With two powerful slogans and a patriotic call, a small militia group in Costa Rica shut down its online presence and put an end to a short-lived existence that came under heavy criticism and a strong warning by the Ministry of Public Safety (Spanish initials: MSP). The Patrulla 1856 (Patrol 1856) was apparently an informal militia group that was attempting to take up arms against the constant trespasses by Nicaraguan Army soldiers into Costa Rica’s territory in the northern border. All that remains from Patrol 1856 is cached Web content and a reminder that pacifism remains strong in this country.

“It is better to die on your feet than live on your knees” and “let’s not be cowardly servants” were the slogans left online by the short-lived Costa Rican militia before it retreated underground. The former is a famous quote by the brave Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who indeed died on his feet and fighting in 1919. The latter is from the Anthem to Juan Santamaria, which sings the virtue of a young man from Alajuela whose brave sacrifice for Costa Rica put a stop to United States citizen William Walker and his band of filibusterers in the year 1856. The Battles of Santa Rosa and Rivas were decisive in the sense that Walker was forced to return to Nicaragua, become President for a brief time, and begin an unsuccessful Americanization drive based on Manifest Destiny.

The last words of Patrol 1856 included the following patriotic message:

“let’s keep being supportive, you shall know of us when the moment is right, be sure to let others know of your indignation, support the educational system of Costa Rica, feel proud to be willing to give your live for a country that is unique, beautiful and blessed such as ours, and continue to be loyal and patriotic.”

Organizational Structure

At some point, Patrol 1856 was allegedly made up of veterans from Fuerza Publica, Costa Rica’s national police force, and from the old Guardia Civil (Civil Guard). The intent of this paramilitary group was to form an infantry squad with the following characteristics:

• 1 light machine gunner
• 1 heavy machine gunner with an assistant
• 1 grenadier
• 1 light-antitank weapon specialist
• 1 sniper
• 1 point man
• 1 land navigator
• 1 radio operator
• 2 riflemen or fusiliers

The infantry squad structure described above sorely lacks a medic, although the leadership of Patrol 1856 assured that all soldiers would be trained in combat first aid and be given an emergency kit designed to treat each other. The 11-soldier combat group is somewhat reminiscent of a United States Army Airborne squad with regard to the two machine guns, although there are tinges of Vietnam-era squad formations therein.

The Patrol 1856 tried to recruit soldiers on online social networks such as Facebook. They intended to eventually deploy to Isla Calero in the northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and take action against the Nicaraguan Army squads that often amble into our territory. They intended to do “dirty work,” but they clearly states that they did not want a military to be reinstated.

Although Fuerza Publica has units in Isla Calero and the vicinity, they are ordered to keep the peace and to not fall for the foolish taunts of the poorly trained Nicaraguan infantry. The mission of the Costa Rican security forces in this regard is to protect the rural families who live in that region. The MSP has several, well-trained and equipped special intervention units trained to react in case of serious invasions, but the administration of President Laura Chinchilla has made it clear that Costa Rica will do everything to respect international law and abide by peaceful conflict resolution accords.

Should the situation in Isla Calero escalate, the United Nations could organize a peacekeeping force of Latin American and international security forces to ensure that Nicaraguan soldiers do not launch incursions into Costa Rica. At the same time, the peacekeepers will observe the actions of the special intervention units of the MSP to ensure that they do not engage invaders with bellicosity.

The short history of Patrol 1856 illustrates that the people of Costa Rica are still very interested in keeping the status quo with regard to living without an army or paramilitary groups. They are interested in promoting peace.