Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

I have objections to Chapter 237 regarding Chen Jiang's arrangements.
The impact of this confrontation is far-reaching. Although Zhong Yiming's troops still have some flaws in the details, it is undeniable that this combat mode has indeed subverted everyone's understanding of the battlefield in the past.

Almost everyone is optimistic about Zhong Yiming's future.

Of course, as an advocate of integrated warfare, Chen Jiang was widely regarded as a candidate for another exceptional promotion.

When Chen Jiang returned to Brigade C after the combat exercise, the way the people in the brigade looked at him was different.

"Chen Jiang, congratulations, you won!" Long Kaifeng's tone was clearly bitter when he said this.

Chen Jiang's excellence precisely demonstrates his mediocrity.

In his view, Chen Jiang might be promoted and given an important position soon, while he might be transferred to another post, or even have to leave the military early.

That's how it is in the military; the turnover rate is extremely fast.

"Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, I didn't do anything. It's Zhong Yiming who's good at fighting." At this point, Chen Jiang could only pull one out as a shield.

Long Kaifeng smiled awkwardly. He and Li Haiguang both knew that Zhong Yiming was essentially Chen Jiang's apprentice. If the apprentice was so capable, how could the master be any less capable?
Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang exchanged a glance, both seeing complex emotions on each other's faces.

Long Kaifeng sighed, patted Chen Jiang on the shoulder, and said in a much more sincere tone, "Chen Jiang, don't be modest. Zhong Yiming is an officer you personally trained. The tactics he uses and the equipment he relies on, weren't they all driven by you? On the surface, it seems like Zhong Yiming is fighting this battle, but we all know that you, Chen Jiang, are standing behind him. We are completely convinced."

Political Commissar Li Haiguang chimed in, "Yes, Deputy Brigade Commander Chen. This battle has taught us a profound lesson. In the past, we always thought that superior troop strength and traditional tactics were enough to cope with the situation. Now it seems that outdated thinking is the biggest problem. There is still much for Brigade C to learn. I hope you can play a greater role in the future."

Seeing the change in attitude of the two commanding officers, Chen Jiang also put away his politeness and said seriously, "Brigade Commander, Political Commissar, you flatter me. Combined arms and information technology are the general trend of the future, and we are just taking a step ahead. This confrontation has also exposed many of our problems, such as the endurance and anti-jamming capabilities of drones, the ability of 'robot dogs' to pass through complex terrain, and the stability of the command link under strong electromagnetic interference, etc."

"These are not problems that can be solved overnight; they require the joint efforts of the entire brigade. Our C Brigade has a solid foundation and highly qualified officers and soldiers. As long as we change our mindset and strive to catch up, we will definitely become a truly modern elite force."

Chen Jiang's words affirmed the achievements, pointed out the shortcomings, and expressed his expectations and confidence in the future of C-Brigade. He appeared humble and composed, and had a broad vision.

Upon hearing this, Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang felt much of their initial resentment dissipate, replaced by a sense of urgency and mission.

As everyone expected, the outcome of this highly disruptive confrontation quickly caused a sensation at a higher level.

The higher authorities organized several debriefings and discussions, conducting detailed analyses of the Second Battalion's tactics and the application of new equipment. Chen Jiang's name was mentioned repeatedly, and his concepts such as "asymmetric warfare" and "system warfare" attracted significant attention.

The issue of Chen Jiang's use has sparked considerable debate among high-ranking military officials.

"What? You want him to take a temporary post?" Cheng Guoqiang's anger flared up immediately after receiving Gao Jianjun's call. "Such a talented person isn't staying in the combat troops, but going to work in an office?"

He was genuinely confused. Chen Jiang was Gao Jianjun's nephew-in-law, so what kind of arrangement was this?

In Cheng Guoqiang's view, Chen Jiang is the best candidate to be the commander of the C Brigade. The only problem now is that he is not qualified enough. When the time comes, he will definitely be promoted to the rank of commander. At that time, the combined arms battalions under his command will probably be the best in the entire army.

"Hey, old buddy, don't yell," Gao Jianjun said. Because Gao Jianjun and Cheng Guoqiang had worked together for a long time, they were more like good friends than superiors and subordinates, so they spoke in a very casual manner.

"The arrangement regarding Comrade Chen Jiang is the result of collective discussion and research. It's not my idea alone!"

