Chile and German/Austrian marches

[Nebelwerfer.]

Does anyone know why Chilean army is playing German and Austrian military marches?

For instance, Strauss' Radetzky march:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv-IpaqX9kg

and German Panzerleid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0zi316IN1o

I've somewhere read that several dozen of Prussian officers were "responsible" for this when they came to Chile at the begining of 20th century to train the Chilean army. Does anyone have more detailed info on this?

[T.S.C.Plage]

I've somewhere read that several dozen of Prussian officers were "responsible" for this when they came to Chile at the begining of 20th century to train the Chilean army. Does anyone have more detailed info on this?
Infact that's correct except that it already began in 1885 at the end of the so called "Salpeter War" when the Chilean military got completly restrcutured. The financially important German community brought Prussian military advisors into the country which helped rebuilding the armed forces. For example a Prussian Captain named Emil Körner became a General in the army in 1891 and in 1900 he already was Inspector General of the Chilean ground forces. That's where these traditions mainly come from and that's why the people of Chile are sometimes refered to as "Prussians of South America". Besides that Nazis who made it to Chile after the end of WWII surely also played a role.

[miguelencanarias]

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) in parades and ceremonies.

[Nebelwerfer.]

Thanks for the explanation guys.

[Ordie]

In terms of military cultures, Chile has a Prussian Army, a Royal Navy, an American Air Force and an Italian Carabineri.

[Pandemonium]

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) in parades and ceremonies.
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/1747/800pxmikemullenwithchil.jpg

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[therifleman]

Ejercito de Chile on parade with a rendition of the Prussia's Glory march:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLFg6A0qocg&feature=related