In the XIX Century the Chilean Army was trained and equiped by Prussia and then Germany (up until 1945). There is still a heavy influence of German traditions and equipment in the Chilean Army. You will see pickelhaube helmets, M42 helmets (in vulkanized fiber), and even Leopard battle tanks in parades and ceremonies.

German inmigrants started arriving in Chile in 1846. Germany, and Prussia in particular, was admired in Chile for its organisation and productivity; for the rest of the century, these new immigrants set up farms, small businesses, and schools so self-contained and successful that some pupils were still being taught in German in 1974. More ominously for the future, Prussian military advisers were also hired by the Chilean army. The Prussian traditions of military self-importance and involvement in politics would be thoroughly absorbed.

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