Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 100: Awarded Second Class Merit, It Must Be a Good Thing
Tao Ruichang's arrival made the atmosphere of the entire commendation meeting tense.

This old man didn't come here alone.

The door of the motorcade behind him opened with a bang, and a group of people in casual clothes followed.

Among the crowd were the Seventh Brigade's commander Wei Jinan and political commissar He Guofeng.

Cheng Dong and instructor Huo Linshan, who were standing in front of the queue at the beginning, saw the leader coming and quickly adjusted their military uniforms.

They ran side by side in standard queue movements and marched towards the crowd.

As Cheng Dong walked over, he deliberately turned his head to look at the queue. The duty officer who had been paying attention to the company commander immediately understood.

"stand up!!"

The officer on duty swept his eyes across the queue fiercely, then he raised his right fist to the level of his eyebrows in a gesture of oath.

He roared: "I swear!!"

Brush brush brush.
The soldiers in the entire company followed suit, raising their right fists in unison, looking forward, and speaking in unison and high voices: "I swear. We are members of the People's Army, the most elite. I will undertake the most dangerous and perilous missions. This is my honor. I am invincible. This is my responsibility. At the critical moment, we will sacrifice our lives without hesitation."

"We are always ready to fight! Fight! Fight!!!"

The roars, each more passionate than the last, resounded throughout the entire military camp.

I heard a group of people who had just gotten off the bus glance sideways at the line of new recruits.

This kind of behavior, if placed elsewhere, might seem a bit deliberate, or conspicuous.

But this is a military camp.

The commendation meeting is also aimed at the new recruit company, and the mental outlook of the new comrades will be shown to the superiors if there is an opportunity.

That is a rare opportunity for the unit leading the troops.

It is also the moment when all the cadres of the 7th Armored Brigade show up.

"Ho ho."

Tao Ruichang had a smile on his face. He looked up into the distance and saw the soldiers wedged into the ground like javelins, and nodded slightly.

"This new comrade's spirit and energy are quite good."

"Old Wei, you should share your experience in leading troops with the Seventh Division and pass it on to other units. You should bring this atmosphere of upholding fine traditions to more units."

"Yes, Director, we are just doing our part." Wei Jinan, commander of the Seventh Brigade, responded with a laugh.

The 63th Brigade had only been in the rd Army for a short time, and the cadres in the brigade were not particularly familiar with the heads of the military region’s political department.

Tao Ruichang gave a few symbolic compliments and then walked towards the queue with his men.

After Wei Jinan invited the accompanying personnel to preside over the meeting, everyone took their seats.

The second company's duty officer quickly ran to the table, stood still, faced Tao Ruichang, saluted, and said, "Reporting to the commander, comrade, all members of the second training team of the seventh armored brigade are in place. Duty officer Peng Wei, please give instructions."

"Sit down." Tao Ruichang nodded and gave the order.

Upon hearing this, Peng Wei saluted again, turned around and said loudly to the crowd standing at attention: "Everyone, take a seat!!"

Brush brush brush.
The new recruits who received the order sat still.

A director of the political department of a military region like Tao Ruichang is a deputy army-level cadre, and his shoulder strap is adorned with a golden star.

Unlike the silver stars for company commanders and brigade commanders, no one needs to introduce them, they just sit in the front.

It can be seen from the new recruits in the queue that the leader who came today is probably a high-ranking official.

"Deputy squad leader, have we been sweeping the road for so long just to welcome him?" Yang Dali grinned, trying to lower his voice as much as possible, and asked curiously.

Chen Mo heard the noise, but didn't hear what was said clearly. He just nodded slightly as a response, then looked up and looked forward again.

at this time.

Tao Ruichang was also looking at the soldiers of the second company, seeing that each of the young men was trying to straighten their backs and were staring at him.

He smiled first, then stood up and said in a loud voice: "Comrades, I just heard your passionate slogans, and now I see in you the spirit of the old Seventh Division."

"Perhaps many new comrades don't know this, but the old Seventh Division is an outstanding unit with a glorious tradition. Over the decades, it has evolved from earthen dwellings to dry-rammed earth fortifications, from the three red dots to now welcoming you."

"The old Seventh Division has always been a sharp sword. Over the years, the saying that greatness comes from the ordinary and struggle forges greatness has always been with the old Seventh Division."

