Territorial Militia Troops / Milicias de Tropas Territoriales
Cuba's paramilitary units -- the Territorial Militia Troops [Milicias de Tropas Territoriales], the Youth Labor Army [Ejército Juvenil del Trabajo] devoted to agricultural production, and the naval militia -- 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.
Soon after taking power, Castro came to doubt, with reason, the loyalty of the Army to the course the Revolution had taken on achieving power. The militia were therefore established as an alternative armed support for the regime. The original units were composed of Castro's most ardent followers. In time, however, 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 militia is a part-time force with 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 militia are specially armed and trained and are, in effect, army units specially dedicated to Fidel Castro.
