Youth Labor Army [Ejército Juvenil del Trabajo]
Cuba's paramilitary units, such as the Youth Labor Army [Ejército Juvenil del Trabajo] devoted to agricultural production, have suffered considerable degradation of morale and training over the last seven years. However, their core personnel still have the potential to make an enemy invasion costly.
In time the militia was so greatly expanded by recruitment under pressure that its revolutionary zeal was considerably diluted. By 1961 Castro transferred his favor and reliance to the newly organized Rebel Youth, who were by then his most fanatical followers.
In general, the Rebel Youth, a part-time force, has only light arms which are issued to them only on occasion. They are not capable of sustained combat, but are effective for controlling and coercing the general public. In addition, some selected units of the Rebel Youth are specially armed and trained and are, in effect, army units specially dedicated to Fidel Castro.
The Youth Labor Army (EJT) comprises of the terrestrial troops of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and has the following main missions:
- To make productive activities in interest of the economic-social development of the country.
- To execute measures for the protection of the environment and the rational use of the natural resources.
- To prepare militarily to its members and to participate in the accomplishment of the armed warfare.
- To contribute to the education and patriotic, military, labor, sport and cultural formation of the young people.
The EJT is structured in divisions, regiments and battalions. Their members completely receive the wages or salaries established for the work that make, like the rest of the workers of the country.
