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墨書 Inktalez
After waking up, I sensed that something was off. During morning exercises, the recruits seemed more energetic than usual, running faster overall. If it weren't for the requirement to maintain formation, I suspected they would have dashed off. When it came time to sing before breakfast, the recruits' voices were louder than ever; many of them were practically shouting.
Hmm, this is strange. The recruits seemed to be pumped up. As we entered the Cafeteria, I quietly pulled aside Xuanhua. "Do you think something's off with the new comrades? You're the squad leader; have you noticed anything?" I asked him directly.
"Uh, well, is there? That..." Xuanhua stammered.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Um, didn't they lose last night after the competition?" Xuanhua said slowly.
"Yeah?"
"And now they have to do push-ups."
"Oh!" I suddenly understood; the recruits were holding their breath about it.
This is exactly the effect I wanted; I'm secretly pleased.
After finishing our meal, our Unit was still the first to arrive at the Water Training Complex on time. The equipment was set up along the shore, and the soldiers lined up as usual to head towards it, preparing for water operations.
I blew my whistle to gather everyone together. "There's only one week left until the Water Training assessment. Everyone needs to step it up! The reputation of Sharp Blade Company rests in your hands! Listen, last night the new comrades were unhappy about their loss. Today, I'm giving you another chance. We'll split into two teams again—new and old. For a while, you'll familiarize yourselves with the equipment in the water, and after that, we'll start a competition based on how quickly you can deploy and retract your gear. Zhang Squad Leader and Duty Officer, you each take a team. The losing team will..." I paused for effect, scanning the group. Both veterans and recruits were eager; the veterans wanted to maintain their dignity while the recruits' frustration and strong desire to prove themselves fueled their enthusiasm.
Seeing everyone looking intently at me, I continued calmly, "The losing team will do 100 push-ups today! Anyone who doesn't dare can step out of regular training now! Is that clear?"
The soldiers exchanged glances but no one responded.
"Well, not bad! Next, let's start the group training!" With my command, the team quickly divided into two groups. Zhang Squad Leader and the Duty Officer played rock-paper-scissors, after which Zhang Squad Leader headed towards the Veteran Team while the Duty Officer turned to the New Recruits.
I reminded everyone about safety precautions and instructed them to wear the gloves I had specially requested (as injuries from heavy equipment lifting were common) before turning around to see Li Squad Leader looking at me with a pitiful expression, his eyes filled with anticipation. I patted his shoulder. "Li, don't worry, you'll have your turn! Just follow me for now; I'll introduce you to someone shortly."
I glanced outside the area and noticed a group of Special Operations Unit soldiers wearing white Steel Helmets and gloves approaching. I knew Old Bi would be coming soon as well; he always checked in during morning and afternoon patrols as the Company Commander of the Special Operations Unit. It had become a habit. However, I would need to get him involved in some work soon.
Watching as both teams donned life jackets and began pushing equipment into the water while holding Bamboo Poles and Iron Hooks for their connection training, I nodded in approval. This group was already fired up; if this enthusiasm could be maintained, I would believe they could be first not just in our unit but across the entire military. Years later, during a report meeting when I heard a leader say, "Transform 'I have to train' into 'I want to train,' only then will we achieve results and set standards!" I couldn't help but smile. Wasn't that exactly what I had done years ago? It seems there are no bad soldiers, only leaders who can't lead.
After observing both teams' training for a while, I realized that the New Comrades might not be much less skilled than the Veterans. After all, the Veterans had only started using new equipment last year, from July to November, and they had also gone out for sea training in between, so their foundation wasn't very solid either.
Ultimately, it came down to coordination and teamwork. Watching two young Squad Leaders in life jackets excitedly directing from atop a Bailey Bridge reminded me of when I was a Squad Leader last year. People grow continuously; without realizing it, I found myself fully stepping into the role of Unit Commander. In terms of thoughts and mindset, I felt I had reached a much higher level than when I first joined this unit.
A week was enough time for me to assess things in my mind. Guiding soldiers through training was no longer my job; instead, I carefully observed their training to identify areas needing improvement. Just then, someone called out, "Hey, Old Wang!"
The person I was waiting for had arrived. Turning around, I saw Old Bi sitting in a three-wheeled military motorcycle parked not far away. He waved his hand and jumped off the bike, walking toward me.
I quickly approached him. "Old Bi, what's up? Any instructions?" I joked.
"Hey, who am I to give instructions? Haha, Spearhead Company Commander!" That was how we greeted each other—always starting with some playful banter.
Old Bi looked at the soldiers training behind me and said, "Wow, you all have really gotten into it! You guys are here early and starting before us; you're almost more diligent than those of us on watch! Why don’t you just station someone here permanently?"
