Commissioned officers in the Argentine Army were divided among three categories. Those in the first category were known as subaltern officers and consisted of the ranks of second lieutenant (the lowest commissioned rank) through captain. Those in the second category were designated chiefs and included the ranks of major and lieutenant colonel.

The highest-ranking army officers, from the rank of colonel through lieutenant general, composed the third category and were known as superior officers. Recommendations for promotions to and within the third category were submitted through the Ministry of Defense to the president who, in turn, presented them to the Senate for approval. In 1985 Senate approval was not automatic; several promotions were denied by the Senate in mid-1985 to senior officers whose records were tied directly to the repressive activities carried out during the late 197Os.