Bright Sword: From Northwest Shanxi to Shangganling

Chapter 296 Brigade Commander Chen
"Monk!"

Chen Chengxing looked at the documents in his hand and called out towards the door.

"Here!" Wei Dayong walked in from outside the door.

"Go and call the political commissar. The military region has issued an order," Chen Chengxing said.

"yes!".
A few minutes later, Luo Ping hurriedly walked into the regimental headquarters.

"Old Chen, what's going on?"

"The military region's order has come down; the new Second Regiment has been upgraded to the new Second Brigade," Chen Chengxing said with a smile.

Chen Chengxing never expected that at this time, his superiors would grant him a brigade-level position.

"The new Second Brigade? That's great! This way, all the main combat troops can stay." Luo Ping excitedly accepted the military region's order.

The entire military is currently implementing a policy of streamlining and reducing personnel, and is significantly reducing non-combat personnel.

Apart from the numbered regiments, the rest were all converted into 5th Company Small Regiments, or were transformed into guerrilla brigades on the spot.

If the new Second Regiment is upgraded to a brigade, it means that they are also a main force, and the subordinate regiments can be divided according to the main force organization.

"What are your thoughts on the organizational structure? How do you plan to merge them?" Luo Ping asked.

Adaptation is certainly not that simple; there is still a lot of work to be done.

"We are an independent brigade, so we don't need to stick to the KMT's organizational structure. We can just follow the three-three system."

Chen Chengxing decisively promoted himself to another level.

Who says a brigade can't have three regiments under its command? Maybe it will have eight regiments in the future.

"Three regiments? That's not enough manpower. Are you planning to turn all the subordinate regiments into smaller ones?" Luo Ping asked, somewhat puzzled.

Even if the new 2nd Regiment is reorganized into an infantry brigade consisting of two regiments, it still cannot be fully staffed.

“Each regiment should first build one main force battalion. As for the remaining two battalions, just set up the framework,” Chen Chengxing said.

The military region's documents emphasized the need to control the size of the troops.

If you don't secure the number now, it will be more troublesome to get it later.

"Regarding the full staffing quota, we'll just follow the general trend."

"An infantry squad consists of 13 men, one light machine gun, and nine rifles."

“A platoon consists of three squads, plus the platoon leader, deputy platoon leader, and communications officer, making a total of 44 people.”

"A company consists of 3 infantry platoons, plus 1 artillery platoon, 2 60mm mortars, 3 rocket launchers, and a total of 173 people."

“步兵营3个步兵连，1个机枪连9挺重机枪，1个炮连6门82毫米迫击炮，总人数754人。”

"An infantry regiment consists of three infantry battalions, plus the regimental command troops and infantry-artillery companies, totaling 2700 people."

"Of course, that's the ideal situation. In the early stages, we'll set up the framework first, and then let them develop the rest on their own."

Chen Chengxing shared his thoughts, noting that this was a common organizational structure used by the regular troops of the Guo Army.

As for the missing personnel and equipment, each regiment had to find its own solutions. At most, Chen Chengxing allowed them to take items to the arsenal to exchange for them.

"By the way, we also need to transfer some elite troops to rebuild county brigades and district squads in various places," Chen Chengxing added.

Although the new Second Regiment is relatively strong, the current situation is still not optimistic.

Within Zhongyun Mountain, it is essential to solidify the system of the militia, local army, and main force—a three-in-one structure.

In the short term, the role of the militia and guerrillas will be significant.

"The county brigade's affairs certainly need to be taken seriously." Luo Ping nodded.

Previously, the Second New Regiment was able to quickly replenish its troops by relying on the county brigade and guerrilla brigade.

After the guerrilla brigade was gone, the speed at which the Second Regiment replenished its troops immediately slowed down.

“However, the current situation is not good, so the county brigade and guerrilla team probably cannot be too large,” Luo Ping said.

Guerrilla forces should be as small as possible; only by being small can they ensure the flexibility and mobility of their operations.

