Sergio Castillo Aránguiz

Sergio Castillo Aránguiz (28 January 1912 – 15 October 2002) was a Chilean Army general who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army from 3 May 1968 to 24 October 1969.

Military career

Castillo was the son of Salvador Castillo Urízar and Virginia Aránguiz Cerda. He was a cousin of architect and politician Fernando Castillo Velasco and an uncle of politician Raúl Troncoso.

Castillo entered the Bernardo O'Higgins Military Academy in 1928 and graduated as an infantry second lieutenant. He later served for several years as an instructor at the Chilean Army War Academy and the Military Academy, teaching tactics and operations. In 1949, while holding the rank of major, he qualified as a military academy instructor.

He subsequently commanded the 1st Infantry Regiment "Buin" and was appointed director of the Military Academy in 1962. He also served for two years as Chilean military attaché in Brazil, where he was awarded the Military Order of Merit. In 1966, he was promoted to brigadier general and later commanded the Army's Schools Division.

Castillo was promoted to divisional general in 1968 and was subsequently appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Army.

During his tenure as commander-in-chief, Castillo faced the military protest led by General Roberto Viaux, who demanded improvements in pay and conditions for military personnel. The incident became known as the Tacnazo.

His tenure also saw organizational changes within the Army, including the development of the non-commissioned officers' training system and the establishment of the Material de Guerra (Ordnance) career branch.

Later life and death

Castillo died at the Military Hospital in Santiago on 15 October 2002, aged 90. He received military honors at his funeral, which was attended by then Commander-in-Chief of the Army General Juan Emilio Cheyre and members of the Army's general officer corps.