Oscar Zarich
Oscar Santiago Zarich (born 12 January 1966) is an Argentine Army lieutenant general who has served as Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Army since 12 December 2025. He succeeded Lieutenant General Carlos Presti, who left the post after being appointed Minister of Defense.
Early life
Zarich was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, on 12 January 1966. He completed his secondary education at the General Belgrano Military Lyceum in Santa Fe before entering the Colegio Militar de la Nación on 15 February 1985. He graduated on 17 December 1987 as a second lieutenant in the infantry, ranking 17th among the 115 graduates of the academy's 118th class.
Among his classmates was Carlos Presti, whom Zarich would later succeed as chief of the Argentine Army.
Military career
During his military career, Zarich held a number of command appointments in infantry and special operations units. He commanded the 19th Jungle Hunters Company, the 601 Commando Company, the 1st Infantry Regiment "Patricios" and the 25th Mechanized Infantry Regiment.
As a senior officer, Zarich served as commander of the IX Mechanized Brigade, headquartered in Comodoro Rivadavia. From 2023 to 2025, he served as commander of the Army Training and Readiness Command, responsible for the preparation and operational readiness of Argentine Army units.
Chief of the Army
Following the appointment of Lieutenant General Carlos Presti as minister of defense, Zarich, then holding the rank of major general, was selected to succeed him as Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Army.
His appointment was proposed by Presti to President Javier Milei and announced on 3 December 2025 as part of a partial restructuring of the senior leadership of the Argentine Armed Forces. The changes also included the replacement of Navy chief Admiral Carlos Allievi and Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Brigadier General Xavier Isaac.
Zarich's appointment formally took effect on 12 December 2025 through Decree 888/2025 issued by President Milei. He was formally installed in office by Defense Minister Presti on 16 December during a ceremony at the parade ground of the 1st Infantry Regiment "Patricios".
After his promotion was considered by the Defense Committee of the Argentine Senate, Zarich was promoted to lieutenant general on 16 April 2026 through Decree 256/2026, signed by President Milei. The promotion was made retroactive to 12 December 2025.