Gao Jianjun's words made it quite clear: the personnel adjustment had been approved, and Cheng Guoqiang had no choice but to comply.

"And don't worry, the secondment will only last for one year," Gao Jianjun added.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Guoqiang felt a little better, but then he thought again and it seemed wrong. "Where should he hang it? I'm warning you now, don't hang it in the logistics department!"

"Haha, old buddy, you really have a good eye for talent. This time he's being seconded to the logistics department, doing some training in the supplies department. It will be very beneficial for him to understand the logistics and supplies of the entire army. This experience will broaden his horizons and give him a more comprehensive grasp of things. Do you really think he'll just be a brigade commander and that's it?"

"What we need is not just a strong battalion, nor even a strong brigade. We need to build the entire People's Army into a modern army so that we can achieve 'I will be the first to fight, and I will surely win!'"

"You mean" Cheng Guoqiang was completely stunned. Gao Jianjun's words were so obvious, how could he not understand?
Although working in logistics may seem like "not doing one's proper job," any outstanding commander needs to understand all aspects of the troops. Troops without logistics cannot win battles. If Chen Jiang were to take up a temporary post there, his overall perspective would definitely be stronger. Moreover, he could get to know many elites at higher levels and build up his network of connections.

From this perspective, it is indeed very necessary for Chen Jiang to take up a temporary post. Moreover, he must have a strict and complete work experience to go from the regimental level to the deputy division level. The higher the level, the more strict the personnel appointment and dismissal regulations become.

"Okay, I understand. We will obey orders without question!" Having figured this out, Cheng Guoqiang naturally couldn't refuse.

Weeks later, the order was officially issued.

Contrary to most people's expectations, Chen Jiang was not given a higher position, but instead went to the General Logistics Department for a year of temporary assignment.

This appointment is significant.

The order caused quite a stir within Brigade C. Various speculations and discussions were inevitable.

Some people privately expressed their indignation on Chen Jiang's behalf: "Deputy Brigade Commander Chen has made such a great contribution, yet instead of leading the main force, he's been assigned to manage logistics? Isn't this a demotion in disguise?"

Some people secretly speculated: "Was the last confrontation too embarrassing for Commander Long, and the higher-ups want to balance things out?"

Some even believe that this may be a turning point in Chen Jiang's military career, marking his departure from the coveted position of combat commander.

These discussions eventually reached Chen Jiang's ears, but he simply smiled and said to Zhong Yiming and Tang Xinyi, who came to express their concern, "There's a reason for this personnel arrangement, and we must all resolutely obey orders. Modern warfare is all about logistics and comprehensive support. How can one be a good commander of a region without understanding the overall situation? This is a rare learning opportunity." His calmness and magnanimity reassured his somewhat restless subordinates.

At the same time, allowing Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang to remain in their posts can maintain the stability of the troops and also encourage them to quickly learn and adapt, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

Before leaving, Chen Jiang had a long talk with Long Kaifeng and Li Haiguang.

He candidly shared his thoughts on the future development and training priorities of the C Brigade, and solemnly recommended Zhong Yiming and Tang Xinyi to the two commanding officers, hoping that the brigade would continue to support the exploration of new combat capabilities and not let it stagnate because of his departure.

Long Kaifeng held Chen Jiang's hand and said with emotion, "Comrade Chen Jiang, to be honest, when I first heard that you had caused such a stir, I really felt bad. But over this period of time, I've truly come to a realization. With you gone, I'm genuinely worried that I won't be able to manage the brigade. Don't worry, the political commissar and I will definitely safeguard the foundation you laid and wait for your return after your studies!"

Li Haiguang also solemnly promised: "The brigade will establish a special task force, which I will personally lead, with Battalion Commander Zhong and Battalion Commander Tang in charge, to continue to deepen joint operations and information technology development. When you get there, don't forget to try to get us more resources and support!"

At this moment, the leadership team of Brigade C demonstrated unprecedented unity.

Since Chen Jiang's C brigade was stationed near the capital, this "reassignment" did not have a significant impact on Chen Jiang's family and daily life.

He took some time to visit Gao Jianjun to report on his thoughts and work. Gao Jianjun didn't say much, but simply told him to do a good job and to cherish this opportunity for training, as such opportunities would become increasingly rare in the future.

Chen Jiang didn't understand what he meant at first, but Gao Cheng explained it to him later.
"You idiot, you're going to be promoted in the future, where else can you be temporarily assigned?"

