Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

Chapter 245 Infrastructure projects are lucrative opportunities with great potential!

Not only does the comfort of the shoes need further improvement, but Chen Jiang also learned through various visits that many troops, especially those stationed in special environments, have obvious problems with the suitability of their uniforms and individual equipment.

For example, while the cold-weather clothing of troops in cold regions is warm, it is too thick and heavy, which greatly affects the soldiers' tactical movements and mobility. In particular, the cold-weather bedding and tents of troops in plateau regions do not meet the requirements for insulation in extreme low-temperature environments.

The training uniforms of troops in tropical mountain jungles are not breathable and quick-drying. When soldiers train in the field for long periods of time, their clothes get wet and dry repeatedly, which can easily lead to skin diseases and hypothermia.

"Logistical support must be ahead of the needs; we cannot wait until the soldiers suffer losses and hardships before we try to make amends."

Chen Jiang emphasized this point at a military supplies work seminar.

He established a special task force for this purpose, bringing in experts from the Institute of Clothing and Equipment, the Institute of Light Weapons, and the School of Materials Science and Engineering, and put the "Individual Soldier Comprehensive Support Project" on the agenda.

This time, he also drew on his previous experience, but paid more attention to combining it with the current level of domestic science and technology and industry, and proposed a design concept of "scientific, humanized, and environmentally adaptable".

For troops stationed in cold regions, he promoted the development of a second-generation cold-weather suit that uses new insulating materials, is lighter, and allows for greater freedom of movement. It was also equipped with a rechargeable battery-heated vest and a snow camouflage system.

For tropical troops, he requested the development of combat uniforms and jungle camouflage systems with highly effective mosquito repellent, antibacterial, and quick-drying properties.

For troops stationed in high-altitude areas, he led the testing of new inflatable thermal tents and highly insulated sleeping bags, which significantly improved the comfort and safety of camping in the field.

His requirements for training shoes were the highest. He had to overcome the difficulties raised by the officers and soldiers so that these ordinary training shoes would not only be comfortable to wear, but also ensure the health of the officers and soldiers' feet.

Under his full promotion, a series of new models and technologies of logistics products were gradually developed, and after pilot testing by the troops, the response was quite good.

This also made Chen Jiang famous within the General Logistics Department.

When He Yuanchao had dinner with Chen Jiang, he frankly expressed that he greatly envied Chen Jiang. When he was in the quartermaster department, he also wanted to do something meaningful, but he found that he was held back by many things. He was worried about this today and afraid of that tomorrow, so in the end he could only take the middle path.

Now he's in the infrastructure department, where the scope is bigger, but the responsibilities are heavier, the risks are greater, and the pressure comes with it. Chen Jiang is still doing very well in the quartermaster department.

Chen Jiang smiled faintly, "Director He, the Infrastructure Department has always been a core department of our General Logistics Department, participating in construction projects worth hundreds of millions every year. This is a coveted job that many people would love to have."

"Tch, don't give me that. Should I talk to the commander and ask him to let you come to the infrastructure department?" He Yuanchao pouted and retorted.

"No, no, no, your stuff involves too much specialized knowledge. Even if you showed it to me, I wouldn't understand it. Small-scale military supplies are more suitable for me," Chen Jiang said self-deprecatingly.

"However, Director He, the country's economy is developing very rapidly now, and military spending will become more and more abundant. I think infrastructure work will receive more and more attention. I suggest that you should innovate your work ideas and make some different achievements in this position."

He Yuanchao's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "I've been struggling with this very issue. It's so hard to innovate in infrastructure work! Brother, can you teach me?"

"No, no, how could I dare to teach you?" Chen Jiang quickly waved his hand and said.

"Alright, alright, then give me your suggestions, is that alright?" He Yuanchao knew that Chen Jiang was a very modest person, so he simply changed his approach, since this kid had a lot of clever ideas anyway.

The relationship between Chen Jiang and He Yuanchao had long since transcended the initial superior-subordinate relationship; the two were now fully qualified to engage in dialogue as equals.

Having gotten to know He Yuanchao for so long, Chen Jiang was quite clear about his character and personality, so he was willing to speak frankly with him.

