A young soldier with Cuban heritage has become the focus of a recent video by Ecuadorian influencer José Erazo, known as "El Pepe" (@elpepejl). He interviewed her within the premises of the United States Army and shared the encounter on his Instagram account.
Carmenate, who is 22 years old, was born in Spain to Cuban parents and has been serving in the US Army for nearly two years. In the short video, she casually introduced herself and explained her journey to donning the uniform: "I joined the Army because my sister is also in it, and she encouraged me to enlist."
When Erazo asked her what advice she would offer other women considering enlistment, Carmenate was straightforward: "Avoid drama, follow the rules, do what you're told, and remember, it's all mental—just keep pushing."
Her story highlights a common occurrence in immigrant communities: family-driven recruitment, where a relative already in active service paves the way for other household members.
Carmenate's profile is unique, even amid the growing Hispanic presence in the military. Born in Spain to Cuban parents and enlisted in the US, she represents a transnational journey that spans three countries before joining the Army ranks.
Based in Miami, Erazo is one of the most followed Hispanic military content creators on social media, boasting over 2.6 million TikTok followers and more than 400,000 on Instagram. Much of his audience consists of young Latinos contemplating enlistment and seeking firsthand insights into life in the Army.
The video featuring Carmenate isn't the first time Erazo has highlighted Cuban representation in the US armed forces. Other soldiers of Cuban origin have shared their experiences on digital platforms: Andy Soto, who emigrated to the US at age seven, serves as a logistics specialist in the Army Reserve; Lea Nieves gained viral attention with a video about her Cuban identity within the Army; and José "Pepe" Ávalo, promoted to sergeant in 2025, is currently stationed in Italy.
The Hispanic presence in the US Army continues to grow. According to the Army Recruiting Command, in the fiscal year 2025, Hispanics accounted for 26.7% of new recruits in the regular Army, totaling 16,567 soldiers out of 62,050 enlisted that year.
"Cuba present in the Army," wrote Erazo when publishing the video, which garnered over 9,100 reactions and hundreds of comments within hours, reflecting the interest these stories generate within the Latino community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Presence in the US Army
How significant is the Hispanic presence in the US Army?
In the fiscal year 2025, Hispanics made up 26.7% of new recruits in the regular Army, reflecting a significant presence.
What role do family connections play in military enlistment?
Family connections often play a crucial role, as seen in immigrant communities, where relatives in active service encourage others to enlist.
Who is José Erazo and what is his impact?
José Erazo, known as "El Pepe," is a popular Hispanic military content creator with millions of followers, providing insights into Army life to young Latinos.