From Glory to Disgrace: The Haitian Army, 1804-1994

Former President of the Republic of Haiti, former Commander-in-Chief of the Haitian Army, former scholar at at the US Marine Corps Schools (Quantico, VA), and the United States Naval Intelligence School (Anacostia, VA), qualified in law, career officer during 30 years which coincided with a deeply tormented period of national history, Prosper Avril brings the opinions of a privileged witness, a meticulous observer, an inquisitive researchist, and a leading actor to the debate about a subject that concerns all Haitians and creates much interest with foreign researchers, historians and observers -- the recent dismantling of the Haitian Army.

From Glory to Disgrace: The Haitian Army - 1804, 1994 is an in depth study of the Haitian military institution, the oldest of Haiti, not viewed as a disjointed member of the Haitian social body, but rather as an integral part of a society which is in constant change.

By undertaking this work, the author proposes answers to two fundamental questions: does the Haitian Army deserve the fate of its radical and final dissolution? is the future of Haiti secure without an army dedicated to the defense of the integrity of its national territory?

By the wealth of its documentation and its close analysis of the events in which the Haitian Army has been involved, this book will certainly help the Haitian or foreign reader make a reasoned and impartial judgment about this important matter. In this work, the author maintains a commitment to one noble ambition -- to begin a patriotic and objective debate on one of the most controversial issues for Haiti today.