"I've heard many old comrades mention this unit. Today, I'm honored to be here at our Second Company to hold this commendation meeting. It's also my great honor."

"Comrades, what I want to tell you is that a strong army is magnificent, and it is time to strive for it."

"You have done a great job in not bringing disgrace to the Seventh Division's reputation."

Bang bang bang.
Someone in the entourage took the lead in applauding.

The new recruits sitting in the queue also applauded collectively, although many of them did not understand what the commander meant by the "Old Seventh Division" that he mentioned repeatedly.

But the last sentence was not insulting. Anyone could hear that it was a compliment and recognition.

But this recognition is not just for new recruits.

Brigade Commander Wei Jinan and Political Commissar He Guofeng clapped their hands, their faces full of smiles.

Cheng Dong and many veterans of the reconnaissance company had slightly red eyes.

They were all soldiers of the 7th Tank Division. They had experienced the downsizing and transfer of their old unit, and many of their old comrades had retired.

Soldiers have a strong backbone and obeying orders is their duty.

However, this does not mean that they would not feel pain when the 28th Army was suddenly divided into the 63rd Army and the division level was reduced to brigade level.

Tao Ruichang's words touched the hearts of many people present.

Over the past six months, all units of the Seventh Brigade have been strict with themselves and have been striving to be the best in everything. What they want and what they want is to gain a foothold in the new unit.

Wait until the applause gradually subsides.

Peng Wei hurriedly stood up from the front row, turned to face the queue, and shouted: "Everyone stand up."

Brush brush brush.
The recruits of the second company stood up in unison.

Tao Ruichang had already made his opening remarks, and when the order was read out, it was replaced by a major who had accompanied him.

He stood up, holding a blue folder in his hand, and announced loudly, "By order of the 63rd Army Headquarters of the Kyoto Military Region, Private Chen Mo of the Second Battalion of New Recruits of the Seventh Armored Brigade, was ordered to intercept three spies during a New Year's combat patrol. He remained calm and composed, and acted with courage and strategy."

"It fully demonstrates the morale, courage, and heroism of a soldier, effectively striking down and stopping the arrogance of the spy organization."

"After research and decision by the 63rd Army Headquarters Party Committee, Private Chen Mo is awarded a Second Class Merit as an encouragement."

"Company Commander Cheng Dong, Instructor Huo Linshan, Squad Leader Zhou Yongjie, and Deputy Squad Leader Wang Jianyong are all awarded the Third Class Merit once."

"Kyoto Military Region, 63rd Group Army Political Work Department, February 1999, 2. Order read out."

Bang bang bang.
The applause started again.

This old man, who is usually the calmest, now seemed a little anxious during the commendation meeting.

He walked quickly through the queue to Chen Mo, took out the Training Model Medal and the Third Class Military Merit Medal that Chen Mo had won before from his pocket, and hung them all on Chen Mo's left chest.

Just now, everyone was just busy clearing the road.

Many recruits, including Chen Mo and other members of Class 8, did not notice where Lao Pao was.

Now, when they suddenly saw him approaching, not only Chen Mo was stunned, but many new recruits nearby were also stunned when they heard the clanging sounds.

If Chen Mo had two military medals on his chest even though he was still a private and had not yet been assigned to a company, it would be quite impressive.

That old man's chest is simply a display gallery of military medals.

He had nine third-class merit awards, two second-class merit awards, and one first-class merit award. There was also a red flower-shaped military medal hanging on the top of his chest.

Other recruits may not know him.

But Chen Mo recognized it. It was the Kyoto Military Region, a third-level medal awarded only by a large military region.

The recruits who were applauding around were all staring with wide eyes.

Chen Mo was also a little dumbfounded. Isn’t this old man too powerful?
As if noticing Chen Mo's gaze, Lao Pao reached out to help him straighten his uniform and grinned: "It's all in the past. You will have it too."

"Yes, monitor."

This is all in the past, and no one at the scene understood what it meant, not even Chen Mo.

But Lao Pao was in the lead, and Chen Mo followed behind, as the two walked out of the queue one in front and the other behind.

That guy, many of the people nearby who were looking at him were dumbfounded, and even forgot to applaud.

“It’s really a continuation of the same lineage.”

Someone in the queue was muttering, and he was talking about Lao Pao and Xiucai, after all, both of them had military merits hanging on their chests.

