Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

Chapter 235: Putting Chen Jiang in charge of logistics is a waste of talent!

Although the exercise concluded successfully, subsequent debriefing and reflection are essential.

Because of Chen Jiang, Long Kaifeng's punishment, which was originally a foregone conclusion, was changed to praise. However, he was still privately summoned by his superiors, who hoped that he would learn from this experience.

Chen Jiang continued to shine in this exercise, using his actions to refute those who felt he had been promoted too quickly. Cheng Guoqiang publicly stated at a leadership meeting, "How can such a talented person be in charge of logistics? It's like using a submachine gun as a fire poker!"

At the meeting, everyone unanimously agreed to adjust the division of labor among the leadership of Brigade C. The logistics department was handed over to Political Commissar Li Haiguang, while Chen Jiang was put in charge of military training and operations, essentially playing the role of "Executive Deputy Brigade Commander".

Moreover, Chen Jiang was invited to attend a meeting of the army group leadership, and Cheng Guoqiang allowed him to share his thoughts and experiences at the meeting, which is a very rare occurrence.

Chen Jiang hadn't prepared beforehand, so he was a little confused when his name was called.

However, as someone who experienced this exercise firsthand, he certainly had a lot to say.
"Commanders, this exercise has taught us a profound lesson, but it has also had a great impact on us."

"First of all, in modern warfare, missiles are playing an increasingly important role, and the traditional offensive mode of armored group assault is no longer keeping up with the times."

Chen Jiang's words caused a great stir, drawing a commotion among the leaders in the conference room. However, given Cheng Guoqiang's expressionless face, everyone could only patiently continue listening.

"Because large-scale armored formations are easily detected by enemy satellites, radars, and increasingly advanced drones, they will be met with an overwhelming barrage of long-range firepower."

Chen Jiang's words were truly outrageous, because the Chinese army had always suffered from a fear of insufficient firepower. From the very beginning, it relied on millet and rifles. In the early days, even capturing a single cannon was a rare item for the entire army. It wasn't until the liberation of Northeast China that it began to have its own tank units.

Moreover, many of the military's operational concepts are inherited from its "elder brother," and the concentrated use of armored forces has always been the key to launching surprise attacks with superior forces.

But Chen Jiang's words completely overturned this combat model. How could that be allowed?
Sure enough, one of the leaders couldn't help but "fire back," saying, "Chen Jiang, you have to take responsibility for what you're saying. Are all the armored vehicles we've produced suddenly useless? Do you think that in future offensives, we'll be better off relying on the flesh and blood of our infantry?"

His words naturally received a lot of support. If tanks are useless, then soldiers charging forward are even more useless.

Chen Jiang remained calm after hearing this. He said frankly, "Of course tanks are not useless. Their protection is unmatched by human flesh and blood. However, the role of tanks will change significantly in the future. Their simple assault and anti-tank effects will be weakened. In the future, they may become support weapon platforms for infantry companies or even infantry squads."

"What does this mean?" someone asked, puzzled.

"Future missile technology will become increasingly advanced, and with the continuous improvement of satellite navigation systems, dealing with large-scale valuable targets will only require guiding long-range rocket artillery units to provide coverage. For particularly important targets, missiles can solve all problems! Under such circumstances, the old method of large-scale mobilization in combat will gradually be phased out. The battlefield of the future will be a technological contest themed around high informatization, technological sophistication, and sensing. Therefore, ground forces should be small, efficient, and fully functional!"

Chen Jiang's views were very bold. If he hadn't made such a significant contribution this time, he would probably have been reprimanded by the leaders present.

After listening, Cheng Guoqiang remained silent for a while before asking, "Could you elaborate on your plan? How should the troops be reformed? Take your C Brigade for example."

After a moment's thought, Chen Jiang immediately recited what he had prepared long ago.
"Given the existing conditions, it would be best to abolish the regimental-level configuration and form a completely new force in the form of combined arms battalions."

"It integrates multiple branches of the armed forces, including infantry, armored vehicles, and artillery, to achieve modular organization and three-dimensional offensive and defensive capabilities. Each battalion consists of three infantry companies, two tank companies, one artillery company, and support units, with a total strength of about 800 personnel, equipped with a corresponding number of main battle tanks, self-propelled artillery, and auxiliary vehicles."

