The Central Army of Cuba, a key component of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), recently shared a statement on Facebook declaring that terms like "surrender" and "defeat" do not exist in their "military vocabulary."
The post emphasized that any form of capitulation "would represent the greatest catastrophe in history," from which the nation "could never recover."
Described as the "Fighting Philosophy of the Cuban People," the message stresses that "no revolutionary should ever surrender to the enemy," vowing to fight "to the death" if necessary.
It further asserts that every combatant must adopt the mindset that "I am the Revolution," continuing the struggle independently, even in isolation, without awaiting directives from others.
The statement underscores a preference for death over capture, outright rejecting any cessation of hostilities if it means surrender: "The order to cease fire will never be given if it means capitulating to the enemy."
Additionally, the post includes militaristic objectives for conflict scenarios: "Every inch of our homeland must be defended," and inflicting "the greatest possible casualties on the enemy's forces is our primary goal."
Concluding the message, the Central Army calls for "maintaining a combative spirit," despite "enormous and painful" sacrifices, asserting that "ultimate victory will be ours," regardless of the "difficult circumstances" of the struggle.
Rising Combat Rhetoric from Cuba's Armed Forces
Since the beginning of 2026, the Cuban regime's militaristic rhetoric has escalated, signaling a persistent readiness for confrontation against perceived external threats.
In January, the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) declared the nation's resolve to "fight to the death for socialism," following the approval of a state of war led by Raúl Castro.
This declaration, issued during Defense Day, reinforced the notion that every citizen must prepare to face potential aggression, adhering to the doctrine of "war by the entire people."
Shortly after, MINFAR released a video showcasing outdated motorcycle maneuvers as evidence of their "combat readiness."
The footage, shared on social media and state television, was met with ridicule from the public, highlighting the contrast between the official narrative of strength and the obvious deterioration of military equipment.
Despite these visible shortcomings, Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of ideological unity and cohesion, portraying these exercises as a symbol of resistance against the United States.
Understanding Cuba's Military Stance and Public Perception
What is the Cuban military's stance on surrender?
The Cuban military explicitly rejects the notion of surrender, viewing it as a catastrophe from which the country could never recover. They vow to fight to the death if necessary.
How has the Cuban public responded to the military's combat readiness displays?
The public has largely mocked the displays of combat readiness, particularly the use of outdated equipment, which contrasts sharply with the regime's narrative of strength.
Why is the Cuban regime emphasizing military readiness?
The Cuban regime emphasizes military readiness as a show of strength against perceived external threats, aiming to bolster national unity and ideological cohesion.