the following year.
MGEN Pedro N. Valencia V.	Jan. 1995 - Jul. 1996
MGEN Pedro Hernández G.	Jul. 1996 - Jul. 1997
MGEN Wilfredo J. Guerrero Z.	Jun. 1997 - Jul. 1998
MGEN Rubén M. Rojas Pérez	Jul. 1998 - Feb. 1999
MGEN Noel E. Martínez Ochoa	Feb. 1999 - Aug. 1999
MGEN Lucas Rincón Romero*	Aug. 1999 - Jun. 2001
MGEN Víctor A. Cruz Weffer	Jun. 2001 - Dec 2001
BRIG (later MGEN) Efraín Vásquez Velasco	Dec. 2001 - Apr. 2002
MGEN Julio J. García Montoya	April 2002 - Jan. 2003
MGEN Jorge Luis García Carneiro*	Jan. 2003 - Jan. 2004
MGENRaúl Isaías Baduel*	Jan. 2004 - Jul. 2006
MGEN Pedro Azuaje Apitz	Jul. 2006 - Jul. 2007
LTGEN Carlos José Mata Figueroa*	Jul. 2007 - Mar. 2009
LTGEN Juan Vicente Paredes Torrealba	Mar. 2009 - Jul. 2010
LTGEN Euclides Campos Aponte	Jul. 2010 - Jul. 2012
LTGEN Carlos Alcalá Cordones	Jul. 2012 - Jul. 2013
LTGEN Alexis Ascension López Ramírez	Jul. 2012 - Jul. 2014
LTGEN Gerardo Izquierdo Torres	Jul. 2014– July 2015
LTGEN Juan de Jesús García Toussaintt	July 2015 – present

(*): Marks promotion to the rank of full General (and appointment as Minister of Defense) after serving term as Commanding General of the Army

External links

• (Spanish) Sitio oficial del Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Defensa de Venezuela
• (Spanish) Sitio oficial del Ejército Libertador (Venezuela)
• (Spanish) Sitio oficial de la Aviación del Ejército del Venezuela
• Latin American Light Weapons National Inventories