Mario Riva Morales, a retired lieutenant colonel of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and a member of the Military Conscientious Objectors group, conveyed to journalist Mario J. Pentón that the Cuban military "never had and still has no chance against the United States."
The veteran shared a less-known episode in Cuban military history. In 1983, amid a crisis in Poland that worsened the situation in Eastern Europe, the Soviet Union informed Fidel Castro of the necessity to curtail military support to the island.
"In this context, the doctrine of territorial troop militias emerged, dubbed the 'War of the Entire People.' This was merely a euphemism to avoid admitting the truth: we were left holding the brush without a ladder," Riva stated.
The so-called "War of the Entire People" became the cornerstone of the Cuban regime's national defense strategy in the ensuing decades, a tactic that Riva argues is entirely irrelevant in today's scenario.
"It's inconceivable that they continue to adhere to the same combat doctrine, over half a century later," Riva criticized, issuing a direct appeal to Cuban soldiers: "Do not use weapons against the people, because the Cuban populace is protesting for a just cause."
The historical backdrop referenced by the former Cuban officer harks back to Poland in 1983, when the Soviet communist regime lifted martial law (Stan Wojenny), imposed in 1981 to crush the Solidarity trade union movement. Despite the repression, which saw over 10,000 imprisoned, the movement persisted underground and marked a pivotal moment in the fight for freedom in Eastern Europe.
The Cuban Military Conscientious Objectors group was established in February 2021. It comprises high-ranking officials from the FAR and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) who have faced sentences in Cuba and are now in exile. Additionally, there are other members who remain anonymous within the island.
Understanding Cuba's Military Dynamics
What is the "War of the Entire People" doctrine?
The "War of the Entire People" is a military strategy developed in Cuba during the 1980s, designed to involve the entire population in defense efforts. However, it is now considered outdated and ineffective in the current global context.
Who are the Military Conscientious Objectors in Cuba?
The Military Conscientious Objectors in Cuba is a group formed by former high-ranking military officials and members of the Ministry of the Interior who oppose the Cuban regime's military strategies and are pushing for reform. Some members are in exile, while others remain incognito within Cuba.