From the 7th Steel Company to the Synthetic Division

Chief of Staff Shen and Xing Zhiqiang were basically aware of the personalities and temperaments of the brigade commanders under their command.

Although Chu Zhangang's words were driven by personal motives, they did indeed contain some problematic points, which he could use to explain to everyone.

Therefore, Chief of Staff Shen stepped forward and said, "The schedule is to be determined by the joint command center of the theater, and we should not change it."

As for insufficient preparation time, I don't understand. It's been almost a year since the final battle of Exercise 2001, and you still say that preparation was insufficient?
So what is your concept of "insufficiency"? Don't tell me it's because there isn't enough time.

Chief of Staff Shen really didn't hold back, directly refuting Chu Zhangang's words with a sharp rebuttal and even posing a targeted counter-question.

Forced into a corner, Chu Zhangang had no choice but to stand up and explain, “I believe that although the first battle is a defensive operation within the defense zone of our 909th Brigade, the Chenghai defense line, it is still a defensive operation.”

However, the defense subject of this exercise was the integrated sea-air warfare against maritime intrusion. The troops had never practiced this subject before, and the concept of integrated sea-air warfare has only appeared in the public eye in recent years.

Our research and practice on this tactic are still in their early stages. Therefore, I think the exercise scenarios are somewhat forced, and I suspect there won't be any coherent plan in actual combat.

Chu Zhangang's choice of this point was quite clever; it allowed him to reconcile what he had said earlier.

"Indeed, the concept of 'integrated sea and air' was proposed by some Western countries in response to China's rise and in an effort to contain China's development. We have indeed done little research on it."

Chief of Staff Shen did not deny Chu Zhangang's words, but then changed the subject and said: "I don't think you have seriously studied what the so-called integrated sea and air warfare is."

Don't immediately think of the amazing and powerful claims made by Western media when you hear about integrated air and sea warfare. What's wrong with the 7th Steel Brigade operating in conjunction with the Air Force and Navy, and being called an integrated air and sea force?

I'm just telling you, in fifteen days, it'll be like they've come to your doorstep. How you deal with it, how you fight back, that's your own business.

Chief of Staff Shen simply didn't bother with reasoning; he just laid out the hard conditions.

I don't care how I play, I just want the result.

"The pressure on us is still too great. It's like fighting two tough battles in one exercise. We have to fight the 7th Steel Brigade's group attacking from the sea, and then we have to conduct the Chenghai city defense operation to counter the 708th Brigade's inland attack. Moreover, the transition time between the two battles is only 24 hours, which is..."

"Deputy Chief of Staff Chu."

Chief of Staff Shen interrupted Chu Zhangang, saying, "Why don't you consider your advantages? If you were to fight in both phases of the operation, you would be in a completely advantageous strategic position, waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out."
In naval warfare, you use stillness to control movement; in land warfare, you use close-range tactics to wait for distant targets. You won't be at a disadvantage at all.

Besides, can you guarantee that the defense of Chenghai City will be carried out by you? Are you so confident you can stop the 7th Steel Brigade's attack?

"I……"

Chu Zhan was about to argue back, but Chief of Staff Shen didn't give him the chance.

He cut off the conversation decisively, saying, "Comrades, although I invited you all here today to report on the situation, this is also to issue a preliminary order."

The design of this exercise broke away from the traditional fixed pattern of one-on-one military exercises, clarifying that the three parties would take turns participating, and adding the uncertainty of the opponent.

This creates suspense and makes the exercise more realistic. Anyone can change the battlefield dynamics; a fourth party might even join in.

Regarding the issue of the reviewing stand mentioned by Deputy Chief of Staff Chu, I would like to reiterate that this exercise is highly realistic and will not have a reviewing stand.

Those who have the opportunity can watch in person; those who don't can watch the video feed from the command center.

After addressing all of Chu Zhangang's questions, Deputy Chief of Staff Shen swiftly and decisively announced the end of the meeting.

Everyone else could leave, except for the members of the 7th Steel Brigade, who were required to stay.

Chu Zhangang deliberately walked with Wang Kezheng as they went out, saying as they walked, "Brother, your deeds have caused quite a stir in the 909th Brigade."

"Hey, what's so sensational about it? As long as it's useful, that's enough," Wang Kezheng said, waving his hand.

"I'm quite concerned. Have you all eaten those boxes of individual rations I sent you last time? How was the reaction?" He Yazhou asked.

"Both leaders of our army group have tried it, and we're planning to have the logistics department send someone to your brigade to purchase several batches as combat reserve rations for future training," Chu Zhangang said.