If the team is too large, it is easy for the Japanese to capture and annihilate them.

However, small size also has its problems, namely, a lack of combat effectiveness. Sometimes they can seize an opportunity, but it is not easy to eliminate the enemy.

“I’ve thought about this,” Chen Chengxing nodded.

"After the territories were divided among the regiments, the battalions served as the core, and the smaller guerrilla units operated around the main battalions."

"In this way, the core main force and the surrounding small guerrilla units can form a system."

"The small guerrilla teams move around but don't separate, and they are divided but not scattered; they are free within a certain range, but they are fixed within the larger framework," Chen Chengxing said.

"It's like a mother hen leading a brood of chicks foraging in the grass," Luo Ping said with a laugh.

"The mission of the small guerrillas is to conduct reconnaissance, guard duty, harass and confuse the enemy, and assist the main force in combat."

"The main force is responsible for carrying out the main combat missions."

"Old Chen, you remind me of the Red Army era."

"When gathered together, they are a blazing fire; when scattered, they are a sky full of stars."

“This is one of our specialties,” Luo Ping said.

“That’s right.” Chen Chengxing nodded.

This guerrilla warfare tactic has been used since the Red Army period, and the veterans of the New Second Regiment are very familiar with it.

"At that time, the combination of guerrilla warfare, sparrow warfare, and landmine warfare will be enough to give the Japanese a hard time."

"Especially landmines, we must increase our efforts to promote their use. If a single landmine can kill or injure an enemy, then it's a sure-fire way to make a profit," Chen Chengxing said.

“Okay, it’s settled then. I’ll draft a written document and send it to the higher-ups,” Luo Ping said.

It's just Chen Chengxing and Luo Ping discussing it now; whether it will work depends on the decision from higher authorities.

"Three regiments? Chen Chengxing is quite bold. Other brigades have battalions under their command, but his has become three regiments?"

The division commander looked at Chen Sijin and said.

"Commander, there's no other way. In response to the call from higher authorities, all three regiments have less than 1500 men each."

"This is not much different from local tour groups," Chen Sijin explained.

"Come on, do you believe that?" the division commander laughed.

Do you, Chen Dasijin, have such honest people under your command?

“Why can’t we believe this?” Chen Sijin retorted stubbornly.

"Since you believe it, then so be it. But tell Chen Chengxing that absolutely no new personnel can be added!" the division commander said.

They had considered this issue as early as when the division commander and the general decided on the organization of the new Second Brigade.

The division commander thought the new Second Brigade would have two fully-staffed regiments, but he underestimated Chen Chengxing's ambition.

"Thank you, Commander!" Chen Sijin said with a beaming smile.

The New Second Brigade is also his unit, the stronger the better.

Upon receiving the reply telegram from his superiors, Chen Chengxing immediately convened the first general meeting of the new Second Brigade.

"I think everyone already knows about the new Second Brigade, so I won't waste any more words."

"Next, the political commissar will read out the personnel appointments for each unit."

Chen Chengxing gestured to Luo Ping.

"I see everyone's getting anxious, so I'll just say it directly."

"The commander of the new Second Brigade is Chen Chengxing, the political commissar is Luo Ping, and the chief of staff is Xu Wu."

"211th Regiment, Regiment Commander Zheng Hua"

"212th Regiment, Regiment Commander Sun Xun"

"213th Regiment, Regiment Commander Qin Sheng"

"Did you all hear that clearly?" Luo Ping said, closing the folder.

"Understood." Everyone nodded in agreement.

During Luo Ping's announcement, most people received promotions, while a small number of newly promoted cadres remained unchanged.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that none of the regiments are at full strength.

Although each regiment has 3 battalions, each regiment only has 5 infantry companies. The entire brigade only has 15 infantry companies in total.

Therefore, a person was fidgeting on the stool, as if a nail had grown into it.

Li Chishui originally thought that with his abilities, becoming a battalion commander wouldn't be a problem.

Even a small battalion would be fine.

Unexpectedly, the final result was that even the company commander was dismissed.

