"The unit is our home, our comrades are our brothers."

(Baonghean) - New recruits often feel bewildered by the many new things in the military environment. However, in those early days, they are always supported, encouraged, and guided by officers at all levels, from the smallest things like walking, greeting, folding blankets, and arranging clothes. The slogan "The unit is our home, comrades are our brothers" becomes even more familiar and endearing, helping them quickly stabilize their mindset so they can focus on learning and training.

Upon arriving at Platoon 2, Company 5, Battalion 5, Regiment 335, Division 324 (Military Region 4), I met Lieutenant Tran Quoc Toan, the platoon leader, who was busy assessing the political qualities, inquiring about the thoughts, aspirations, family circumstances, and interests of each new soldier. In their brand-new uniforms, still smelling of fresh fabric, adorned with rank insignia, epaulets, boots, and peaked caps, some comrades took the opportunity to admire themselves in the mirror, adjusting their posture; others toured the vegetable garden, practiced folding blankets and sheets, or read the unit's bulletin board… While their eyes still reflected longing for family and loved ones, overall, the soldiers were cheerful, enthusiastic, confident in their work, united, and affectionate towards one another.

Instructing new recruits of Company 5 (Battalion 5) on arranging their military equipment.

Lieutenant Tran Quoc Toan shared with us: “Understanding the political quality of each comrade is very important. Each comrade has their own circumstances, preferences, and customs in their hometown. We must understand them well to empathize, help, and encourage them during their studies and training. Initially, we introduce them to their names, ages, officer positions in the unit, the unit name, mailbox, and the area where they are stationed…; guide them to gradually familiarize themselves with the 11 daily routines and 3 weekly routines; instruct them to eat in rows, sleep at set times, and arrange their equipment in an orderly, neat, and unified manner. Although there is a lot of training to be done, the platoon leader must be gentle so that the comrades can gradually adapt and integrate into the new environment. We shouldn't yell or get angry, as this can easily lead to discouragement and a lack of confidence in their work.”

At Battalion 6, Regiment 335, banners welcoming new recruits displayed slogans such as "Warmly welcome the sons and daughters of Muong Lat District, Vinh City… to build the unit" or "The unit is our home, comrades are our brothers"… First Lieutenant Nguyen Trong Hung, political officer of Company 9, was introducing the functions and duties of the Ho Chi Minh Room, introducing President Ho Chi Minh, the traditions of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnam People's Army. The political officer enthusiastically created a learning atmosphere for the soldiers from the very first day.

Private Ngan Van Lam, a Thai ethnic minority born in 1990, from Mung village, Quang Chieu commune, Muong Lat district, Thanh Hoa province, graduated from a medical vocational school but still volunteered to enlist: “During a break while working in Platoon 3, Company 9, Lam confided: ‘During training at the unit, I found the facilities spacious, the environment clean and beautiful, and the officers at all levels caring, helpful, and supportive. Anything I didn't know or understand was explained and corrected attentively. Being introduced to the unit's traditions, the army, and the country made me even more proud to become a soldier of Uncle Ho, and I am even more determined to study, train, and contribute to building the unit.’”

Speaking with us, Major Doan Sinh Hoa, Deputy Regiment Commander and Chief of Staff of Regiment 335, said: “In the first phase of 2013, the regiment received 531 new recruits, sons and daughters of 8 districts and 1 city (including Muong Lat, Tho Xuan, Thieu Hoa, Thach Thanh – Thanh Hoa province; Do Luong, Vinh City – Nghe An province; Huong Khe – Ha Tinh province; Phu Loc, Quang Dien – Thua Thien Hue province). After being assigned and settling into their living quarters, we proceeded with preparatory training. In particular, entering the 2013 training year, we thoroughly implemented discipline and followed the training orders and instructions from superiors, adhering closely to the training motto "Basic, practical, and solid." During the new recruit training phase, the regiment also held monthly experience-sharing conferences and competitions. We determined to train from simple to complex, ensuring that the soldiers thoroughly grasped the content at each stage. In addition, we placed great emphasis on "Daytime training is combined with nighttime training; regular practice of combat scenarios in mountainous and rugged terrain, as well as fire prevention, search and rescue, and disaster relief situations."

Text and photos: Le Tuong Hieu (5NK 3129 Anh Son)