"Good, Political Commissar, it seems this deal is worth doing," Wang Kezheng said with a smile.

"The leaders of our 909th Brigade are planning to visit and learn from your 708th Brigade soon, as a last-minute effort," Chu Zhangang said.

"No problem, but let me be clear from the start: our reception capacity is limited, and we have many rules. The standard is four dishes and one soup. If it happens to be one of the four field ration days a month, you won't even have any food to eat," He Yazhou reminded him.

"We want to learn from your experience. As soon as Deputy Chief of Staff Chu returned, he urged us to go, saying that we are far behind the 708th Brigade..."

Ding Kai and Chu Zhangang had learned a lot of polite phrases, and they could talk on and on about them.

At this time, Chen Jun, Wang Qingrui, and others from the 7th Steel Brigade had already been summoned to Chief of Staff Shen's office. Even the deputy brigade officers who had not attended the meeting were specially called over in advance and were already waiting in the office.

"Everyone's here, that's good."

Chief of Staff Shen looked at Chen Jun, Wang Qingrui, Gao Cheng, Hong Yi, and all the members of the Party Committee of the 7th Steel Brigade in front of him, and went straight to the point: "After the 7th Steel Brigade participated in the cross-service and cross-theater army exercise last time, some people wrote letters to relevant leaders in different forms."

Or, on some occasions, they offered their opinions and criticisms regarding situations that arose during the exercises.

The relevant higher authorities and leaders also want to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the truth of the matter and clarify the facts. We received a notice three days ago asking Chen Jun to go to the capital for a talk. We hope you are mentally prepared.

Although the Seventh Steel Brigade already knew a few days ago that the higher-ups might gradually send an investigation team to investigate this matter.

However, hearing from Staff Officer Shen that the final investigation method would be for Chen Jun to personally go to "headquarters" was quite unexpected for Chen Jun and his team.

"Send Chen Jun to the capital alone for talks? Isn't an expert team supposed to come down to investigate?" Wang Qingrui asked worriedly.

"After I returned from the exercise, I reported the situation to the political commissar. As a professional opposing force, the changes that occurred during the exercise were bound to be special and not everyone could understand them. The reason why the higher-ups invited you to talk was to hear the thoughts and opinions of the front-line commanders."

Chief of Staff Shen explained why he only called Chen Jun, because Chen Jun was the supreme commander throughout the entire exercise.

Once they realized that they were only going to report to their superiors and not to the capital for punishment, Wang Qingrui, Gao Cheng, and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Chen Jun's ideas can convince the leaders, then this matter won't be a big problem.

Chief of Staff Shen paused for a moment to allow everyone to calm down before looking specifically at Chen Jun and saying, "The commander believes that we should not avoid the issues, but be realistic, speak the truth, and tell the facts."

What I want to tell you today is that I hope you can keep a calm mind.

"Furthermore, I'm telling you this in front of your Party Committee leadership so that your brigade won't be affected in your training and work. You must make sure you do a good job preparing for the exercise." Chief of Staff Shen was truly very dedicated; he even called the entire brigade leadership together because he was worried it would affect others.

"Ok, I see."

Chen Jun nodded, not too worried. It wasn't his first time visiting the headquarters in the capital; he had met the top leaders before, so there was nothing to be nervous about.

"Alright, then you can set off now. Deputy Director Liu will accompany you," Chief of Staff Shen instructed.

There was already a senior colonel, 24 cents, waiting by the door.

"Ah, leaving now?" Chen Jun was surprised.

He thought he would have a day or two to prepare, but he didn't expect it to be so urgent.

"Yes, let's go now." Chief of Staff Shen nodded.

The senior colonel who was waiting by the door came up and urged with a smile, "Chief of Staff Chen, come with me, the car is already waiting for us outside."

"Ok."

The leader had already made the arrangements, so Chen Jun had no choice but to accept the task. He didn't have time to say anything to Gao Cheng and the others, so he could only give them a reassuring look before following Deputy Director Liu out.

"During Chen Jun's absence, Wang Qingrui will continue to lead the Seventh Steel Brigade. However, some adjustments need to be made to the training work. Gao Cheng, you will be in charge, and Hong Yi, you will assist."

I don't want to say anything else. Go back and quickly review the work on the exercise line again. Don't let me down.

Chief of Staff Shen swiftly and decisively arranged the work, and incidentally cleaned up the mess left by Chen Jun's departure.

They really go to great lengths for Chen Jun!