“Then let me offer a suggestion,” Chen Jiang pointed to the national map hanging on the wall. “Currently, our country’s defense policy is still mainly defensive. I am not familiar with the infrastructure projects of the navy and air force, so I cannot say much about them. However, the core of the army lies in rapid mobility. Our country has a very large territory. Once we encounter a foreign invasion, how to quickly mobilize our forces is of paramount importance.”

What Chen Jiang said was actually the reality of the country's large-scale infrastructure construction later on, only he said it many years earlier.

"Are you talking about road and rail transport?" He Yuanchao had been working in the infrastructure department for half a year and had already grasped the basics. Now, after Chen Jiang's guidance, he naturally understood the matter quickly.

"But roads and railways have always been in the hands of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Railways. I have no right to get involved."

"Why must we get involved? The three departments can work together, taking a three-pronged approach to create synergy and effectively boost local transportation and defense transshipment capabilities. It's a win-win situation, so why can't we do it?"

Upon hearing this, He Yuanchao paused in mid-air with his chopsticks, his brows furrowing slightly as he fell into deep thought.

“Collaboration and cooperation,” he muttered to himself, his initial confusion gradually clearing up. “That’s right! Why have I been thinking about going it alone and taking over other people’s projects? Isn’t the biggest advantage of the infrastructure department coordination and overall planning?”

He suddenly looked up at Chen Jiang, his tone becoming excited: "The Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Railways prioritize economic benefits and civilian needs when planning projects. Our military, on the other hand, considers strategic projection, equipment mobility, route concealment, and wartime survivability. There are points of convergence here, and they are points of convergence with great potential!"

Chen Jiang smiled and nodded, picking up a piece of food with his chopsticks. He knew that He Yuanchao had grasped the key point.

“We can jointly establish a strategic planning office,” He Yuanchao’s ideas flowed like a flood once they were unleashed. “We can conduct joint surveys and joint assessments. For example, when planning new highways, we can suggest that the roadbed of certain sections should be reinforced to the point where fighter jets can take off and land, and that the load-bearing capacity of certain bridges should be able to support our main battle tanks. When planning the electrification of railways, we can propose that requirements such as reserving platforms for loading and unloading military equipment and concealed branch lines at key hubs be included in the construction standards in advance. This would be much cheaper and more effective than modifying them after completion!”

"Moreover," Chen Jiang added, "it can also promote the establishment of a plan and mechanism for the rapid requisition and conversion of civilian transportation vehicles during wartime. In peacetime, these things seem far removed from us, but in critical moments, they are lifelines. If your idea of ​​'military-civilian integrated infrastructure' can be successfully implemented, the contribution will be far greater than if I were to issue a few new sets of military uniforms and shoes. This is a truly significant undertaking to solidify the foundation of national defense."

"Military-civilian integrated infrastructure construction, well said!" He Yuanchao slammed his hand on the table, attracting the attention of several people at the next table, but he didn't care at all. His face was filled with the excitement and exhilaration of finding direction. "Brother, your words have truly awakened me from my dream! This isn't just throwing out a brick to attract jade, you've directly pointed me to a golden road! Before, in the Logistics Department, I always felt that my hands and feet were tied. Now that I'm in the Infrastructure Department, the platform is much bigger. It turns out I hadn't broken out of that mindset!" He picked up his wine glass and solemnly toasted Chen Jiang: "Brother, thank you! I'll toast you with tea instead of wine! I'll go back and organize my thoughts, write a report, and report this idea to the leaders of the ministry as soon as possible!"

Chen Jiang raised his glass to clink with his, and said with a smile, "Director He, you're too kind. I was just speaking off the cuff. How exactly to proceed is up to you, the expert, to plan. However, this is a very important matter, involving many stakeholders, and there will definitely be considerable resistance in pushing it forward. You should be prepared for that."

"Don't worry!" He Yuanchao downed his drink in one gulp, his spirit soaring. "As long as the direction is right, and it's for the sake of improving the combat effectiveness of the troops, I'll tackle even the toughest challenges! I'll coordinate things within the General Logistics Department first. As long as the leaders support me, I'll have the confidence to go and negotiate with those guys in the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Railways!"

He is now stuck at the most critical juncture of his military career. Many people are stopped at this level, so he desperately needs to make a name for himself.

If he really does what Chen Jiang said, then this achievement will undoubtedly be of great significance.