Chen Jiang stood there dumbfounded.

Gao Cheng's environment was different, so his perspective was much higher. He understood that his superiors must have had deeper considerations in arranging Chen Jiang this way, so he originally thought that Chen Jiang would be unhappy with this arrangement and wanted to offer some words of comfort.

He was somewhat surprised that Chen Jiang was so open-minded and didn't care about it at all.

A few days later, Chen Jiang went to report for his new job.

The General Logistics Department is an important component of the entire military organization, and the Logistics Department, where Chen Jiang was temporarily assigned, was in charge of the daily military supplies of the entire army, including the procurement, allocation and distribution of fuel and materials.

The power they wielded was undeniably immense.

He Yuanchao, the head of the quartermaster department, was a young senior colonel, probably only 40 years old. He was very welcoming of Chen Jiang's arrival.

Chen Jiang was on temporary assignment, so he held the title of deputy director.

Director He Yuanchao warmly received Chen Jiang and did not show him any disrespect because he was an "outsider" from the combat unit.

On the contrary, he spoke frankly: "Deputy Director Chen, I've heard so much about you! The example of how you used a combined arms battalion to defeat a reinforced brigade in the last cross-service confrontation exercise has spread throughout our logistics system. We all joked that you single-handedly presented new challenges and higher requirements for the logistics support of our entire army!"

Chen Jiang quickly replied modestly, "Director He, you flatter me. It was an experimental exercise, and many aspects were still immature, especially the shortcomings exposed in logistical support, which is exactly what I came here to learn and address."

He Yuanchao nodded appreciatively: "Good! It's good that you have this understanding. We don't lack rule-abiding people here, what we lack is cadres like you with a strong problem-oriented approach and a forward-looking vision. Don't worry, you're not here to 'gild your resume'. I'll give you responsibilities, and you have to work hard and be pragmatic."

"Okay, I will do my best!" Chen Jiang said.

He Yuanchao frankly told Chen Jiang that he hadn't been working in logistics for long, so he wanted to go to the grassroots level to conduct research and visit people to understand the real situation.
"You've been stationed on the front lines for a long time, where do you think we should visit?"

When Chen Jiang saw He Yuanchao asking him, he didn't hesitate and immediately said, "Director He, then the more remote the place, the better it reflects the level of our army's logistical support."

Upon hearing Chen Jiang's suggestion, He Yuanchao immediately had an idea. He picked up the phone, asked a few questions, and then chose a border defense regiment.

He Yuanchao was a decisive and efficient cadre. The day after Chen Jiang reported for duty, he took Chen Jiang to the border defense regiment to learn about the situation.

When they set off, the colleagues in the office asked the driver, Xiao Wu, to put a lot of bottled water and biscuits in the trunk of the SUV, which surprised Chen Jiang.

Driver Xiao Wu said, "The group that the section chief is going to is very far away. If everything goes smoothly, it will take 9 hours to drive. How can we manage without bringing some water and dry food?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiang immediately felt a strong sense of goodwill and respect for He Yuanchao.

He was quite surprised that someone in such a high position in a government department would actually be willing to travel to such distant places for research and investigation.

As the SUV drove out of the city and headed north, the scenery on both sides of the road became increasingly desolate.

After driving for several hours on the bumpy border highway, the scenery outside the window changed from vast farmland to continuous Gobi desert mountains, and the cell phone signal became intermittent.

Looking out the window, He Yuanchao sighed, “We sit in the office setting standards and allocating supplies, often relying on reports and data. But where is the real support at the grassroots level? It’s in these remote and arduous border defense companies. We won’t discover many problems unless we come and see for ourselves.”

Chen Jiang shared the same sentiment, so the two began to chat, gradually sharing their respective experiences in the military.
The two were surprised to discover, once they started talking, that their situations were remarkably similar in many ways.
For example, both spouses work in military hospitals; He Yuanchao's wife works in a naval hospital, while Chen Jiang's wife works in an army hospital.
Both sides are extremely interested in modern three-dimensional warfare examples such as the Gulf War, and both feel that it is necessary to accelerate the modernization of the armed forces.

Another point is that both sides have some concerns about the existing grassroots logistical support capabilities.

These commonalities made the two chat more and more happily, and they became more and more compatible, eventually feeling as if they had known each other for a long time.

(End of this chapter)