Of the 16 company commanders, some were promoted and some were not, but he was the only one who was singled out.

"Now that you understand, go back and prepare." Chen Chengxing waved his hand.

The new Second Regiment doesn't have that much time to waste.

"yes!".
After everyone left the room, Li Chishui hesitated and returned. "Commander, what... what am I doing?" Li Chishui asked.

If Li Chishui couldn't figure it out, he would be driven crazy with frustration.

"I was planning to tell you in a couple of days, but since you asked, I'll tell you in advance."

"As required by higher authorities, the Second New Regiment is to select elite troops to strengthen the construction of local forces, and you are one of them."

“I’m planning to send you to Wuyi County with some men to reorganize the county brigade,” Chen Chengxing said.

"Huh? Me?" Li Chishui pointed to himself in disbelief.

Li Chishui never expected that he would end up back in Ganxian Brigade of Wuyi County after going around in circles.

"Commander, I haven't done anything wrong, so why should I be transferred to a local unit?" Li Chishui asked anxiously.

"I know you didn't do anything wrong. I'm just giving you this opportunity because I see that you have a strong ability to develop the team."

“By current standards, a battalion commander is equivalent to a battalion-level unit,” Chen Chengxing said.

“It’s a division-level unit, which is still a local force!” Li Chishui was almost in tears.

A few days ago, he bragged that he could easily become the commander of a main force battalion.

What's the result now?
“Li Chishui, local troops have their advantages,” Luo Ping advised from the side.

"The composition of the three main regiments is fixed and cannot be changed easily."

"But the county brigade doesn't have this restriction. The more capable you are, the more teams you can recruit."

"Just imagine, what kind of scene would it be if you were to draw up an entire regiment?"

How did the New Second Regiment develop? It was just because it was a local military unit.

Without regulation, they can develop however they want.

"If I bring out the men, can you give me a regiment's worth of personnel?" Li Chishui asked cautiously.

“Okay, I can make the decision. I’ll give you a position, and you’ll be the regimental commander.” Chen Chengxing nodded.

"Thank you, Brigade Commander and Political Commissar!" Li Chishui's worry turned to joy.

Although the lower limit of the county brigade is low, the upper limit is also high.

This is a great opportunity for me to overtake others on a curve.

With my skills, I can build a team in one or two years!
Watching Li Chishui leave happily, Luo Ping hesitated for a moment and said:

"Where will we get the staffing for him then?"

The fact that the new Second Brigade has three regiments is already extremely fortunate.

The higher-ups specifically said that no new staffing can be added.

"If Li Chishui can muster five companies, we can give him the status of an independent regiment," Chen Chengxing said casually.

The higher-ups do require that new staffing levels not be added arbitrarily, but that's the current situation.

Chen Chengxing was well aware that once things stabilized, the various units would still need to develop.

"Sigh, we'll just have to wait and see," Luo Ping said with a hint of helplessness.

"But aren't you going to distribute the heavy mortars?" Luo Ping asked.

The 120mm heavy mortar is perfect for use by regimental-level units.

“We should divide it up, but not now,” Chen Chengxing said.

"In the short term, we should try to reduce large-scale battles. If we give them the artillery, I'm afraid they won't be able to hold their ground."

"Let's leave it at the brigade headquarters for now and talk about it later."

Each regiment currently has fewer than 1500 men, and they mainly rely on guerrilla warfare, so mortars are not needed for the time being.

Sending them out would actually slow down the troop movement.

Although the cannon itself wasn't very heavy, the shells were difficult to transport.

For the next period of time, Chen Chengxing was so busy that he was practically running around non-stop.

It wasn't until a month later that the various groups gradually headed to their respective territories.

Only the brigade headquarters, cavalry battalion, and independent artillery battalion remained inside Dayun Mountain.

The number of guards in the company has also decreased from 300 to 126.

Only after finishing the staffing work did Chen Chengxing have time to deal with other matters.

That day, Chen Chengxing saw Zhou Weiguo again at the brigade headquarters and asked him a question.