Each infantry company has approximately 120 personnel and 14 infantry fighting vehicles, responsible for assault and infiltration missions. Each tank company has approximately 50 personnel and 14 main battle tanks (28 in the entire battalion), providing armored breakthrough capabilities. Artillery companies are equipped with several self-propelled guns, undertaking medium-range fire suppression missions. There are also combat support companies, including reconnaissance, communications, and engineering units, with approximately 130 personnel, responsible for battlefield intelligence and engineering support. In addition, there is a logistics support company with approximately 140 personnel, managing fuel, maintenance, and cooking to ensure sustained combat capability.

"At the same time, the brigade is equipped with an armed helicopter squadron to ensure sufficient air superiority. Of course, the most important thing is our information support squadron. We will rely on it more in future operations. Why send ground troops to go through all the trouble when a task can be completed with a few clicks of the mouse?"

"In addition, the combined arms battalion should strengthen its ties with the Army Aviation, Air Force, Special Operations Forces, and Electronic Warfare Forces. Through the equipment of satellite terminals and digital mobile network devices, each company of the combined arms battalion can promptly call in Army Aviation attack helicopters and Air Force bombers to launch air strikes against the enemy, while the electronic warfare forces can carry out communications jamming and suppression against enemy territory. Ground combat forces will primarily act as 'eyes on the ground,' eliminating enemy forces by calling in fire strikes."

This was the first time Chen Jiang had spoken out about the operational concept of combined arms units. In fact, he was aware that it was still quite difficult to build combined arms units under the current conditions, but it was the trend. Moreover, he believed that technology would become more and more advanced in the future, and that combined arms companies might even emerge. Just imagine, a company with main battle tanks cooperating in an attack, how futuristic would that combat scene be?
Cheng Guoqiang took a leisurely sip of his almost-cold tea. The conference room was so quiet that only breathing could be heard.

Chen Jiang's ideas were too advanced, even somewhat "unorthodox," but this precisely struck at his deepest thoughts—they had been chanting reform slogans for a long time, but to what extent should they reform? Had their current level truly caught up with that of Western military powers?

"Go on," Cheng Guoqiang said calmly, his expression revealing neither joy nor anger.

Chen Jiang took a deep breath, knowing this was a crucial moment and he had to seize the opportunity.

"The advantage of a combined arms battalion lies in its flexibility and versatility. It is of moderate size and can carry out tactical missions independently as well as coordinate multiple battalions to achieve operational objectives. Each battalion has a complete combat system, a short command chain, and a fast response speed."

One leader couldn't help but interject: "Comrade Chen Jiang, what you're saying sounds wonderful, but there are many problems in reality. How do we build a command system? How do we achieve logistical support? Coordinated operations among various branches of the armed forces require long-term integration and cannot be formed simply by piecing them together."

Chen Jiang nodded in agreement: "The commander is right, these problems do exist. But I think they can be solved in a few ways: First, establish a flat command network to give battalion-level commanders more autonomy; second, strengthen simulation training and use modern technology to reduce the cost of live-fire exercises; third, proceed gradually, piloting first and then promoting."

Cheng Guoqiang suddenly spoke up: "You said each combined arms battalion has about 800 people, which is larger than the current battalion but smaller than a regiment. So how should the brigade command structure be adjusted?"

“The brigade headquarters should be transformed into a command center and information hub,” Chen Jiang had clearly considered this issue. “It should be responsible for strategic coordination and resource allocation, while specific tactical execution should be delegated to battalion-level units. At the same time, the brigade’s directly subordinate units should be strengthened, especially in information warfare, electronic warfare, and special operations capabilities.”

A murmur rippled through the meeting room. Chen Jiang's proposal not only involved organizational restructuring but also touched upon a profound transformation of the command system.

After a moment of silence, Cheng Guoqiang suddenly turned to a technical officer present and asked, "From a technical point of view, how likely is it that Deputy Brigade Commander Chen's vision of a digital command network will be realized?"

The technical officer who was called upon adjusted his glasses: "Reporting to the commander, from a technical point of view, it is entirely feasible. We already have an independently developed tactical command system that can achieve battlefield information sharing at the battalion and company levels. However, it requires a significant increase in the number of communication equipment and the training of a large number of technical personnel."

The meeting lasted for a full three hours.

Chen Jiang responded to various questions and doubts one by one. He had already given mature thought to some of the issues, while frankly admitting that others required further research.

