Ready for the 3-shot test.

Below the firing command post, under the supervision of Lieutenant Cao Mau Quynh Dang, Platoon Leader of Platoon 4 (Company 1), the soldiers performed the three firing positions of the AK submachine gun in the first exercise, meeting the actual testing conditions. Not far away, on the grenade throwing and explosives training ground, the new recruits of Company 1 were also actively practicing. Every 45 minutes, the platoons took a short break, reviewed their performance, discussed their training, and quickly moved their formations, rotating for practice.

The unit was quite far from the training ground. During the final stages of preparation for the "three explosions" test, to ensure sufficient training time, the soldiers practiced conditions closely resembling the test, and the unit had to march from dawn. At noon, officers and soldiers ate and rested right at the training ground.

Through arduous training, the soldiers have all matured and progressed. Now, after nearly three months of enduring the harsh weather, the unit's new recruits have mastered the basic knowledge of military affairs, politics , logistics, and technology, and are ready to take the final training assessment.

Upon investigation, it was learned that the unit has selected soldiers with strong mental fortitude, confidence, and excellent skills and movements, who have consistently achieved excellent results in live firing exercises, such as Nguyen Quoc Huy, Tran Nguyen Hoai Huong, Cao Thanh Hue, Cao Diet, etc., to be tested in the first firing round. This aims to build confidence and encourage the entire unit to enthusiastically compete and strive to achieve the "excellent marksman" award.

With some soldiers showing inconsistent or unsteady test results, the unit focused on providing additional training and instruction, resulting in noticeable progress. For example, Private Nguyen Thanh Long in Squad 14, who previously couldn't throw grenades far and often missed targets, received direct guidance and instruction from his squad leader outside of training hours. Long himself also diligently practiced, leading to remarkable progress that earned him the respect of his comrades. Private Nguyen Thanh Long expressed his determination: "Achieving an excellent rating on the 'three explosions' test is my biggest goal during this new recruit training period."

Major Nguyen Dang Hanh, Battalion Commander of Battalion 460, stated: "Adhering to the training motto 'Basic, practical, and solid,' the Battalion requires that during training, officers from the platoon level upwards must closely guide, mentor, and organize soldiers to study, practice, and master basic knowledge and movements. They must promptly correct mistakes and regularly cultivate the soldiers' courage, psychology, demeanor, conduct, and physical fitness. The classification and evaluation of each soldier's level and ability are carried out fairly, rigorously, and scientifically to develop specific training methods for those who are weak. The unit strictly maintains remedial and catch-up training for soldiers who are sick or hospitalized. Officers regularly provide close support, encouragement, and care to ensure the soldiers' material and spiritual well-being. As a result, the unit maintains unity and cohesion, and the soldiers actively strive to successfully complete their tasks."

Text and photos: VIET HUNG

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