A group of young people from the province of Holguín, set to fulfill their Active Military Service (AMS) and Voluntary Female Military Service (VFMS), were sent off this Tuesday with a call to "fulfill the highest duty of a Cuban: to prepare to defend the achievements of the Revolution."
The official newspaper ¡Ahora! highlighted the "emotional gathering," where various political and mass organizations expressed pride in seeing so many young people taking on one of the primary tasks in which the "new pines" have always been present.
"Joining the VFMS is a source of pride as a woman in today's Cuba, as preparing for defense is the most important thing for any patriot. It will be a period of experiences and learning that I can benefit from later as a future media professional," said Ana Laura Campello Pérez, a future Journalism student, during the event.
In addition to the youths heading to AMS, there were also young women who will study journalism, international relations, or become merchant marines. Currently, fulfilling VFMS is a requirement to study these specialties.
Campello, with a romantic vision of military service in Cuba, noted that she, like the rest of the "children of the small homeland of Fidel and Raúl," will take advantage of this period, which she described as one of "personal growth," to achieve her future goals for continued studies and employment.
Warning: This article contains sensitive information about suicides and deaths. Reader discretion is advised.
The Dark Reality Behind the Glorified Military Service
Although the article praises the participation of young women in the trenches, emphasizing their "immense responsibility and sacrifice," the triumphant tone fails to mention the harsh conditions faced by those attending the mandatory AMS. These conditions have driven many cadets to suicide as a means of escaping the brutal reality.
Just two weeks ago, a 20-year-old soldier from Santa Clara took his own life while being transported to Matanzas, where he was supposed to continue his AMS. In April, a young man from the community of Niquero in the province of Granma died while serving in Havana. This incident sparked criticism of the regime for forcing young people to undergo this stage.
A month earlier, in March, another soldier also died during military service. The young man's mother wrote a Facebook post apologizing to her son for not acting in time, suggesting that the cadet chose suicide due to the pressures from an officer at the Military Unit.
"Forgive me, my child, forgive me, because I couldn't get you out of that hell," the woman wrote in an emotional message, also confessing that she felt powerless to prevent her son from being taken to fulfill this requirement of the Cuban regime.
In 2022, after the fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base claimed the lives of several recruits, a campaign against Military Service in Cuba gained momentum on social media. With the hashtag #NoAlServicioMilitarObligatorio, Cuban internet users demanded the regime repeal the law requiring male teenagers to register for military service upon turning 16.
Understanding the Impact of Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the mandatory military service in Cuba and its implications.
What is Active Military Service (AMS) in Cuba?
Active Military Service (AMS) refers to the compulsory military duty that young Cuban males must fulfill, often under harsh and challenging conditions.
What is the Voluntary Female Military Service (VFMS)?
The Voluntary Female Military Service (VFMS) is an optional military service for young Cuban women, which is often required for pursuing certain professional careers.
What are the criticisms against mandatory military service in Cuba?
Criticisms include the harsh conditions, psychological pressures, and the tragic instances of suicide among cadets due to the oppressive environment.
Has there been any campaign against mandatory military service in Cuba?
Yes, in 2022, following a deadly incident at the Matanzas Supertanker Base, a social media campaign using the hashtag #NoAlServicioMilitarObligatorio called for the repeal of the mandatory military service law.