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墨書 Inktalez
"Are you saying that we are the primary target for the defensive side?" I pondered for a moment before responding.
The Company Commander nodded. "So our mission will be quite challenging. During the construction of the dock, we will face covering fire. I hope everyone can perform well and complete the tasks assigned by our superiors."
Old Tang suddenly interjected, "How is the casualty count for this Drill calculated?"
The Company Commander paused for a moment. "There seems to be a formula for it. Additionally, the Control Department will have frontline Observers, which serve as reference points for judgment."
Young people are always passionate. The few of us were imagining the scenes of the Military Exercise, unable to help but dream and discuss the upcoming event.
In contrast, the soldiers were not very excited. Many were sleeping, some were chatting quietly, and others were gazing out at the scenery. Jinghe was feeding Pudding, who was relatively quiet; otherwise, Pudding would have been expelled from the compartment long ago if the Company Commander weren't such a tolerant person.
In the evening, we had individual rations for dinner. After eating, we received a notification that we would arrive at our destination around Early Morning. Everyone adjusted themselves to rest according to the announcement.
The entire compartment fell silent as the lights dimmed, leaving only a few for basic illumination. I looked out the window; at this moment, it was impossible to tell where we were because it was pitch black outside. I guessed we had left the city and entered the mountainous area.
The train sped along when suddenly a flash of lightning illuminated the night sky, followed by a loud crash—thunder!
I jolted awake; this clap of Thunder came too suddenly and startled many sleeping soldiers.
It started to rain! A few drops appeared on the window, and in an instant, it began pouring heavily, drumming against the glass with a loud sound accompanied by flashes of lightning and thunder outside.
The night was hazy, and the rainy night was even more obscure. The misty rain began to take on a mysterious quality amidst the sound of pouring rain; everything outside became increasingly blurred. The distant scenery was completely invisible, only the sound of rain could be heard.
I leaned back in my chair, gazing at the dim night outside while thinking about the upcoming Drill. It would be a brand new experience! I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as my mind wandered off. Slowly, I began to feel my eyes grow sore and heavy until I unknowingly fell asleep...
I was awakened by the Company Commander tapping me. "We're almost there; get up! Pay attention to organizing disembarkation and unloading!" The Company Commander stood beside me.
I quickly stood up and relayed instructions to all Unit cadres and squad leaders at the back of the compartment regarding their assignments. At that moment, I noticed that it had stopped raining outside; it was slightly brightening up, and the train's speed was decreasing.
The train was approaching the station. Soldiers began to organize their gear in preparation for disembarking.
Before long, the train slowly entered an unfamiliar station surrounded by mountains. Many soldiers from other units were already gathering at Stage. In the distance, several trucks were parked. There were also many Gendarmerie personnel wearing Steel Helmets and armbands inside and around the platform, seemingly maintaining order.
These are mostly infantry from the Army, and unlike us, they don’t carry a heavy load of gear. Once they disembark, they simply gather and can head straight to the exercise site without unloading equipment from their vehicles.
Over here, the soldiers are lined up waiting to get off the bus. I stand at the door watching as Murong Qian and a few others envy those equipped with the new Type 95 gear.
Jinghe, who was a military enthusiast before enlisting, stares at them in awe and exclaims, "Wow, it's really the Type 95! All equipped with new weapons; this must be an elite unit."
Xuanhua nudges him, saying, "Hurry up, don’t hold up the people behind us. Forget about the Type 95; I still prefer my Type 81. It works great!"
"Squad Leader, you don’t understand," Jinghe replies excitedly. "This rifle has high shooting accuracy and uses lightweight, high-strength materials to reduce weight. You can even shoot it one-handed and aim quickly. You can attach a scope and use it like a sniper rifle."
I have to admit, the Type 95 does look sleek and modern compared to the Type 81-1. Many soldiers are eyeing them with admiration, but those equipped with the new gear maintain an air of aloofness. Even when we try to get closer to take a look at their weapons, they cast wary glances our way.
During assembly, there are two neighboring units on either side of us, all equipped with new gear as well. However, both officers and soldiers regard us with indifference; perhaps it’s because we’re using older equipment. By the time we disband to unload our gear, those units show no interest in us anymore; they must have figured out we are Engineers.
The soldiers who don’t know much about us seem curious but not surprised. Meanwhile, Xuanhua is animatedly pointing out features of their gear. "Look! The Type 96 is using machine guns! And over there is a Type 97 sniper rifle! Wow! An upgraded version of the Type 88—I've heard it's for export only. But I knew we’d be equipped too; I was right! Hahaha!"
