As part of the National Defense Day activities, Cuba's Revolutionary Navy's Special Destination Units conducted training exercises. However, one particular image has sparked a lively debate across social media platforms.
The official page for the Eastern Army shared a photograph, prompting hundreds of responses. The image depicts several Cuban military divers engaging in sea maneuvers, supported by autonomous breathing gear and a torpedo-type underwater device.
While the post praised the training as a testament to the combat readiness of these special forces, a critical discussion was ignited by a former Cuban soldier. Claiming to have been part of the same unit back in 2004, he questioned the operational effectiveness of the equipment.
The ex-soldier highlighted significant shortcomings, noting that during his time, resources were both insufficient and outdated. They were forced to share diving gear due to a shortage, and the locally-made masks and fins reportedly caused injuries.
Additionally, he pointed out flaws in the underwater apparatus used during the exercises, identifying it as “tursub.” He claimed the pressure indicators were unreliable, which restricted diving depth.
These statements starkly contrast with the image of strength and preparedness that the military authorities aim to portray in their official communications.
Cuban Navy's Equipment and Training: A Closer Look
What sparked the debate about the Cuban Navy's training exercises?
A photo of Cuban military divers performing sea maneuvers, shared by the Eastern Army's official page, led to a debate. A former soldier criticized the equipment's operational capabilities, claiming they were outdated and insufficient.
What were the specific criticisms made by the former soldier?
The ex-soldier noted the need to share diving gear due to shortages and mentioned that locally-made masks and fins caused injuries. He also criticized the reliability of the pressure indicators on the underwater device, known as "tursub."