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Blizzard tragedy may end compulsory military in Chile, May 26, 2005

Over 46 deaths have been reported of 18-19 year old conscripts during a Chilean snowstorm in the Antuco region of the Andes, during a training exercise. Over 112 young soldiers had to be airlifted, many seriously wounded. Army Chief Emilio Cheyre says that the survivors will receive sympathy and medical care, however, they will not be allowed to leave the Army. Chile uses a draft system, where after a volunteer quota of 20,000-30,000 is met, they forcefully impress unpaid recruits, a factor for which is cost: paying troops would cost nearly 4 times more than an unpaid draft army. Whether Chile will continue to have a compulsory military is a matter of debate. General Cheyre states that the officers responsible led their men into danger, and they will be punished.


News Stories:

"Blizzard tragedy hastens calls for military reform "
Miami Herald May 25, 2005
"Chilean anger over blizzard deaths "
BBC News (UK) May 25, 2005
"Tragedy Fuels Calls for End to Compulsory Military Service "
Inter-Press News Service May 25, 2005
"Testimonio de sobreviviente: "Gracias a mi capitán y mi teniente estoy vivo" "
El Mercurio (Chile) May 24, 2005
"Buscando al soldado Bustos "
El Mercurio (Chile) May 24, 2005
"45 Chilean soldiers believed to be dead in blizzard "
Earthtimes.org May 23, 2005
"Chilean Soldiers Death Toll Reaches 26 "
Prensa Latina May 23, 2005

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May 26, 2005