Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Old Tang sat across from me, looking equally helpless. We tossed ideas back and forth, summarizing the reasons into three main points: First, the overall quality of recruits was declining. Most of this year's soldiers were born in 1985 or 1986, and the proportion of Rural Soldiers was decreasing. More recruits were coming from urban areas, and due to better family conditions, many had never faced hardship or undergone rigorous training. The training at the New Recruits Company was relatively acceptable, but once they arrived at the Old Company, the gap in abilities would quickly become apparent. Second, there was still a lack of emphasis on mindset; although the soldiers were quite motivated, they did not take basic training seriously. On the contrary, they were completely unaware of what specialized training entailed and thus had no idea what they were lacking or needed to practice. Third, training methods needed improvement; it was clear that relying solely on the current Old Company training would not effectively elevate these recruits with weak foundations. We needed to enhance our training methods to help those with poor basics gradually catch up with the main force.
Having identified the problems, we now needed to devise targeted solutions. Old Tang sighed, "With just two weeks of Ground Training time, I wonder if it will be enough to catch up!" I felt a bit anxious too. "I share some responsibility for this; I didn't look far enough ahead. I thought training was just about doing it well enough, but it seems that being too subjective won't get the job done."
It appeared that we could only do our best to help everyone adapt to the training and improve their performance. As for the final results, both Old Tang and I agreed that instead of rushing through the training schedule, we should follow the actual conditions of our Unit. This way, at least we could establish a solid foundation for future progress. Moreover, as a medical student, I had another reason: many soldiers' strength and coordination levels did not meet standards. If we forced them into specialized training too soon, high-intensity workouts over time could lead to physical strain—mild cases like periostitis and arthritis, or severe cases like muscle strain and herniated discs. Last year, I noticed that during peak training periods in August and September, many soldiers frequently visited the Medical Unit and local hospitals with injuries. This was essentially a consequence of not having a solid foundation. To be honest, the training syllabus was still somewhat rigid; it did not account for varying individual capabilities. The stricter Units adhered to the syllabus, the more injuries and illnesses increased later on, leading to decreased combat effectiveness.
After much consideration, Old Tang and I decided to adopt a multi-faceted approach: First, Veterans would mentor new recruits using a one-on-one model for basic training—bodyweight exercises like Five Kilometers runs, pull-ups, push-ups, frog jumps, and shuttle runs—repeatedly practiced until mastery. Those who fell behind would receive targeted additional training to ensure they adapted psychologically and physically to this intensity so that new recruits could keep pace with Veterans. Second, we would reduce time spent on ideological education and use that time for internal competitions within our Unit. By breaking down various events for comparison among new Veterans, we could continuously stimulate their fighting spirit while preventing Veterans from becoming complacent; this competitive atmosphere would motivate everyone’s enthusiasm for training. Third, after watching the News Broadcast in the evenings, we would show videos of past professional training sessions so everyone could understand what they would be doing in the future and why they needed to train.
Thus began an intense period of training! The entire company entered into vigorous practice according to Old Tang's and my plan.
As a week passed by, while other Units were already engaged in equipment familiarization and disassembly drills on land, we were still focused on physical conditioning led by Veterans alongside new recruits in Strength Training. Other Unit Commanders who encountered me remarked teasingly, "Hey, Company Commander Wang seems determined to strengthen foundational training! Sharp Blade Company lives up to its name!" Their mocking tone made it difficult for me to respond; I could only smile awkwardly without replying.
At the start of the Second Week, even the Easy Company Commander came to observe our Unit's training. He watched us all morning without saying a word, which made me feel uneasy. In our highly technical professional unit, Political Commissars can be transferred from other departments while Commanders typically rise through ranks from Company Commander to Deputy Chief of Staff based on experience. The Easy Company Commander likely had extensive training experience; his silence left me feeling quite unsettled. However, at this point, I could only endure; if I neglected either foundational or specialized training due to pressure from above, we would have to sacrifice one for the other. I steeled myself and continued with our training plan.
What reassured me slightly was that despite having trained for over a week now, visible progress was evident; nearly everyone met at least basic qualification standards without anyone lagging significantly behind. As for our Unit's weak link—Fatty Jinghe—he could now maintain a steady pace throughout the entire distance run and barely managed to stay within passing limits. In terms of strength, he could keep up with his partner Wu Chao Squad Leader; at least both could lift a Bridge Board together without issue.
