Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

Chapter 195 National Selection
When Wang Qingrui called Chen Jiang to his office and explained his ideas, Chen Jiang was immediately stunned by the old regimental commander's thoughts.

Although he knew Wang Qingrui's idea was well-intentioned, he was still a little apprehensive about taking his wife to Africa.

Because Africa is not like China. In China, if things really go wrong, you have your motherland as a strong backing. But it's completely different abroad. Once a crisis occurs, in most cases you can only rely on yourself. You have to lead a company of soldiers out on your own, which is really tough.
But when Wang Qingrui revealed his unavoidable predicament, Chen Jiang felt relieved.

Indeed, in China, whether in the military or the sports, close relatives would never allow you to be in the same superior-subordinate relationship within the same unit. Either Chen Jiang would leave or Gao Cheng would be forced to resign.

It would be very inappropriate for Gao Cheng to leave now, so after thinking it over, I have to leave.

Looking at it this way, it's already quite remarkable that Wang Qingrui managed to secure such an opportunity for himself.

After leaving Wang Qingrui's office, Chen Jiang unusually did not return to the camp, but instead drove his SUV to the military hospital. Although the journey was not short, he still had to go and discuss this matter with Chu Ning.

Chu Ning's work was still as busy as ever. Chen Jiang waited for a while before he saw Chu Ning dragging her tired body out of the operating room.

When Chen Jiang saw his wife's exhausted figure, the words he had prepared suddenly choked in his throat.

Chu Ning's white coat was still stained with blood, and there were obvious dark circles under her eyes, indicating that she had just undergone a long surgery.

"What brings you here today? Don't you have to focus on training?" Chu Ning looked slightly surprised when she saw Chen Jiang, but her eyes were full of affection.

However, seeing Chen Jiang's expression, she became worried. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Her colleagues behind her smiled slightly and all tactfully walked away.

Chen Jiang took the medical equipment from her and said in a low voice, "Let's talk in your office."

In Chu Ning's private office, she remained silent for a long time after listening to her husband's account.

“To be honest, I’ve never been to Africa.” Her voice trembled slightly. “But fortunately, it hasn’t been too long, only about two years.”

She took a piece of paper with a red stamp from her pocket.

“My superiors have already made it clear that they want to transfer me there,” she said with a wry smile. “I was still hesitating about how to tell you.”

"Oh my, my wife is being transferred directly? I have to compete for the position." Chen Jiang said with an envious expression. "Since you're going, I'm determined to compete for the commander's position. Otherwise, I'm really worried about my wife going to Africa alone."

The two exchanged a smile, but then fell silent.

Two years abroad is neither a long nor a short time. Chen Jiang is an orphan, so he doesn't have many worries, but Chu Ning has an elderly mother, and she has to give her an explanation.

That evening, Gao Cheng made a surprise visit.

He came in carrying two bottles of baijiu and punched Chen Jiang as soon as he entered: "Uncle Wang told me the details! You trying to sneak away, kid?"

Gao Cheng understood that Chen Jiang wanted to leave because he wanted to protect Gao Cheng's future; he really couldn't bear to see Chu Ning and her husband suffer in Africa.

After a few rounds of drinks, Gao Cheng's eyes were already slightly red.

He slammed his hand on the table, making the wine glass bounce: "Chen Jiang, you really don't need to go to Africa. You're doing just fine in the Third Battalion. If you keep going for another two or three years, you'll definitely be promoted to deputy regimental commander."

Chen Jiang poured Gao Cheng another full glass.

“If I don’t leave, what will you do? Are you going to leave? Your promotion to regimental commander is more urgent.”

Chu Ning brought out a plate of sliced ​​fruits from the kitchen. Her cooking skills were quite good. Chen Jiang didn't know how to cook many dishes, but Chu Ning could cook most home-style dishes, so Gao Cheng would often come over for a free meal.

"I, Gao Cheng, have gotten to where I am today because of my real skills!" Gao Cheng tilted his head back and took a big gulp of wine. "Even if I were to transfer to another regiment, I would still be promoted in a few years."

He leaned closer to Chen Jiang and whispered, "I won't give up until I reach a major star! Hahaha."

Gao Cheng's dream is to become a general like his father, Gao Jianjun. To realize this dream, he has a long and difficult road ahead.

