On Tuesday, October 21, 1969, General Viaux became the head of a military insurrection localized in the Tacna Artillery Regiment in Santiago, with the support of the Sub-Officers' School, the Army War Academy, and part of the 2nd Armored Regiment. At noon on October 21, it was clear to the reporters covering the incident that General Viaux was counting on the covert support and sympathy of the majority of Santiago's officer corps, and that, technically, if Viaux suggested it, there was nothing to prevent the overthrow of Frei and his replacement by a military government without a shot being fired.