When they walked out of the queue, the noise became even louder.

Not to mention the new recruits who were confused, it can be said that everyone at the scene was calm except for the people from the 7th Armored Brigade, who had slightly stronger immunity and just glanced at the old gunner's chest.

The leaders who rushed over to convene the commendation meeting were all quite surprised by this scene.

After all, they were not one army before. After the 63th Brigade was divided into the rd Army, the Political Work Department reorganized the personnel files of each unit.

But looking at the files is one thing, and meeting the real person is another.

What's more, not everyone in the Political Department has read the files.

Chen Mo followed behind, somewhat suspecting that this was a deliberate order from the company or even the brigade. Regardless of the reason, the medal on Lao Pao's chest had indeed caused quite a stir, and even he had been the focus of attention.

Amidst the deafening applause behind him, Chen Mo held his head high and strode forward.

No matter how mentally prepared he was for the second-class merit award ceremony, when all the eyes and applause from people around him were focused on him.

He couldn't suppress the heroic spirit and ambition surging in his chest.

No matter how dazzling the old gun is or how powerful the company commander is, he is the real protagonist of today's commendation meeting.

When the five people's names were called, they lined up in front of a table covered with red velvet.

Chen Mo's figure looks more youthful and more passionate.

The students from Class 8 stood at the back and clapped their hands vigorously, as if to tell everyone that two of the five people on stage were from Class 8.

"Chen Mo."

Tao Ruichang looked at the young soldier in front of him with a smile, then glanced at the old cannon beside him and said, "I've heard your story all over the military region."

"This year, you were the training model for our military region and won third-class merit in the competition. Many people in the company call you a scholar, right?"

"Hehe, that's a good name."

"Thank you for the compliment, Chief!!"

Chen Mo looked up at the familiar person in front of him, Tao Ruichang, director of the political department of the 63rd Army.

In his previous life, he worked in the confidential department. Apart from his old leaders, the person he dealt with most often was Director Tao.

Most of the older generation of soldiers have hot tempers and it is normal for them to curse at others. However, this old man Tao is quite easy-going and not stubborn.

He was willing to chat with younger soldiers. After Chen Mo became familiar with him in his previous life, he would often go to this director to get cigarettes and tea.

Even after Old Man Tao retired, Chen Mo would still visit his home during the holidays. At that time, he didn't expect him to be able to help in any way.

She mainly takes care of the flowers and plants and chats with the old man. They can't be said to be close friends regardless of age difference, but their relationship is definitely close.

Just goodbye now.

The old man couldn't remember him.

"You're welcome. That's a nice name. I'll call you Xiucai from now on."

Tao Ruichang picked up the small box containing military medals from the table, opened it, and took out a second-class military medal.

"Scholar."

"arrive!!"

"Now, on behalf of the 63rd Group Army, I award you a Second Class Merit. I also hope that you can continue to work hard in your future military career and continue to open a new chapter for yourself."

"We must not be arrogant in victory and not discouraged in defeat. We must continue to win honors through hard work, work tirelessly to create honors, and defend this honor with responsibility and dedication."

“Continue to bring glory to the brigade with practical actions.”

"Military honors are not the end, this is exactly where you begin, understand?"

"clear!!"

Chen Mo took a deep breath. He watched Tao Ruichang personally hang the second-class military medal on his chest and hand the bright red military certificate to him.

He stood up straighter.

When he raised his hand to salute, the three badges on his chest emitted a golden glow under the sunlight.

Tao Ruichang returned the greeting with a smile.

Cheng Dong, Huo Linshan, Lao Pao, and Wang Jianyong immediately stepped aside after being awarded military merits.

After all, they were not the protagonists of the commendation ceremony, and the awarding of military merits was just a byproduct.

"Go ahead, share your feelings at the moment, even if it's just a simple description of how you feel."

"Comrades, everyone is waiting for you."

"Yes!!"

Chen Mo puffed out his chest in response.

In such occasions, not to mention the people from the military region’s political department, the brigade commander and the political commissar are all there. He will definitely not let go of the opportunity to show his abilities.

Holding the big red certificate in his left hand, Chen Mo turned around, raised his right hand and saluted the queue.

Then he said loudly: "Hello comrades, my name is Chen Mo, Erdong Chen, Mo for default. Many people in the company call me Xiucai. I come from a place called Yingcheng in Henan Province."

