Kaibiles
| Kaibiles | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 5 December 1974 |
| Country | Guatemala |
| Branch | Guatemalan Army |
| Type | Special operations force |
| Size | Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Poptún, Petén Department |
| Motto(s) | "If I advance, follow me. If I stop, urge me on. If I retreat, kill me." |
The Kaibiles are a special operations wing of the Armed Forces of Guatemala. They specialize in jungle warfare tactics and counter-insurgency operations. Since 1974, more than 1,250 soldiers have graduated from the international training programme, which has a duration of eight weeks. Of this number, 85% were Guatemalan soldiers.
The corps' soldiers are distinguished from regular troops by maroon berets with patches bearing a blazing sword. Its motto, inspired by Henri de la Rochejaquelein, is: "If I advance, follow me. If I stop, urge me on. If I retreat, kill me."