The use of Latinos in Central American during the 80s was common not sure a specific unit was created. The Army Auxiliary Unit from the RGV, was a national guard unit but converted to be able to fight off a land invasion from Mexico, was deployed to Honduras in 1984 or 1985 as a show of force against the Sandinistas. My dad was the first sergeant for Company C. My mom's second cousin, Texas A&M Cadet with four sabers during the 1960s, Green Beret officer and was part of the unit that captured Noriega in 1989. He was later working in the Pentagon on 9/11 but was evacuated just before the jet hit it. Anyway just some family history.
I did hear of a unit of Spanish speaking ethnic Mexicans that was sent to Mexico about 12 years ago to hunt down Cartel leaders. I forgot the nickname the Mexicans supposedly gave them.
However, not unusual for the US military to use ethnic soldiers in combat against their former nations or people or people who are similar in background but see themselves as distinct. Important to remember that as much as Latino is a functional word for non Latinos, it masks different identities. If a Latino made this film its log line would probably be: The Pocho versus the Sandinistas who became Latino.
https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=2577
^^^ He would know. He was the equivalent “Latino” in DOS, directly involved with the Reagan-era “Contras” policy. Used to call them “my muchachos.”
Thank you David! I did not know of this scholar. I appreciate your introducing me to his work.
The use of Latinos in Central American during the 80s was common not sure a specific unit was created. The Army Auxiliary Unit from the RGV, was a national guard unit but converted to be able to fight off a land invasion from Mexico, was deployed to Honduras in 1984 or 1985 as a show of force against the Sandinistas. My dad was the first sergeant for Company C. My mom's second cousin, Texas A&M Cadet with four sabers during the 1960s, Green Beret officer and was part of the unit that captured Noriega in 1989. He was later working in the Pentagon on 9/11 but was evacuated just before the jet hit it. Anyway just some family history.
I did hear of a unit of Spanish speaking ethnic Mexicans that was sent to Mexico about 12 years ago to hunt down Cartel leaders. I forgot the nickname the Mexicans supposedly gave them.
However, not unusual for the US military to use ethnic soldiers in combat against their former nations or people or people who are similar in background but see themselves as distinct. Important to remember that as much as Latino is a functional word for non Latinos, it masks different identities. If a Latino made this film its log line would probably be: The Pocho versus the Sandinistas who became Latino.
Wow, what an interesting family story, Trini! Thanks for sharing!
Check out the 1954 movie The Salt of the Earth. It is interesting to see how the mexican workers are portrayed in the mining strike.
That is a great movie, for sure! I think I've taught it in every Latino history course. Thanks for engaging!