"At the end of December last year, I was honored to be assigned to the Second Company of New Recruits of our 7th Armored Brigade."

"Before I even arrived at the military camp, I remember a squad leader on the train saying, 'Once you become a soldier, you'll be inseparable from the military camp for the rest of your life.'"

“Even if one day you board a train back home, your heart will be tied to the outpost, and your soul will remain in the barracks.”

"At that time, I didn't understand the meaning of this sentence, but when I actually stepped into the military camp, I began to understand it gradually."

"Because of the iron-clad discipline and steel-like regulations here, I shed my sweat in the barracks, encouraged by my squad leader Zhou Yongjie and supervised by my company commander Cheng Dong and instructor Huo Linshan."

"I gradually transformed into a soldier and understood the soldier's mission. Sometimes I would miss home, but when I did, my mission would tell me that I had a heavy responsibility on my shoulders. I had two elderly parents in the countryside and it was difficult to balance them both."

"Since you've put on this military uniform and arrived at the barracks, you should shoulder your responsibilities, maintain peace, stand tall and single-minded."

Chen Mo's resounding speech attracted the attention of everyone present.

Those who know that they can show off their talents are generally calm, but there are still many who don’t know.

I was very surprised that a newly commissioned private could say such words.

But Chen Mo didn't care about what the people around him thought. He continued, "After coming here, I understand what it means when I say, 'The soul remains in the barracks.'"

"As a soldier, you should have an unbreakable will and a firmness as strong as steel. Your sight should always be filled with the green of the uniform, and your eyes should always be filled with the red of the national flag."

"As a soldier, I'm very proud. With just one order, I'll be one of the thousands of soldiers, charging into battle! Charging! Killing the enemy."

"A soldier's excellence lies not in wearing a handsome combat uniform, nor in being as strong as holding a gun, but in the calmness and plain experience and accumulation of the day-to-day."

"thank you all!!"

Chen Mo raised his hand and saluted again.

Whether it was the cadres who came over, the new recruits from the second company, or even the motor vehicle company that sneaked over to watch from afar, everyone applauded.

There is not much passion in the military camp, and most of the time it is even boring and tedious.

Chen Mo did not talk excitedly about his feelings about his meritorious service, nor did he show off the certificate in his hand.

Instead, it is explained with a plain sentence about experience and accumulation. This constant standard of excellence can resonate with many people.

Tao Ruichang stood beside his seat and also applauded.

As the director of the political department, every year when new recruits enter the camp, they pay special attention to the training and living conditions of the new comrades in each unit.

Recently, a man named "Xiucai" from the 7th Armored Brigade has frequently come into the sight of the Political Department.

Lao Tao specifically checked the information of this new recruit. To be honest, he previously thought that this scholar was excellent, but there were many excellent new recruits every year.

In terms of overall talent, the scholar is not outstanding.

As for catching a spy and gaining merit, Old Man Tao didn't feel too surprised. Maybe he was just lucky.

But now that he has met the real person, he understands where this excellence is reflected.

It is the plain truthfulness, the character of not being arrogant in victory, and the expression of firm belief, all of which are characteristics that are difficult to see in new recruits.

All of them are gathered in one person.

"This soldier is good, keep a close eye on him." Tao Ruichang smiled and instructed the accompanying cadres.

Not many people have heard this.

But Wei Jinan heard it, and He Guofeng heard it too.

The commendation meeting ended amid warm applause.

After the cadres of the brigade stood up and saw off the people from the military region’s political department, the team disbanded.

Chen Mo was taking off the military medals hanging on his chest one by one.

Cheng Dong, who had just sent someone off, ran over quickly and said with a smile on his face: "Scholar, go ahead, the political commissar wants to see you."

"What's the matter, Captain?"

Chen Mo was picking up his military medals. He looked up and asked with a smile, trying to find out something.

"Hey, you son of a bitch, it must be a good thing that the political commissar is looking for you." Cheng Dong kicked Chen Mo.

"Hurry up and go, you're not proactive in doing good things."

"Hurry up."

"Yes!!"

Chen Mo guessed that the company commander didn't know what was going on, so he put away his military medal and tugged at the corner of his clothes.

He ran quickly towards the political commissar.

(End of this chapter)