"Brother, I believe in you, you can definitely do it!" Chen Jiang raised his glass and toasted Gao Cheng.

"Don't be a coward, kid. With Chu Ning following you, you should also strive to become a division-level officer as soon as possible. In the military, you not only have to compete with your rivals, but also with your age. We have too many excellent officers who have to leave the military because of their age." Gao Cheng's voice became a little hoarse.

"It's not that simple," Chen Jiang shook his head with a wry smile. "I've only just become a battalion commander. What you're saying is too far-fetched."

Gao Cheng looked at Chu Ning sitting next to him and patted Chen Jiang on the shoulder, "You kid, now that Chu Ning has married you, you have to make something of yourself, or you'll be letting her down."

Upon hearing Gao Cheng's words, Chu Ning knew that Gao Cheng had drunk a bit too much, and quickly tried to smooth things over, "Brother, I married Chen Jiang not for his military rank. When we first met, his rank was lower than mine."

Gao Cheng nodded and smiled.
"That's true. This opportunity to go to Africa is really rare. Since the division has recommended you, you must do your best to win and seize this opportunity."

After taking a bite of food, he said leisurely, “Our country’s army has a long history of participating in UN peacekeeping operations, and its main tasks are engineering construction and maintaining local security. This is the first time that a whole company of combat troops has been sent out. Such a commander will definitely be put to great use when he returns, so you must seize this opportunity.”

"Don't worry, brother, Chu Ning has been selected as a medical expert, so I have to go, I absolutely have to go!"

"What? Chu Ning has been chosen?" Gao Cheng looked incredulous until Chu Ning showed him the orders she had received, at which point Gao Cheng finally came to his senses.

"That would be even better. She's going to Africa, can't you be her protector? Hahaha." Gao Cheng laughed heartily.

The competition for the position of peacekeeping force commander was much fiercer than Chen Jiang had originally anticipated.

Chen Jiang might be considered the most outstanding battalion-level officer in his division, but what about the entire army, or even the whole country? He doesn't stand out as much.

This selection process attracted hundreds of officers at the field level from across the country, including even a colonel. Fortunately, age and educational requirements were strictly enforced, preventing a colonel from applying for the position.

The Z organization department selected candidates from multiple dimensions, and the requirement of fluent spoken English eliminated many people. In the end, only eight candidates entered the final interview stage.

The higher-ups need to select the final two colonel-level officers from these eight people as the final candidates for evaluation, and then select the final candidates.

The whole process was nothing short of a series of trials and tribulations.

Chen Jiang was determined to seize this opportunity, so he made thorough preparations and fought his way into the final interview stage. It could be said that the eight officers who made it to the interview were all top performers from across the country, but Chen Jiang remained calm. He was determined to either not participate at all, or to be number one!

This is Gao Jianjun's teaching to himself.
However, Gao Jianjun did not participate in the judging this time; he avoided the role altogether to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

When it was Chen Jiang's turn to appear, he glanced around the examination room. It was similar to a civil service interview, except there were more people and the scene was much larger.

The audience was divided into main judges and audience judges.

The chief judges consisted of seven senior generals, the lowest rank being a senior colonel. Behind them were dozens of officers of the field and company ranks who served as "audience judges," with the senior generals accounting for 60% of the scores and the latter 40%.

These examiners were all drawn from the highest military authorities or were representatives of the military.

It should be said that it is relatively fair and just.

Chen Jiang took a deep breath, straightened his military uniform, and walked steadily to the center of the examination room.

He stood at attention and saluted, his movements clean and efficient, without the slightest hesitation.

"Reporting to the examiners, candidate number 5 has been ordered to participate in the interview!"

Since they were drawing lots, their personal information could not be revealed. His draw number was 5.

The examiner, seated in the center, nodded slightly: "Candidate number 5, congratulations on passing our rigorous selection process and entering today's interview. There are three questions in today's interview. Please tell us you're finished after each question. Are you ready?"

"Report! Be prepared!"

The first question is: Talk about your advantages compared to your competitors.

Chen Jiang had an overwhelming advantage in this regard. From leaving a prestigious 985 university to join the army, to standing out in the grassroots company and being promoted to officer, his journey had been smooth sailing. In particular, he had participated in a major military mission abroad (trained at a hunter school), winning significant honors for the country. Although he didn't elaborate on the details, the examiners were very satisfied with what they heard.