"Hey, do me a favor!" I didn’t have time for more banter; I pulled him aside and spoke quietly.
"What’s going on? This is so mysterious!" he asked, puzzled.
"I remember you mentioned that you and the Company Commander from Watercraft Machinery are classmates?"
"Yeah, he’s my senior. He came here two years before me and even taught me at school; he was my Class Leader," Old Bi nodded, looking at me in confusion.
"In that case, could you take me to find him later? I need his help with something."
"What’s it about? Is it personal or official?" Old Bi asked curiously.
"Well, to be honest, I want him to send a few Old Sergeants as Instructors to help me train a group of Cadets."
"What do you mean?" Old Bi still didn’t get it.
"To learn how to operate the watercraft machinery and drive speedboats," I lowered my voice.
"Why learn this? Doesn’t every Unit have a few drivers? After the basic assessment of Water Training, each Unit will select one or two Cadets to study for a month. Why are you in such a hurry?" Old Bi was quite perplexed.
"That’s none of your concern. Are you going to help or not?"
Old Bi scratched his head. "Alright, when they come for training later, I’ll take you to find him."
"Thanks, brother," Old Bi muttered. "You really are a strange person; you always have odd ideas. I just can’t figure you out."
I smiled and turned to the Squad Leader. "You will take zero soldiers, ten new recruits, and ten Veterans to learn how to operate the boat and drive the Speedboat. Go observe the training now, pay attention to which agile and clever warriors stand out, and pick out zero of them. Once I've made the arrangements, you will take them to learn this; it will be very useful for our company in the future! Do you understand?!"
"Yes, Company Commander!" Li replied excitedly, saluting before turning and running off.
"Old Bi." I didn't turn my head, gazing at the River Surface as the water surged forward. The sun had risen high in the east, casting shimmering reflections on the river. Suddenly, I felt a surge of ambition.
"Mm!?"
"Do you know? When I wasn't a Company Commander, I always thought it was quite impressive. But now that I am one, it doesn't seem like much. Have you ever thought about becoming a Commander yourself?"
"No!" Old Bi quickly denied it, his honest demeanor shining through. "I don't have that kind of ambition; I'm not cut out for it. I just want to wait until I get married, and if my wife meets the conditions to accompany me, I'll transfer to Changsha. I haven't thought about anything beyond that. Hey, what the hell! From your tone, do you have any thoughts on this?"
"Hehe." I smiled without answering.
"You can't possibly!" Old Bi quickly made a decision for me.
"Why not?" I turned my head, amused by his certainty.
"You are too extraordinary and too lively. If we were to describe you with a stock trend chart, others would show a steady line either rising or falling. But if we charted your trajectory, it would just be a jumble of bouncing points with wildly fluctuating lines. Look at any general; they all climb steadily step by step. I feel that your path won't be here in the future."
"Is that so?" I asked with curiosity; this was the first time I'd heard Old Bi evaluate me.
"I have a premonition." Old Bi leaned in mysteriously and whispered in my ear. "Let's go; the Waterborne Unit has arrived!" With that, he patted my shoulder and turned to leave.
I hurriedly followed him to the Waterborne Unit training area. Old Bi had a good relationship with his squad leader and senior brother, Company Commander Li Xuefeng. He jumped off the truck from a distance and greeted us enthusiastically. I thought to myself, what a warm-hearted guy.
"Bi, my junior! You came to inspect? Hahaha!"
"Senior brother, just came to see you. Well, I guess I don't need to introduce this person?"
I had often encountered Company Commander Li during Sunday night roll calls, but we didn't have much of a relationship, which was why I asked Old Bi for help. I quickly stood at attention and saluted. "I'm from the same batch as Old Bi, but I'm a local recruit, so you can consider yourself my senior brother. Greetings!"
"Hahaha! Nice to meet you! Ace's Wang Pai! Oh no, it's Company Commander Wang! You're too polite! Leading the Sharp Blade Company at such a young age!" Company Commander Li said with a hearty laugh, his sun-kissed face radiating sincerity.
"Senior brother, Old Wang wants to ask you for a favor. I hope you can agree for my sake," Old Bi chimed in earnestly.
"Oh, doesn't every unit have a few people who can do that? Besides, isn't it just over a week until the selection training starts? Why are you so anxious?" Company Commander Li looked puzzled.
"Senior brother, there are too few people in the unit who can do this. If there's any duty assignment or leave, it will definitely be insufficient! You're quite busy after starting your class, and I can't ask you to spare instructors to teach us more people. Relying on those who learned it before to come back and teach is not direct or systematic; it's also informal and takes too long, which delays a lot of training applications," I explained sincerely.
(To be continued, more exciting content tomorrow!)
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