Finally, Cheng Guoqiang gave a concluding speech: "Comrade Chen Jiang's idea is very bold and insightful. Military reform is not a dinner party, but it cannot be rushed or reckless either. I suggest that we take Brigade C as a pilot and first form a combined arms battalion for experimentation. Chen Jiang, are you willing to take on this responsibility?"

All eyes were on Chen Jiang.

He stood ramrod straight: "As long as the organization trusts me, I will do my utmost!"

"Great!" Cheng Guoqiang slammed his hand on the table. "It's settled then. Relevant departments will fully cooperate, and I want to see initial results within six months."

After the meeting, Cheng Guoqiang kept Chen Jiang behind alone.

"Your speech today was excellent, but it also made you quite a few enemies," Cheng Guoqiang said seriously. "Do you understand what I mean?"

Chen Jiang understood what he meant. The weakening of the tank force would inevitably cause resentment among some tank officers, and would also affect the promotion and future prospects of many people.

"Reform is never smooth sailing; you will face a lot of resistance and difficulties. This is normal," Cheng Guoqiang encouraged him.

Chen Jiang pondered for a moment: "Commander, I understand the difficulty of reform. But the path to a strong military must continue. I only ask one thing of you—if you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them."

Cheng Guoqiang gazed at the young general and finally smiled slightly: "Go ahead and do it with confidence, I support you. But remember, be bold in innovation, but also proceed cautiously step by step."

On the way back to Brigade C, Chen Jiang looked at the military camp scenery flashing past the car window, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that from this day forward, he and Brigade C would embark on an unprecedented path.

Long Kaifeng and other brigade leaders were also called in for talks by their superiors. From their perspective, there was naturally no possibility of objection; soldiers must obey orders.

In the following weeks, Brigade C began intensive preparations.

Because of the reassignment of responsibilities, Chen Jiang had time to lead his team to conduct in-depth research on the experiences of foreign militaries and, in combination with the actual situation of our army, to formulate a detailed pilot program.

Selecting the right people is the first hurdle.

Combined arms battalion commanders are required to have multi-service coordinated command capabilities and information literacy, while traditional battalion commanders are often proficient in a single service.

Despite opposition, Chen recommended Zhong Yiming, the former battalion commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, to serve as the battalion commander of the pilot battalion.

This proposal sparked considerable controversy, with many believing that Zhong Yiming was too young and lacked experience in leading troops. After all, this position was at the deputy regimental level, and Zhong Yiming had only recently been promoted to battalion commander, making it clearly somewhat inappropriate.

But Chen Jiang insisted: "What we need are people who can understand and manage future wars, not just people who are familiar with past war models."

In fact, the main reason he considered Zhong Yiming was because of his ability to accept new things. Of course, another reason was that he was "the son of a general," and his network of connections could also be of great help to him.

As for his rank, wasn't Chen Jiang himself promoted exceptionally?
Ultimately, with the support of Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang, Zhong Yiming's appointment was approved, but he was to temporarily manage the affairs of the entire battalion as the deputy battalion commander of the combined arms battalion, a similar model to Chen Jiang's position as deputy battalion commander of the third battalion.

With the selection of the battalion commander settled, the next step is equipment integration and a shift in training methods.

Integrating tanks, artillery, infantry fighting vehicles, and even reconnaissance, communications, and engineering units with different affiliations involves a series of complex issues such as equipment allocation and maintenance system changes.

In particular, the training model has been completely disrupted, replaced by high-intensity joint training.

This led to numerous embarrassing incidents during the battalion-level tactical joint training exercises, which were in a state of chaos at times.

The doubts began to grow louder.

Some veteran soldiers privately remarked, "See? I told you it was just for show, all looks and no substance!"

"If you put so many good things together and don't know how to use them, it's better not to put them together at all!"

The pressure surged towards Chen Jiang like a mountain.

But he did not back down; instead, he constantly encouraged Zhong Yiming, urging him not to be discouraged.
If there are problems, then we'll solve them one by one.

Zhong Yiming lived up to expectations, organizing technical experts to tackle the difficulties and even working with company and platoon cadres until late at night.

During this process, Long Kaifeng provided substantial support.

He used his extensive network of contacts accumulated over the years to secure more training resources and expert guidance for the pilot camp, and coordinated efforts within the brigade to remove many obstacles for Chen Jiang.

Although the two managers sometimes clashed over their ideas, they formed a rare tacit understanding when it came to promoting the reform pilot program.

(End of this chapter)