Kaibiles de Guatemala

Every Kaibil must ascribe to this motto."If I advance, follow me. If I stop, urge me on. If I retreat, kill me."  It's not unlike the ancient Spartan statement made by mothers to their warrior sons, "Come back with your shield or on it." Recruit training includes biting the head off of a live chicken to prove your worth.

The Kaibiles are the Guatemalan Military's response to an identified need for jungle warfare commandos who focus on counter insurgency operations. They are distinguished from other Guatemalan troops by their maroon beret with blazing sword patch.

President Otto Perez Molina, a long time methamphetamine precursor dealer/importer, has announced that he will send Los Kaibiles to fight (rival) drug interests within Guatemala. Other members of Los Kaibiles have formed their own version of the Mexican Los Zetas mercenary narcotics cartel. http://youtu.be/3YOpQatySMQ In this video you will see Kaibiles crawling through the jungle wearing camouflage and red berets.

Hand grenades sold to the Guatemalan military by Israel for military applications and issued to Los Kaibiles have made their way into the hands of various drug cartels. (oops)

Propaganda: Kaibil y soldado que en tiempos de guerra, defendiste la libertad, la soberanía y la independencia de tu patria, que pasaste noches de frío, y días sin agua, que moriste en la selva, que dejaste esposa e hijos, padres y hermanos, no te sientas triste, pues cumpliste con tu deber, aunque hoy se te persiga, se te humille, y te llamen genocida, no importa que tarde o temprano se hará justicia. 

Translation: Kaibil and soldiers in wartime, defend freedom, sovereignty and independence of (Guatemala) their country, they spend cold nights and days without water, they die in the jungle, they leave wives, children, parents and siblings, and do not feel sad, as they their duty. Today they are chased and humiliated and are referred as death squads but eventually justice will be done.

I have nothing against Los Kaibiles. They fall into much the same mold as many military groups in Latin America where loyalties would seem to be divided. And those who are true believers are usually betrayed by their elected leaders.