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Why were many Argentine troops on the Falkland Islands unprepared for the war?

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Map showing the Falkland Islands War of 1982, with the left inset displaying southern South America, highlighting Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Argentine air force and naval bases, and the British 200-mile war zone. The main map details West and East Falkland, marking Argentine troop concentrations, areas of conflict, and the path of the British advance toward Stanley, along with key settlements and landing sites. — Falkland Islands War The Falkland Islands War zone (left) and route of British landing forces (right).

Many Argentine troops deployed to the Falkland Islands during the 1982 conflict were unprepared for the war primarily because the vast majority of the 10,000 soldiers stationed there were poorly trained conscripts.1

Furthermore, these forces were not adequately supplied with the essential provisions required for the harsh conditions of the region, lacking proper food, clothing, and shelter for the approaching winter. The Argentine military government’s failure to properly prepare and support its own forces was a significant factor in the subsequent discredit of the junta. Additionally, because of a perceived threat from Chile regarding a separate territorial dispute, the Argentine military leadership chose to keep most of its elite, professional troops on the mainland rather than deploying them to the Falklands theatre.1