"Director He, this project is huge, and there's one more thing we must pay attention to," Chen Jiang suddenly reminded him.

"Hey~ Chen Jiang, don't call me Director He. I'm a few years older than you, so let's address each other as brothers from now on! What do you say?"

Chen Jiang laughed heartily after hearing this, "Alright, Brother Yuanchao, I'll listen to you!"

"When it comes to engineering projects, because the amount of money involved is so large, all sorts of people will inevitably try to pull strings and ask for favors. What do you do then?"

Without a second thought, He Yuanchao immediately replied, "Don't worry, I will definitely refuse them all! I will handle everything strictly according to the law!"

Chen Jiang shook his head. “Marx once said: When profits reach 10%, businessmen will be restless; when profits reach 50%, they will take risks; when profits reach 100%, they will dare to trample on all human laws; when profits reach 300%, they will dare to risk being hanged.”

"So when they see you handling such a large project, they'll come up with all sorts of ways to tempt and coerce you!"

He Yuanchao firmly stated, "No, I have always been strict with myself since I started working, and I will never compromise on matters of principle!"

"Brother Yuanchao, of course I trust your character. But they're too cunning; they'll try every means to find out your hobbies—antiques, calligraphy and paintings, romantic encounters, money, real estate, luxury cars, yachts, and so on."

"Don't worry, I don't have any special hobbies. I can handle everything you've mentioned, so don't worry!" He Yuanchao really did a thorough review and found that apart from liking to play Chinese chess, he didn't have any hobbies at all.

In recent years, he has devoted himself to logistical work in order to achieve results at work. How could he have time to cultivate hobbies?
“Good, being free from desires makes one invincible! Congratulations on passing the first hurdle,” Chen Jiang added. “The second hurdle is the hurdle of personal relationships. People will put pressure on you indirectly through your family, even your elders and your former superiors. Can you withstand that?”

Upon hearing this, He Yuanchao fell silent for a moment.
Because if you simply shower him with "sweet words," he is confident he can withstand it. But if you ask his family, including his most feared superiors, to plead for him, can he really withstand it?

He had witnessed firsthand how terrifying this place was. Many superiors would casually ask you to "go easy on them" with just a few words. Once you helped them, there would be a second time, and countless more, until you gradually slid into the abyss of sin.

But if you refuse, you will offend a lot of people, and these people may affect your future career.

hiss~
Thinking about this, he also felt a bit of a headache.

"This second hurdle is the hardest, and it's the fundamental reason why the vast majority of people fail!" Chen Jiang has lived two lives, so he has naturally seen much more.

"Brother, do you have any good ideas? Because we encounter similar situations in the quartermaster department, how did you handle them?"

He Yuanchao sincerely sought advice.

Chen Jiang's expression became extremely serious: "Brother Yuanchao, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this kind of thing, but I have a few insights to share with you."

"First, establish a transparent decision-making mechanism. All major decisions should have meeting minutes, expert consultation, and collective decision-making procedures. This way, even if someone tries to intervene, you can say that this is not a decision you can make alone."

"Second, family members should be given a heads-up. It is important to clearly tell family members, especially spouses and parents, what is acceptable and what is absolutely unacceptable. In my family, we have a rule that we will not accept any gifts from anyone in any form. If someone secretly leaves a gift behind, we will hand it over to the organization without leaving any loopholes."

Chen Jiang paused, then lowered his voice: "Third, and most importantly, you must learn to 'use someone else's strength against them.'"

He Yuanchao seemed thoughtful: "You mean..."

"You can push large-scale infrastructure projects into a multi-department joint supervision model, which will make it much more difficult for them to try to get in touch with loopholes. If there are enough departments, they can even get on the good side of all the department heads?"

"Brilliant!" He Yuanchao exclaimed, slapping the table in admiration. But then he frowned, thinking, "What if they really are incredibly resourceful and have managed to handle everything?"

Chen Jiang smiled and said, "Don't panic, I have one last trump card. Let's find a way to 'accidentally' expose this loophole to the higher-ups. Sometimes, a single instruction from a higher-up is more effective than a hundred rejections from us."

Having worked in government offices for many years, how could He Yuanchao not understand this?

I couldn't help but admire Chen Jiang. He's really a shrewd guy. His methods can both uphold the bottom line and avoid offending people. He's a real talent!

(End of this chapter)