The Camilo Cienfuegos military school of Santiago de Cuba, popularly known as the “Camilitos”, recently celebrated one of the so -called “15 groups”, a ceremony that, according to the ruling party, full of “pride” the revolutionary armed forces (FAR).
The act was released on Facebook by the profile related to the Frank Enrique regime, who shared images and messages by exalting the continuity of this militaristic tradition.
According to the publication, the activity represents a reaffirmation of the values instilled to adolescents under the military teaching system.
The propaganda machinery of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) did not miss the opportunity to celebrate on Facebook “The 15 groups”, describing the event as “a great day” for the students of the Camilo Cienfuegos military school.
According to the official publication, this date is “expected by all the students”, and sent public congratulations to the young women, highlighting the institutional pride that the ceremony represents.
The “15 groups” are not a simple birthday celebration: behind the ritual, the indoctrination of young people in the principles of obedience, loyalty and discipline at the service of a historically used military apparatus for internal repression in Cuba is consolidated.
While the country is going through one of the deepest economic crises in its history, the regime is committed to continuing to form, from an early age, whom it considers the “future defenders” of the system.
Priority, it seems, is not free and critical education, but the reproduction of loyal paintings that guarantee the perpetuity of power.
The celebration of the 15 years collective in military schools has been an increasingly visible practice in Cuba. In a ceremony held in December 2024, A collective party was organized in a military training centerhighlighting how these activities reinforce the values of obedience and loyalty in young people subject to the militarized system.
Subsequently, new celebrations were recorded in other similar institutions. The emphasis was on the reproduction of military rituals and in the consolidation of military identity from an early age, minimizing any free or critical educational approach.
Another recent example is the party organized in the Bayamo Military Schoolwhere the government strategy of using social ceremonies as political and ideological indoctrination tools was reiterated.
Frequently asked questions about the 15 collective years in Military Schools in Cuba
What are the “15 groups” at the Camilo Cienfuegos military school?
Why is the celebration of the “15 groups” in Cuba criticized?
In the context of the deep economic and social crisis of Cuba, These celebrations are seen as an attempt at the regime to divert attention to the country’s real problems. Criticism focuses that, instead of addressing the urgent needs of the population, the government continues to invest resources in propaganda acts that perpetuate the official ideology.
How are the “15 groups” used as a propaganda tool in Cuba?
These celebrations are presented by the Cuban regime as a “beautiful tradition” that humanizes future military. They are used as propaganda tools to show a friendlier side of military schools and reinforce the ideological indoctrination of young people, mixing personal celebrations with tributes to regime figures, such as Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
What is the impact of indoctrination in Cuban military schools?
Military schools in Cuba, such as the Camilo Cienfuegos military school, prioritize obedience and propagation of official ideals, leaving little room for critical visions. This type of training seeks to create a behavior model based on disciplined compliance with tasks and the adoption of values associated with sacrifice and delivery to the regime.
