The highly anticipated field training has arrived once again, igniting a fervor within us! Unlike in the past, the atmosphere is still charged with tension and excitement, the training requirements remain strict, and the fighting spirit of our comrades is as high as ever. However, this time, the training plan has undergone slight adjustments, missing the crucial element of the Thousand Movements. But fear not; even without it, this training is still filled with challenges and knowledge.
Our destination is not far-flung but rather the beautiful Dali, renowned for its picturesque landscapes of wind, flowers, snow, and moon. Just imagine the enchanting sights that await us as we step onto this magical land! Perhaps we will witness the majestic snow-capped peaks of Cangshan shimmering under the sunlight; or feel the gentle breeze by Erhai Lake, creating ripples that resemble a stunning ink wash painting; or uncover ancient stories and legends hidden within the alleys of the old town, waiting for us to explore. In short, this training journey is destined to be extraordinary!
For us, being within our province means we can better adapt to the weather conditions. After all, this place is not like those high-altitude areas where one feels suffocated by low oxygen levels. It can be said that this is a special privilege for our daily training. Upon arriving at the Training Base, everything feels so familiar, as if time has turned back. The same buildings, the same grounds, and the repetitive training tasks day after day. However, unlike before, we are no longer novices but rather the main force responsible for leading and teaching new recruits. After extensive honing and training, our skills are now far more refined than they were in the past. Overall, this Training Base is indeed superior to the one located in Xichang. Here, the views are expansive and the air fresh and pleasant. Looking into the distance, one can even see rows of wind turbines neatly lined up on the mountaintop. They spin gracefully in the breeze like elegant dancers, creating a beautiful and tranquil scene. If given a chance on weekends here, inviting a few close friends for camping would surely make it an ideal choice. Sitting around a campfire, sharing stories and laughter while gazing at the starry sky and feeling nature's charm would be an unforgettable and delightful experience!
Due to various factors such as basic conditions, we managed to handle most matters in just about five days. Following that, we smoothly transitioned into regular training phases. However, during those initial days, we truly experienced one of Yunnan's famed quirks: it could rain on one side while being sunny on another.
I remember one time when we headed up the mountain for training; as we left, a bright sun hung in the sky. Yet midway through our training session, everything changed dramatically—like a scene from a drama when monsters appear. Suddenly, thick fog enveloped us from all sides. Although it was still about forty to fifty meters away from us at first, it moved with astonishing speed; within mere seconds, we were completely swallowed by it. The sensation was exactly as people often say: you couldn't see your hand in front of your face! Typically, such situations occur at night; yet here we were in broad daylight.
For safety reasons, we had no choice but to quickly don our raincoats and pause to rest until the fog gradually dissipated before continuing with our training tasks.
I also recall another instance when it began to drizzle lightly from above. The feeling was reminiscent of Xichang—when we set out initially under clear skies only to find ourselves unable to return! At that moment, everyone was focused on practicing their aim on the ground when suddenly we heard leaves rustling nearby due to strong winds. Everyone looked up just in time to realize that rain was rushing toward us at lightning speed. In an instant decision made by our duty officer, everyone was ordered to find shelter from this sudden downpour. However, it all happened too quickly; many didn't even have time to put on their raincoats before leaping up from the ground and sprinting toward nearby trees for cover. We thought hiding under those trees would save us from disaster; however, it turned out we were overly optimistic. The torrential rain poured down as if heaven had overturned a bucket of water without restraint; it felt like several people were standing nearby continuously dousing us with large buckets. Even so, we could only huddle under the trees and pray for the rain to lessen soon. After what felt like an eternity waiting for it to subside slightly, everyone was drenched through—looking like drowned rats! With no other option left, we trudged back to Camp in disarray and hurriedly changed out of our soaked clothes.
Interestingly enough, there are unique local specialties even in these deep mountains! Back when I was in the army, wild bayberries grew abundantly across hillsides; while Xichang is famous for its valuable Dang Shen herb. However, here what stands out most are those lush pine trees!
These pines bear enormous pine cones that hide countless pine nuts within them when gently pried open. Each segment contains two plump and enticing pine nuts—truly a delicious treasure bestowed upon us by nature.
Whenever there's a break during training sessions, our group of food enthusiasts eagerly rushes beneath those pine trees to collect fallen pine cones scattered on the ground. We then return to camp to light a fire and roast them slowly over flames. Before long, delightful aromas waft through the air—making everyone's stomachs growl with hunger.
However, when it comes time to taste them, they always seem somewhat disappointing compared to those bought from outside. What went wrong in our cooking process? Or was there something else amiss? No matter how I pondered it over and over again—the flavor of our homemade pine nuts simply couldn't compare with those purchased elsewhere; they were worlds apart!
Due to our responsibility for an upcoming exercise mission this time around—the intensity of training has suddenly increased significantly along with an exceptionally tense atmosphere. Early on in training sessions some subjects related directly to exercises were integrated into our schedule. Our exercise area was arranged behind the Training Base's back mountain.
Every day required us to endure over an hour's arduous trek through steep mountains just to reach our destination. Fortunately though—the ever-changing scenery along the way dazzled our eyes! Each path may be familiar yet offers vastly different views each time we traverse it. Those novel sights always bring unexpected surprises that help ease our previously tense minds.
However poor Cooking Team comrades had it tough—they not only had to carry heavy pots and pans but also shoulder large bags of rice and vegetables throughout their journey! Although occasionally we would lend a hand carrying some items—it was unfortunate that due to rough terrain most times they had no choice but rely solely on their own strength trudging along.
Surprisingly enough—physical training times turned out quite enjoyable! This mainly stemmed from our geographical position: Division was located just above our Camp—only about ten minutes' walk away! Whenever physical training began—Division comrades would march along our route too! During these moments—we sometimes encountered familiar faces from previous encounters which always felt heartwarming! Moreover—we also had opportunities meet friendly neighboring units establishing good relationships along this journey!
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