The knowledge, skills and experience acquired after more than 3 months of hard training are truly the luggage and motivation for them to always be confident and steady as they begin a new journey.

Having just joined the army for more than a month, Private Tran Thanh Sang, a soldier of Platoon 3 (Company 5), from Tay Son district (Binh Dinh) almost collapsed when he heard the news that his sister suddenly passed away in a difficult birth. With the care, sharing and encouragement of the Party Committee, the unit commander and his comrades, Sang gradually overcame the pain of losing his loved one, actively trained day and night, excellently completed all assigned tasks, and was a shining example for young soldiers to learn and follow. At the end of the new soldier training course, he passed all the contents of 3 explosions, politics, logistics and techniques. Recently, after considering, researching and consulting with his family and relatives, he wrote an application to participate in the Non-Commissioned Officer Command training course at the Military School of the Military Region with the desire to be attached to the military environment for a long time.

Having been trained in a military environment, new soldiers of Battalion 3 confidently performed the 3-explosion test.

Private Rmah Giao, a soldier of Platoon 9 (Company 7), is a Gia Rai ethnic person born and raised in the countryside of Phu Thien (Gia Lai). Although he is quite tall, agile, and a core member of the Youth Union's soccer team, in the early days of joining the army, Rmah Giao always felt self-conscious when performing the technique and movements of throwing grenades far and hitting the target, because the swinging force of his right arm was quite weak. Thanks to the pull-ups, push-ups, and brick-lifting exercises directly supervised and guided by the platoon leader and squad leader, after only a few weeks, Rmah Giao was able to swing his arms and throw cast-iron grenades that flew towards the target. Before the night of his birthday and farewell to his comrades organized by the Youth Union of Battalion 3, Rmah Giao is actively practicing his voice to join in the fun with songs that are imbued with the style and culture of the Central Highlands people.

Trained well, disciplined, passed the 3-explosion test, is a familiar face in the cultural exchange nights of the branch and the grassroots union, Private First Class, Bachelor of College Nguyen Hong Thu, soldier of Platoon 9 (from Tay Son, Binh Dinh) was honored to be "chosen and entrusted" by the Party Committee and unit commander to be included in the list of typical individuals to be trained, tutored, ready to stand in front of the troops to read the 10 Honorary Oaths of soldiers in the new soldiers' oath-taking ceremony organized by the school in early June. Unable to hide her joy, Hong Thu shared: "The entire Battalion has 4 comrades selected to be trained and practiced reading the 10 Honorary Oaths of soldiers. Before the oath-taking day, whoever is the most outstanding and worthy will be chosen. Determining that this is a great honor and pride for myself and the unit, in my free time, I always take advantage of the time to practice reading, improving my mettle, tone, and style. Thanks to the sincere and frank comments from my superiors and teammates, I have made clear progress after each practice session."

Lieutenant Colonel Bui Duy Hung - Political Commissar of Battalion 3 encouraged and congratulated the unit's good shooters.

Lieutenant Colonel Bui Duy Hung, Political Commissar of Battalion 3, said: “With the motto of overcoming the sun and rain, practicing enthusiastically, over the past 3 months, despite the harsh hot weather, the new soldiers have always upheld their spirit and responsibility, actively trained day and night, improved their political qualities, qualifications, and combat readiness. Many soldiers with difficult family circumstances, sick or deceased relatives, are still mentally secure, determined to fulfill their assigned tasks, and strive to complete their assigned tasks well. The results of the 3-explosion test and other contents are all good and excellent, clearly demonstrating the efforts of the new soldiers. During the new soldier oath-taking ceremony organized by the school, the soldiers with the most outstanding training and practice achievements will be commended, rewarded, and encouraged promptly and appropriately by the Party Committee and the School Board of Directors.”

“10 Honorary Oaths of Soldiers. We, soldiers in the Vietnam People’s Army, with the honor of revolutionary soldiers, swear under the glorious flag of the Fatherland…”, in the gentle afternoon sunlight, the resounding, heroic voice of Private Nguyen Hong Thu, made anyone who witnessed it feel proud and excited about the maturity and progress of the new recruits.

Article and photos: HUNG HA