The Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) released a video featuring a mother and her son, who has just graduated from Active Military Service, to present that experience as a period of discipline and personal growth, at a time when this institution is facing strong criticism over the deaths of young people during their service.
The material, lasting two minutes and 28 seconds, was published on Monday by the Central Army of Cuba as part of the official campaign “#TheCenturyOfFidel,” promoted by the regime in anticipation of the centenary of the birth of the dictator Fidel Castro.
"At first, like any mother, I was very fearful due to all the circumstances we are currently facing in our country," the woman acknowledges before asserting that she is now "super proud" of her son for completing the service "with dedication, discipline, and bravery."
Although he does not specify what circumstances he is referring to, his comment comes amid a profound economic and social crisis marked by prolonged blackouts, shortages, and deterioration of living conditions.
The young man also provides a favorable testimony and speaks of the pride of his family and neighbors. At times, his words almost mirror those used by his mother in a video, whose message revolves around a positive outlook on Military Service.
"The Homeland called them, and they answered," states the text with which the FAR accompanied the publication, where they present the young people who are completing this stage as "good citizens."
A much harsher reality for other families
The image promoted by the FAR contrasts sharply with the accounts of dozens of Cuban families who have lost their children while serving in the Military Service.
According to data from the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory, at least 97 young people died during Military Service between 2001 and the spring of 2026. The average age of the victims was just 18 years, and suicide is reported as the leading documented cause of death.
Among the recent cases is that of Abraham Limonta Estrada, 17 years old, who passed away in February 2026, and Dailier Rodríguez Tamayo, 19, who died in March while fulfilling his Military Service in Havana.
Another case that has had significant repercussions is that of Antonio Rassi Roque, 18 years old, who passed away on August 18, 2025, at Military Unit 5050 "El Calvario" in Havana. His mother, Mercedes Roque, has been demanding justice for her son's death for over a year and has reported that the case file was provisionally shelved.
The Cuban government does not publish official statistics on deaths that occur during military service.
Active Military Service is mandatory for Cuban men, according to the Law No. 75 on National Defense. Registration as a pre-recruit begins at the age of 16, and Cuba does not recognize conscientious objection. Since 2024, there are also fines for those who fail to comply with certain obligations related to military registration and summonses.
The publication by the FAR also failed to convince many users on Facebook.
"It's embarrassing to see this in 2026," commented one person. Another focused on what happens after leaving the uniform: "He returned, but what future awaits him? Where will he find employment? What good is the sacrifice?"
A third user was even more blunt: "Sixty years of misery and repression have yielded only this dictatorship."
The comments reveal the contrast between the image of pride and training that the FAR attempts to project and the concerns of many Cuban families regarding an obligatory service that continues to be surrounded by questions about conditions in the military units and the deaths of young people.
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