The father of a young woman fulfilling her military service (SM) in Cuba has staunchly defended his daughter's decision, asserting that this experience not only causes no harm but is actually beneficial. In a video shared on TikTok (@eddymar171), the father stated, "This is a decision she made, and I support her in everything," emphasizing that from the moment his daughter expressed her desire to join the military, he didn't hesitate to give his full backing, despite ongoing campaigns in Cuba against SM, fueled by reports of associated suicides.
Moreover, the father highlighted that military service is beneficial for young people, including women, arguing that it provides valuable life lessons: "This does no harm; on the contrary, it benefits everyone," he insisted, dismissing the controversies surrounding the true usefulness of this training and its psychological impact on young Cubans.
Having gone through this experience himself, he stresses that such preparation is essential for defending the homeland and preserving human values: "The main thing is to defend the country in every way," he stated, reflecting a traditional viewpoint without questioning the despotic manner in which officers treat young people during SM.
Young Women's Perspective on Military Service
Last August, a group of future journalism students gave statements to the National Television News (NTV) highlighting the formative value of their time in mandatory military service. "Young people from Guantánamo, the easternmost province of Cuba, who will study journalism, are currently fulfilling Active Military Service," noted the NTV in its report, carefully avoiding the term "mandatory" in this case.
In another segment aired by Canal Caribe, the inclusion of women was emphasized, defending the idea that it makes them "very good people." "The previous experience gave me a lot of discipline, a lot of focus, striving to the maximum," defended one of the young women who will study journalism in the future.
At the end of January, it was announced that young Cuban women who choose to pursue a degree in journalism will need to complete one year of Mandatory Military Service before starting their studies. This measure will come into effect starting with the 2024-2025 academic cycle.
Until now, military service has been mandatory in Cuba for males, who are called up from the age of 16. However, the regime insists on denying its mandatory nature, despite the National Defense Law stipulating in Chapter VIII, Section Three (Article 77), that "male citizens, during the year they turn sixteen, are required to formalize their registration in the military registry."
The Impact and Controversy of Military Service in Cuba
Given the polarizing nature of military service in Cuba, many questions arise about its impact on the youth and the broader implications for society. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Is military service mandatory for women in Cuba?
As of the 2024-2025 academic cycle, young Cuban women who opt to study journalism must complete one year of Mandatory Military Service.
What are the reported benefits of military service according to supporters?
Supporters claim that military service provides valuable life lessons, such as discipline, focus, and a sense of responsibility, which they argue are beneficial for young people.
What controversies surround military service in Cuba?
Controversies include debates over its true usefulness, the psychological impact on young people, and the despotic treatment by officers, as well as reports of suicides associated with military service.