Kepi - South America

South America

During the Paraguayan War between Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay versus Paraguay, Brazilian, Argentine and Uruguayan troops and officers primarily wore kepis (although many Brazilian troops wore brimmed hats, and Uruguayan and Argentine light infantry wore shakos). The Paraguayans mostly wore leather shakos, but senior officers were given kepis. Leather kepis were however issued as a forage cap to Paraguayan troops, and because of poor supply standards, were often seen in combat.

With the exception noted below, the Chilean Army no longer wears kepis but during the War of the Pacific it was part of the standard army uniform. Similarly the kepi is no longer worn by the modern Peruvian armed forces and police but was part of the uniforms worn during the 19th and early twentieth centuries.

Today the following ceremonial units in both countries still use the kepi:

- in Chile the 4th Company of the 7th Reinforced Regiment "Chacabuco" and the 1st Historical Company of the 4th Reinforced Regiment "Rancagua":

- in Peru the Fanning Marine Company of the Peruvian Navy; and the National Police of Peru's Guards Inspector Mariano Santos Company. Both retain the War of the Pacific uniforms respectively of the Peruvian Navy and the Civil Guards of Peru.

Bolivia's 1st Infantry Regiment "Colorados" and the 2nd and 3rd Infanry Regiments of the Bolivian Army also wear the kepi during parades and ceremonies.