The stage area has been noisy for quite some time but gradually calms down as no more trains arrive for now, allowing us to load our equipment onto vehicles at a leisurely pace.
Under the unified organization of our Company Commander, we drive out of the station. My vehicle closely follows the Company Commander's Jeep as the road becomes increasingly bumpy. I roll down the window; perhaps it had rained here recently because the air feels fresh with a hint of earthiness and a trace of salty sea breeze. Wait—are we gathering for drills by the sea? I wonder silently.
Sure enough, after nearly two hours of driving, our vehicle stops in front of a large open area filled with military tents and towering power lines. This must be where the drills will take place.
By this time, daylight has brightened significantly, and soon someone approaches to inquire about our unit number. After confirming details, they assign us a designated area for our encampment and distribute tents and equipment. I'm somewhat puzzled—wait, isn’t this supposed to be just drills? Are we going to stay here long-term? The Company Commander gathers us together and instructs us to set up our tents first while awaiting further orders; we’ll rest in place until then.
We quickly receive our squad tents; setting them up isn’t complicated since there are many hands available. Before long, all our tents are erected. Logistics personnel also arrive with bottled water and simple food supplies. According to instructions, we only brought basic rations; after unloading in the morning, everyone is feeling quite hungry now.
As we sit inside the tent eating breakfast, we curiously watch people coming and going outside. The earlier arriving units have already set up their tents; most of those moving around outside seem to be staff officers and communicators who appear hurried—there’s definitely a sense of impending action.
By noon, more participating units have gathered around us. Later on, we learn that all units were required to arrive by 1 PM today for a preparatory meeting scheduled for 3 PM to clarify assignments and related matters.
We skip over lunch and rest time; in the afternoon, as heads of independent units, our Company Commander attends a briefing while we huddle together waiting for task assignments.
The meeting lasted until after six in the evening. Just as everyone was having a simple dinner provided, the Company Commander returned. As soon as he arrived, he called all the Company Commanders into the Battalion tent.
At this moment, there were no tables or chairs assigned, so everyone had to sit on the ground. The Company Commander looked serious as he glanced at us and said, "This is serious; it's a Live Fire Exercise!"
What?! We were all stunned. A confrontation? With whom?
The Company Commander seemed a bit excited. He took several gulps from his water bottle, wiped his mouth, and said, "Yes, a confrontation Drill! First, let me convey the higher-ups' intentions and give you some background on the situation. You might not know this, but this summer saw the simultaneous launch of three military Drills: Taiwan's 'Han Guang No. 0' Military Exercise, America's 'Summer Pulse 004' Military Exercise, and our own Dongshan Island Military Exercise. Although they are all labeled as routine Military Exercises, they have created a military standoff. The N Military District is responsible for the Dongshan Island Drill, which just concluded."
We exchanged glances. Military Exercises happen every year, right? What does this have to do with our G Military District?
The Company Commander paused for a moment, clearly noticing our confusion. "This year's military exercises in Taiwan are different from previous ones. Earlier this year, the previously shelved Taiwanese military Enhancement Plan was restarted, revealing the development trends of the Taiwanese Military over the next few years. The biggest change is an adjustment in strategic thinking aimed at achieving offensive operations. The Taiwanese Military has shifted its strategic guidance from 'air superiority, maritime control, and ground defense' to 'information dominance, countering asymmetrical threats, and joint air and maritime control with ground defense,' advocating for 'blocking the enemy on their shore and stalling their offensive.' This is a significant strategic shift. To quickly implement these changes and demonstrate their strength, they have conducted a series of Military Exercises. Additionally, America's 'Summer Pulse 004' Military Exercise aims to enhance the readiness of the U.S. Navy to provide sufficient military power for responding to national crises or global hotspots."
The Company Commander spoke faster now. "This year has seen continuous Drills between Taiwan and the U.S., and given the current situation, the frequency and scale of these military Drills are large and highly targeted. Therefore, we have also initiated related Military Exercises. However, unlike previous Military Exercises in the N Military District that focused on amphibious landings, this Drill's primary objective is to secure air superiority over the Taiwan Strait for the first time. The background of our upcoming Military Exercise is that after the recent N Military District Military Exercise concluded, headquarters plans to conduct another confrontation Military Exercise with three main objectives: first, to assess the military readiness of each military district; second, to evaluate the actual combat capabilities of each Main Combat Unit; and third, to test our forces' landing capabilities and response to Amphibious Assaults in real combat scenarios."
A light bulb went off in my head, and I couldn't help but blurt out, "I got it! Are we going to confront the N Military District?!"
(To be continued; more exciting content tomorrow!)
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