Why are so many Colombians becoming mercenaries? | The Economist
72K views · Feb 19, 2026 · News & Politics
Comments · 315
@edgarmtoro · 7 months ago
Money.
174
@jimmy31hendrix · 7 months ago
Cuz we have a forever war in our country (going on 60 to 75 years, depending on who you ask), and therefore a looooooot of people, both from the army, as well as paramilitary terrorist groups and guerrilla terrorist groups, with combat experience; people with no way to climb the ranks and no other skills in life besides fighting; or maybe they do have other skills but know they can make way more money as mercenaries and volunteers in foreign wars.
265
@MauriceBetancourt · 7 months ago
It is not true that after they retire, they lose health care and housing. They get paid their pension, and the healthcare fee is taken from their pension, ensuring they always have the coverage
24
@dremunoz2600 · 7 months ago (edited)
It all boils down to $$$$$ - they get paid peanuts in Colombia. If they can make 5x more fighting somewhere else...the economics speak for themselves.
91
@hananokuni2580 · 7 months ago
The Colombian military has spent decades fighting the FARC, ELN, and other guerrilla groups. This makes them very experienced in infantry warfare.
5
@someutubchannel69 · 7 months ago
She's got a beautiful voice. <br>Su voz es Hermosa! 🎉🎉🎉
4
@jerrycostanza4180 · 7 months ago
The last president(Haiti), past few Ecuadorian mayors, governers and presidential candidate all unalived by Colombians. Very dangerous mindset of conflict and cheap
59
@skydronet · 7 months ago
Colombia has one of the most capable and battle hardened military forces in the world. Its personnel are rigorously trained, operationally experienced, and accustomed to sustained combat. Colombian Special Forces have repeatedly demonstrated superior performance, securing 13 victories in the international Fuerzas Comando competition surpassing elite units from nations such as the United States.<br><br>A major factor driving Colombian troops to participate in foreign operations is financial incentive. A soldier in Colombia typically earns $400–$500 USD per month, while deployments abroad can raise that figure to $4,000–$5,000 USD, making overseas service a significant motivator.
211
@Kmann-j8e · 7 months ago
love this
@PDNLifeJourney · 7 months ago
Vert informative content by the way
4
@TheRealTruth533 · 7 months ago
Great informative interview.
@juancenobio3379 · 7 months ago
This has been going on since the 80s
5
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