Our first impression upon arriving at Company 1, Battalion 1, Regiment 152 was the unit's clean and well-maintained appearance. Every new recruit greeted us with a proper salute; some, with their hands busy, stood at attention and said clearly, "Greetings, Commander."

As the morning inspection approached, Private Vo Duc Thanh (Squad 7, Platoon 2, Company 1) was still tidying up his bedding. Thanh confided, "My biggest challenge these past few days has been arranging my bedding. Because my blankets and sheets aren't folded as neatly as my comrades', I'm taking advantage of the few minutes before the commander's inspection to adjust them."

Accompanying the commander of Battalion 1 on an inspection of the training ground under the March sun, with the sea breeze making the weather even more stifling, we saw the young soldiers still diligently practicing the technique of wrapping and securing explosives. Everyone practiced with urgency but also with great care and meticulousness, performing the movements correctly to assemble the explosive devices. When they finished wrapping and securing, the soldiers' faces lit up with joy, excitedly showing off their "products" to their comrades. This confidence showed that the new recruits had become accustomed to the military environment, no longer showing the awkwardness they had in their first days of enlistment.

New recruits of Squad 9, Platoon 5, Company 2, Battalion 1 (152nd Regiment, Military Region 9) practice wrapping, tying, and assembling explosive devices.

Private Nguyen Minh Giap (Squad 9, Platoon 2, Company 2, Battalion 1), wiping the sweat from his forehead, shared: “For me, the process of packing and assembling explosive devices is very difficult; each movement must be performed precisely, otherwise, it can easily lead to accidents. Therefore, during training, I concentrate fully, and if there is anything I don't understand, I ask immediately, and the squad and platoon leaders always guide me attentively.”

Over at the adjacent training ground, we witnessed the new recruits of Platoon 3, Company 2, Battalion 1 enthusiastically practicing AK submachine gun shooting (exercise 1), their backs soaked with sweat. During the break, I spoke with Private Nguyen Trung Tinh (from Chau Thanh district, Hau Giang province) and learned that before enlisting, Tinh had graduated from Can Tho Vocational College and had a stable job, but because of his love for the military uniform, he volunteered to join the army. "The training content requires intense concentration, so at times I was afraid I wouldn't perform well. Thanks to the care, dedication, and hands-on guidance from officers at all levels, I gradually got used to it and gained confidence. I am determined to achieve a good or excellent rating in 100% of the content during this training period, especially in the 'three explosions' test, which I will achieve an excellent rating in. I consider that a gift to my parents, friends, and unit commanders who have encouraged, supported, and helped me over the past time," Private Nguyen Trung Tinh boldly confided.

According to Captain Cao Thanh Tam, Political Officer of Battalion 1, the quality of new recruits this year is quite consistent. After more than a month at the unit, 100% of the new recruits are mentally at ease, have a good understanding of their duties, and the vast majority have integrated into the military environment, ready to accept and successfully complete assigned tasks.

We learned that, to ensure the new recruits feel secure in their work, the officers of the 152nd Regiment's units have focused on forecasting, regularly monitoring and promptly addressing ideological issues; paying attention to ensuring good material and spiritual well-being, organizing many recreational activities during breaks, rest periods, and days off, creating a cheerful and enthusiastic atmosphere with the spirit of "The unit is our home, and all officers and soldiers are brothers." Building on the achievements and experiences of previous years, the units actively innovate the content and methods, improving the quality of training; combining military training with political education, building a civilized lifestyle, and simultaneously cultivating in the soldiers a sense of self-discipline in strictly adhering to regulations.

To motivate the troops to strive actively, the Regiment also directed its agencies and units to intensify emulation and propaganda activities, promptly commending and rewarding exemplary collectives and individuals; linking the "Rapid-Victory" emulation campaign with the organization of many activities in response to "Youth Month," "March Border Month," etc., creating a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere for new recruits to diligently train.

Text and photos: HUU NHIEN

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/chien-si-moi-vung-buoc-tien-len-821652