The official channel Perlavisión, from the province of Cienfuegos, has aired a report presenting a rosy view of mandatory military service in Cuba, highlighting alleged opportunities for recreation and leisure for recruits.
According to the television material, military service goes "beyond military skills", ensuring that soldiers have areas for recreation and leisure in their free time.
It is also mentioned that the time spent in the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) lasts two years, or 14 months under the deferred condition, allowing young people to "enter civilian life capable of facing various situations".
The report included testimonies from recruits who insisted that military service is a "lesson for everyday life", where values are instilled and training is received for the future.
In the words of one of the interviewed soldiers: "We have good meals, a dormitory, and fulfill various duties, but we also have our inviolable rights."
The content also highlights the alleged food self-sufficiency within military units, stating that soldiers grow their own food and participate in self-consumption activities.
Nonetheless, the official versions contrast with the complaints from former soldiers and their families who have reported the harsh conditions in the barracks, including mistreatment, forced labor, and the lack of options for those who refuse to comply with mandatory service.
In recent years, there has been a growing opposition to mandatory military service in Cuba, led by parents, activists, and civil society organizations. The campaign has gained momentum, especially after tragic incidents that have highlighted the risks and adverse conditions faced by young recruits.
One of the most significant triggers was the fire at the Supertankers Base in Matanzas in August 2022, where several recruits lost their lives while participating in firefighting efforts.
This event sparked a wave of outrage on social media, where Cuban internet users used the hashtag #NoAlServicioMilitarObligatorio to demand the repeal of the law that requires male adolescents to register for military service upon turning 16.
In January 2025, another tragedy in an ammunition warehouse in Holguín, which resulted in the disappearance of nine young soldiers and four servicemen, reignited the campaign. Activists and organizations such as Impacto Juvenil Republicano led protests in various provinces, denouncing the SMO as an oppressive and dangerous system for Cuban youth.
Additionally, alarming cases have recently emerged that contradict the official narrative, such as the case of a young man who suffered extreme physical deterioration after being punished in a military unit.
According to the Cuban legal system, military service is mandatory for males over 17 years old, with a duration of up to two years in the FAR. For women, joining is voluntary, although in recent years there have been intensified campaigns to encourage their enlistment.
In October 2024, Decree 103/2024 was approved, which imposes fines of up to 7,000 Cuban pesos on those who do not register for military service or fail to appear when summoned by the Military Committee. Additionally, the parents or guardians of minors are held responsible for any violations committed by them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
How does the Cuban regime present compulsory military service?
The Cuban regime presents mandatory military service as an opportunity for training and recreation, highlighting supposed leisure and entertainment opportunities for recruits. However, this view is criticized for contrasting with reports from former soldiers and their families about harsh and dangerous conditions.
What are the penalties for failing to fulfill military service in Cuba?
The Decree 103/2024 imposes fines of up to 7,000 Cuban pesos on those who do not register for military service or fail to appear when summoned. Additionally, parents or guardians are held accountable for the infractions committed by minors. These penalties aim to strengthen control over enlistment and participation in defense activities.
What is the duration of mandatory military service in Cuba?
The mandatory military service in Cuba lasts for two years, or 14 months under the deferred condition. This is a requirement imposed on males starting at age 17, while for females, joining is voluntary, although it is actively promoted.
What incidents have prompted the rejection of mandatory military service in Cuba?
The rejection of mandatory military service has been driven by tragic incidents such as the fire at the Supertanker Base in Matanzas in 2022, where several recruits lost their lives, and the explosion at an ammunition depot in Holguín in 2025, which resulted in the disappearance of nine young soldiers. These events have intensified protests and the "No to Mandatory Military Service" campaign.
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