"Weiguo, how's your special forces team coming along?"

Since Chen Chengxing knew that Zhou Weiguo was engaged in special operations, he naturally wouldn't let him be idle.

Before the reorganization of the troops, some elites were selected from various units.

As for those who were eliminated, Chen Chengxing rebuilt the reconnaissance platoon, considering it a reserve force for the special operations team.

"We're training now, but we'll need to ask you to help us with the equipment."

As Zhou Weiguo spoke, he glanced at the semi-automatic rifles carried on the backs of the guards.

Zhou Weiguo was utterly amazed by this weapon.

He never imagined that the Eighth Route Army could actually handcraft semi-automatic rifles and intermediate-power bullets.

"Weapons are easy to find. In addition to semi-automatic rifles, we also seized dozens of submachine guns from the Japanese soldiers."

"I'll write you a note, you can just go to the logistics department to pick it up," Chen Chengxing said.

Production of the Type 71 semi-automatic rifle has never stopped, and it is now being gradually deployed to the cavalry battalions.

"Submachine guns? The Japanese Type 100? You might as well find me some German-made 20-shot rifles instead." Zhou Weiguo curled his lip.

The Japanese Type 100 submachine gun was given to him for free, but he wouldn't take it.

"Can I take out a Japanese submachine gun for you? It's a German-made MP38, but there aren't many bullets. You can use it for now."

"We'll figure out how to buy some bullets later," Chen Chengxing said.

Chen Chengxing knew that Zhou Weiguo's younger brother was in Guo Jun, so he told Zhou Weiguo to figure out how to contact him.

"MP38? Brigade Commander, I really didn't realize we had so many treasures." Zhou Weiguo was a little surprised.

The MP38 is arguably the best submachine gun currently available, and Zhou Weiguo never expected to find it here, let alone dozens of them.

"It's just a few guns," Chen Chengxing said casually.

Zhou Weiguo simply gave a thumbs up.

“By the way, Brigade Commander, Comrade Wei Dayong has gone to the special operations team. How about I recommend a new bodyguard for you?” Zhou Weiguo suddenly remembered something.

"You've only been here a few days? And you already know people?" Chen Chengxing asked, somewhat surprised.

However, Chen Chengxing immediately realized something when he looked at Zhou Weiguo's expression.

"Is someone in the special forces team unsuitable?"

"Hehe. I really couldn't hide it from you." Zhou Weiguo chuckled.

"Before the reorganization of the troops, I selected a sniper from the old Third Battalion. His marksmanship was unparalleled."

"But now it seems a bit stubborn," Zhou Weiguo said with a hint of helplessness.

"You mean Shunliu?" Chen Chengxing immediately realized who it was.

Shunliu was recommended to Zhou Weiguo by Chen Chengxing, but unexpectedly, Zhou Weiguo doesn't want it now.

“It’s him. He’s more suited to being a lone wolf than to working with a team,” Zhou Weiguo explained.

Although the special operations team is small in number, it requires an extremely high level of teamwork.

Everyone has to treat themselves as a cog in a machine.

The smooth, sharp edges are too obvious, and the break-in process has been delayed for a long time.

"Alright, I'll let him be my bodyguard. If needed, I can have him assist you in your operations." Chen Chengxing nodded.

I don’t know if it’s because Shunliu grew up drinking wolf’s milk, but he is very wild and has a keen sense of danger.

Being your own bodyguard would be quite suitable.

"Yes!"

Zhou Weiguo breathed a sigh of relief.

He tried many methods, but he just couldn't correct Shunliu's habit.

Although he always manages to complete both training and missions smoothly.

But Zhou Weiguo was a professionally trained actor, and he couldn't stand the undisciplined attitude of some people in the team.

Moreover, Shunliu is a stubborn guy; he only listens to Chen Chengxing, besides Sun Xun.

Zhou Weiguo couldn't easily send Shunli back to his original unit, so he had Chen Chengxing take over.

(End of this chapter)