The audience judges, in particular, all showed expressions of surprise and admiration.

The second question is: Suppose that your peacekeeping force is attacked by local militants while on a mission, and the militants take civilians hostage, and two members of your medical team are injured, how would you handle the situation?
After a moment's thought, Chen Jiang replied clearly and logically: "I will immediately take the following measures: First, order the troops to establish a defensive perimeter to ensure the safe withdrawal of the medical team; second, send out a reconnaissance team to ascertain the enemy's situation and communicate with the militants through translators to strive for a peaceful resolution; third, request the local UN command to provide air support and medical evacuation; fourth, prepare for a military rescue operation, but prioritize the safety of civilians."

His answer demonstrated both tactical considerations and his organizational and command abilities and crisis management experience, while also fully reflecting the special nature of peacekeeping operations and the spirit of humanitarianism. Several judges nodded in approval from time to time.

The third question is: how to handle relations with the local government forces.

"Peacekeeping forces must maintain neutrality; this is a fundamental principle. At the same time, we must remember the identity and mission of Chinese soldiers. While adhering to the UN Charter, we can win the trust of the local people through medical assistance, infrastructure support, and other means. This not only creates conditions for the smooth conduct of the mission but also showcases the positive image of the Chinese military."

"However, we also have our bottom line, which is that we must never do anything that would damage the national dignity or the image of Chinese soldiers, and we must handle all matters with courtesy, restraint, and a bottom line."

His answer earned him a long round of applause from the audience.

The interview results were as expected; he achieved the highest score overall and was included in the evaluation list.

After a thorough investigation and discussion at a higher-level meeting, Chen Jiang was ultimately selected as the commander of the peacekeeping force in Africa.

On the weekend before the official order was issued, Gao Jianjun specially invited Chen Jiang to his home for dinner.

"Xiao Chen, this trip abroad is not like being in China." Gao Jianjun poured Chen Jiang a glass of wine. "The situation in Africa is complex, with various forces deeply entrenched. You must remember three things: First, you must pay attention to the safety of your personnel. They are all children of parents, and you must bring them all back safely. Second, you must complete the tasks assigned to you by your superiors without fail. I'm not too worried about that. Finally, I hope that when you handle anything, you must always think about the national emblem you wear. After you go abroad, your every word and action represents the image of Chinese soldiers. You must live up to your mission!"

The old man's earnest advice deeply moved Chen Jiang.

He immediately replied, "Don't worry, I guarantee I'll complete the mission!"

With tears in his eyes, Gao Cheng patted Chen Jiang's shoulder forcefully: "You two must come back safe and sound! I won't stand for it if even a single hair is missing!"

Chen Jiang glanced at his wife and replied firmly, "Don't worry, I promise!"

Amid the blessings and well wishes of their loved ones, Chen Jiang and Chu Ning set off as scheduled. Their unit was transported to Africa in multiple special planes, with light equipment and luggage airlifted by plane, while heavy equipment was shipped by cargo ship.

At the airport, Chen Jiang gave a final pep talk to the Seventh Company, which was fully prepared for departure.

Because Chen Jiang became the commander of the peacekeeping force, the higher command ultimately decided to transfer the 7th Company as the armed force for this peacekeeping mission.

On the one hand, Chen Jiang was very capable of using him, and on the other hand, the progress of the Seventh Company was obvious to all.

"Comrades, this is the first time for many of you to go abroad. To be honest, I've never been to Africa either. I've only heard that it's very chaotic there. Are you all scared?"

"Not afraid!"

"Not afraid!"

"Not afraid!"

The three deafening replies pleased Chen Jiang greatly.

"Our mission is very clear. After we go abroad, our words and actions will not only represent ourselves, but also the image of Chinese soldiers. Therefore, everyone must obey orders and commands, and strictly demand of themselves. Can you do that?"

"can do it!"

"can do it!"

"can do it!"

Chen Jiang's mobilization speech was brief but very inspiring. Seeing that the time was almost up, he waved his right hand and ordered everyone to begin boarding the plane.

Looking at the people who had come to see him off in the distance, Chen Jiang smiled and waved vigorously.
The plane finally began to taxi and, after entering the runway, with a huge roar, it began to accelerate and eventually soar into the sky, heading southwest.

(End of this chapter)