On the way back from the war zone in the helicopter, Wang Qingrui, Gao Cheng, and the others all had solemn expressions on their faces, each looking preoccupied.

Although Chief of Staff Shen spoke lightly, everyone was still very worried about Chen Jun.

In case there are any aspects in the conversation with the leader that did not meet his satisfaction, or if some people deliberately cause trouble.

If Chen Jun tries to escape then, it probably won't be so easy.

Even if everyone believes that nothing serious will happen, after all, Chen Jun is unmatched in joint operations, and such a genius will not be wasted.

But after working together for so many years, it's impossible not to worry about Chen Jun.

So as soon as the plane landed at the Steel Seventh Brigade base, everyone tacitly went to the brigade commander's office, not for any other reason than to vent their frustrations.

"I guessed it long ago. Someone like Deputy Commander-in-Chief Qian would definitely settle scores later."

Gao Cheng couldn't help but complain, "We shouldn't have agreed to his plan in the first place. If we had just followed our plan, it would have been absolutely brilliant and perfect. The Red Army's rescue operation would have showcased their unique skills and tricks."

Now things are really messed up; the outcome is a mess, we're not satisfied, the Mountain Eagle Brigade and the Tsunami Assault Brigade feel like we're playing them for fools, and Deputy Commander Qian has even used this as an excuse to launch an attack. We're pleasing no one.

Gao Cheng was straightforward and spoke his mind directly, only thinking about the downsides of doing so, without considering the benefits it would bring.

The reason why the 7th Steel Brigade was able to be incorporated into the organization so quickly is because of the rewards brought about by the 7th Steel Brigade's compromises; otherwise, they would probably still be under evaluation now.

Furthermore, even if we follow Gao Cheng's advice, there will only be more trouble afterward than there is now.

"At that time, Chief of Staff Chen's choice was the best solution under the predicament. After all, he had to consider the overall situation, and we should understand," Tian Baoguo explained.

"But what was the result? He still got beaten up." Gao Cheng was still angry.

"I don't think there's any point in discussing this now. Let's focus on doing the work at hand well."

Wang Qingrui didn't want to discuss things that were in the past, so he interrupted the topic and said in a deep voice, "The most powerful counterattack against criticism is to demonstrate strength that they can't refute."

Doing our current work well is the best help we can give to Chief of Staff Chen.

Chief of Staff Chen is not in the brigade now, so the plan for this exercise will be handed over to Gao Cheng and Hong Yi. You two should come up with a plan as soon as possible.”

Gao Cheng is Chen Jun's longest-standing partner, and they share the same combat philosophy and approach.

Hong Yi has extensive experience in modernization and reform, and has a deep understanding of special operations and joint tactics. He is currently second only to Chen Jun in the Seventh Steel Brigade.

The two of them working together to develop the plan should be just as capable as Chen Jun.

The two of them will first develop the exercise plan, and then when Chen Jun returns from the capital, they will only need to adjust the exercise plan.

This will save a lot of time, allowing for a more relaxed approach to the exercises.

"Alright, I'll take charge of coordinating with both the air and naval forces. Let's discuss the joint command structure first..."

Gao Cheng wasn't a stubborn person. Since he was no longer dwelling on the last exercise, he quickly threw himself into the work of this exercise.

The 7th Steel Brigade began studying combat plans, and the entire brigade also started working on the "Land and Sea No. 1" exercise.

The other two brigades participating in the exercise also displayed their unique abilities and adopted their own distinctive working methods.

Chu Zhangang was also concerned about changing the morale of the soldiers and inspiring their fighting spirit.

So when they got back, they started organizing the brigade's party committee leaders, leaving only Political Commissar Xu Xiaocun at home, while everyone else went to the 708th Brigade for training.

However, the 708th Brigade, which was being studied by the 909th Brigade, was not commanded by its brigade commander, Wang Kezheng.

He Yazhou used the excuse of attending a meeting at the military base to fool the leaders of the 909th Brigade who came to observe and learn, while Wang Kezheng himself led his men to the 909th Brigade's headquarters.

Chenghai City!
This is the main battlefield for the upcoming exercises, and the 708th Brigade is destined to be the attacking side. It is very important to scout out the city streets and layout in advance, which is a crucial strategic reserve.

In order to avoid attracting Chu Zhangang's attention, Wang Kezheng even went so far as to disguise himself.

The investigators he brought were all in plainclothes, and they even rented local vehicles, dividing into several groups to conduct reconnaissance in various designated areas. (End of Chapter)