President Javier Milei has requested the Senate to promote 15 lieutenant colonels of the Army to the rank of colonel, thus reversing the exclusion of promotions imposed during the government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner due to their relationship with individuals convicted of crimes against humanity committed during the last military dictatorship. If the requests are approved, both Army and Navy military personnel are expected to receive their promotions retroactively from December 2018.
In a policy shift away from Kirchnerism, this measure aligns with earlier actions, such as the request for the promotion of six frigate captains from the Argentine Navy last December. Former Defense Minister Oscar Aguad criticized the exclusion of Armed Forces members based solely on their last name during the previous administration, calling it populist and symbolic.
Authorities have emphasized that the Secretariat of Human Rights found no links between the proposed officers and human rights violations or crimes against the constitutional order. The relevant files date back to 2010 and provide for retroactive recognition of the promotions, even though those involved are already retired.
The aim of this initiative is to rectify what is considered an unjust act of discrimination, where officers were penalized solely due to their family background. The Air Force did not present similar cases to those of the Army. This change in policy began to develop during Mauricio Macri's presidency, when the then Defense Minister initiated the procedures to reverse the previous blockade on promotions.
In a document signed by President Milei and the Defense Minister, the Senate is requested to provide the necessary agreement to promote the mentioned officers, who have met the requirements set by the Law for Military Personnel. The measure aims to correct what is considered an injustice and an unjustified discrimination due to surnames associated with repressors.
