A Cuban soldier in the U.S. Army responded on TikTok to one of the most frequently asked questions among his followers interested in joining the U.S. armed forces: Can U.S. military personnel travel to Cuba?
In the video, the uniformed individual, who identifies himself as @ssg_reynaldo_mastrapa, provided details about the regulations and procedures that military personnel must follow before leaving the country, as well as his perspective on the potential consequences of traveling to the Island.
The military official began by pointing out that vacation permits in the Army require the commander's approval, especially if the destination is international. He explained that, in those cases, additional security protocols are activated. "Your commander is assuming the risk of you going to another country", he stated, emphasizing that this responsibility can become complicated if the destination is a country hostile to the United States.
About Cuba, he was categorical: "Technically, Cuba is an enemy country. There are Chinese and Russian bases on the Island. If I were your commander and you told me you were going to Cuba or Russia, I would not approve it. The risk is too great." He also emphasized that the Cuban regime has "one of the best intelligence operations," which monitors all aspects of life in the country. According to him, this could pose a serious danger to an American military member, especially if they are identified before reaching Cuban territory.
Finally, he recommended that other soldiers avoid destinations like Cuba, arguing that the risk of an international incident is too high: "If he is a commander with any sense, he won't risk letting you go to a country like Cuba, Russia, North Korea, Venezuela, or even Nicaragua."
This video has sparked divided reactions on social media, including opinions from many Cubans who shared family experiences with American soldiers. "People, the question is yes or no? Of course, you can't go to Cuba as a U.S. military. My dad was a soldier born here in the U.S. and he couldn't go to Cuba," commented a user. Another added: "My cousin spent 25 years in the American navy and was never allowed to go to Cuba," while someone else wrote: "My son never went to Cuba while in the Army."
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