In just two days would come the Ground Training assessment; I felt it was time to add some motivation during dinner! After eating and watching the News Broadcast, I stepped onto the podium and addressed the soldiers below: "In just a few days we'll have our Ground Training assessment followed by water drills. Honestly, I feel no pressure because everyone's starting point is different; it's unrealistic to expect everyone to meet all standards immediately upon entering our Unit. I've spoken with the Instructor—we're under no pressure so you shouldn't feel any either. What I want you all to understand is that regarding our unit's characteristics: as they say—one minute on stage requires ten years of hard work off stage. The formidable combat power of our unit relies on daily rigorous training; our specialized drills are known for being tough and demanding." I'm sure many Veterans have told you about last year's experiences dealing with hundreds or thousands of kilograms of steel equipment during complete training days where each person carried an average load of tons over distances covered in kilometers. If you don't have good physical fitness and stamina during your years here in this unit—it won't be easy! Moreover, since our equipment is made of iron and steel—if mishandled it can lead to serious injuries! You must prepare mentally; once specialized training begins there will be further classifications—those learning boat operation skills or Speedboat handling or driving… You may also find yourselves participating in Flood Control rescue missions among various tasks ahead—but first you must successfully complete both foundational training and joint professional subjects! With that said—I hope you understand this is all for your benefit!"
I couldn't tell if my speech had any effect or if everyone had simply been holding back their energy all along; regardless—I noticed that our Unit's initiative during training had significantly improved compared to before—whereas previously we relied on whistles for assembly now everyone lined up voluntarily downstairs when it was time.
Finally came Saturday when I gathered everyone in the equipment area for their first hands-on experience with gear—from loading equipment onto vehicles to unloading it again while demonstrating assembly and disassembly procedures led by Veterans from start to finish. Given how far behind schedule we already were—I didn't expect them to master everything right away since these pieces of equipment were primarily used on water during upcoming Water Training sessions; there was no need for them to fully grasp everything just yet.
The equipment was all new models—the 74 series—and last year's Veterans had only recently begun working with them themselves so they weren't much stronger than new recruits either; however this year there should also be unified training courses organized by Entire Unit which eased my concerns somewhat. After allowing everyone some Observation time—I knew tomorrow we'd face a storm ahead.
On Sunday, the scheduled time for the preliminary exam arrived, primarily assessing the preparation of various subjects before the water operation training for each Unit. The Commander personally attended the field observation assessment, and according to the organization, my company was the first to be evaluated.
The physical fitness test and strength test went well; of course, this was a result of everyone's rigorous training. Even Fatty Jinghe had started to develop some muscles on his arms—how much worse could it get?
After the entire basic training assessment, I felt that among all the Units, we should rank among the top. However, I knew that being at the bottom of the professional assessment would be a blessing in disguise.
In reality, the results were even worse than I had anticipated; we ranked last in the professional training preliminary assessment! The soldiers were decent at equipment handling but extremely slow at disassembly and assembly. It was no surprise; they had only practiced once. Sharp Blade Company ranked last in this preliminary assessment, likely for the first time in history. I stood below the stage watching the Commander's expression, which was as dark as a storm cloud.
Training is under the Company Commander's jurisdiction. I knew what awaited me next was being called up to the Stage for a debriefing. However, to my astonishment, after the Entire Unit's assessment concluded, the Commander exchanged a few words with several leaders on Stage and left without saying a word or providing any summary.
How angry must he be? I found myself pondering this question.
But soon after, when they announced dismissal, an officer instructed me to report to the Deputy Chief of Staff on Stage. I steadied myself and walked up.
As expected, the Deputy Chief of Staff wore a stern expression. After I stood at attention and reported, he began to explode with anger. "I bet you Local University Students are useless! No military work experience! No professional training experience! And now you've turned Sharp Blade Company into a complete mess! Haven't you even started proper land-based professional training? Is that right?"
I silently nodded. "Wang Wei, oh Wang Wei, you really don't know your place. What do you think issuing a training outline is for? Tell me!"
...
The reprimand lasted for over ten minutes; there were some parts I didn't remember. However, I did recall one particularly harsh statement: "You Acting Company Commander will soon be removed!"
Comment 0 Comment Count