Social media platforms were awash with sarcastic remarks following the release of images and videos from the so-called "Combat Preparedness Competition" orchestrated by the Western Army in celebration of National Defense Day in Cuba.
Disseminated by the regime's own official channels, the footage depicted young individuals training with outdated weaponry, engaging in military exercises that many online observers deemed more theatrical than genuinely combat-ready.
The event occurred at the Menelao Mora Study Center in Artemisa, featuring infantry battalions from the military regions of Artemisa and Pinar del Río. The stated aim was to "assess the level of training, discipline, cohesion, and ideological preparedness" of the participants. However, the visual content sparked a wave of ridicule due to the evident inadequacies in each scene.
Additional images revealed youths wielding antiquated rifles, lacking protective gear, and performing drills under the scorching sun with minimal resources. Several commentators pointed out that the touted "all-people's war doctrine" has devolved into a mere display of internal propaganda, disconnected from the realities of modern military operations.
"Drills without helmets, museum-piece rifles, and tattered uniforms," summarized one social media user. When compared to contemporary defense standards, particularly those of the U.S. military, the symbolic nature of these activities becomes apparent, seemingly focused more on ideological control than on effective preparation.
The Cuban regime has long championed the "all-people's war" strategy as a defensive measure involving mass civilian mobilization against a hypothetical foreign invasion. However, in a nation beset by poverty, power outages, hunger, and increasing military desertion, weekend exercises appear more like a relic of the past than realistic maneuvers.
As the government attempts to showcase unity between the populace and the Armed Forces, the sight of inexperienced youths clutching obsolete weapons elicits a contrary response: a blend of sympathy, outrage, and laughter at the spectacle of a crumbling nation persisting on the path of empty slogans.
Understanding Cuba's Military Exercises
What is the "all-people's war" doctrine in Cuba?
The "all-people's war" doctrine is a defensive strategy promoted by the Cuban regime, emphasizing the mass mobilization of civilians to counter a potential foreign invasion.
Why are the Cuban military exercises criticized?
The exercises are criticized for their use of outdated weaponry and lack of modern protective gear, making them seem more symbolic and ideologically motivated rather than effective military training.
How do these drills affect Cuba's international image?
These drills, showcasing antiquated equipment and inadequately prepared participants, contribute to a perception of Cuba as struggling under economic hardship and disconnected from contemporary military standards.