Erasmo Escala Arriagada (June 2, 1826 – March 3, 1884) was a Chilean soldier who served as commander-in-chief of the army during part of the War of the Pacific.

[citation needed] General Escala was already a veteran when on July 18, 1879, during the War of the Pacific, was called by Domingo Santa María, principal minister of President Aníbal Pinto, to assume command of the army in replacement of General Justo Arteaga, who had just resigned due to political in-fighting.

[citation needed] The conflict intensified because General Escala did not approve of any "civilian" interference in what he saw as purely army matters.

In spite of the political collisions, during his command the Chilean forces defeated the Peruvians at Pisagua, Dolores and Los Angeles.

[citation needed] Finally, the conflict with the minister of war was resolved by the resignation of General Escala on March 28, 1880.