From the 7th Steel Company to the Synthetic Division

Wang Kezheng has gained a deep understanding of the unconventional tactics employed by the 7th Steel Brigade.

In order to vent his anger, he placed all his hopes on Chu Zhangang and told him as much information as he knew.

"Zhan Gang, you must be more vigilant and never make the same mistake as your brother in underestimating the enemy."

The Steel Seventh Brigade's usual tactics, to put it bluntly, are low-class thievery, leaving you confused and unable to distinguish between truth and falsehood in the shortest amount of time.

If we're talking about real combat, the kind of fighting that's really going to happen, then they're not up to the task right now.

After all, it was a newly formed unit. Not only had tactical coordination training not been carried out, but it was also not yet proficient in using many of the equipment, resulting in poor frontal combat capabilities.

They came with me using asymmetric warfare, a method that, while unorthodox, is undeniably cunning and treacherous.

If you're going to fight them, you have to be very careful. You absolutely cannot let them find any openings. Leave troops in the rear; they'll be in serious trouble then.

Wang Kezheng really didn't hold back at all, telling everyone he knew.

"Oh, brother, thank you so much. You've benefited me immensely. With this information, I feel much more confident, and it's extremely helpful in formulating my next plan," Chu Zhangang said gratefully.

"Since I've helped you so much, shouldn't you show your appreciation? There's a restaurant across the street that has really good crayfish," Wang Kezheng chuckled.

"Okay, no problem, I'll do as you say."

Chu Zhangang readily agreed, then changed the subject and made a request: "However, when we're eating crayfish, you have to tell me how you were captured. That's really important to me."

To avoid repeating Wang Kezheng's mistakes, it is crucial to understand how he was captured, so that Chu Zhangang can effectively prepare for such situations during the exercise.

"You really know how to bring up the most sensitive topics. Besides, I've never admitted to being captured. At most, my horse just stumbled," Wang Kezheng retorted stubbornly.

"Yes, yes, yes, you two stumbled. You must tell me how you two stumbled," Chu Zhangang said with a forced smile.

"That's pretty much it."

Wang Kezheng smiled again and accepted this self-deceptive explanation.

The two then began packing up, preparing to go out for dinner.

Meanwhile, Chen Jun, who was listening to the surveillance messages at the base, learned that the two of them were going to Xiaoyuelou across the street for dinner. He immediately ordered Cheng Cai's special agent team to follow them.

We need to go to Xiaoyuelou in advance to complete the deployment and listen in on all their conversations.

"This whole thing is like a spy war. Does it really make any sense for this exercise?" Political Commissar Tian Baoguo frowned and voiced his objection.

"Of course it's meaningful. Does war necessarily have to involve guns and cannons?" Chen Jun joked.

"Our exercises are based on real combat standards. Can the enemy infiltrate each of our officers in real combat?" Tian Baoguo expressed his doubts.

"Why not?"

Chen Jun composed himself and said very seriously, "We are currently in a time of peace, and our army rarely fights with foreign armies, so our understanding of foreign armies is very limited."

You think they're not targeting us? Sunbathing on the beach every day? Drinking coffee in the military camp?

Wrong, completely wrong. In fact, our potential adversaries have been trying to target us all along, and have not relaxed their infiltration and reconnaissance against us for a single minute.

From space to coastal waters, from open trade to posing as tourists entering the country, from covert subversion to blatant bribery, every means was employed.

The number of government agencies and personnel that have been infiltrated is probably quite large.

Compared to the methods of our real enemies, my sending people to monitor Wang Kezheng is nothing. On the battlefield, there are far more sophisticated methods than this.

If we can't even take precautions during exercises, we'll definitely suffer heavy losses on the real battlefield.

I'm giving them a lesson now, as a warning, to make them aware of the problems here and to adjust and take precautions in time.

Chen Jun's words were very insightful and served as a wake-up call for everyone present.

Let alone officers like Gao Cheng and Qiu Ming who had served in the military for a relatively short time, even veteran comrade Wang Qingrui did not realize the seriousness of this problem before.

In previous exercises and confrontations, they had not taken any preventative measures in areas outside the exercise field, which is essentially outside the battlefield.

It's like encountering an enemy.

They will most likely get infected.

In their conventional thinking, they believed that only on the battlefield would they tighten their resolve, and once they were off the battlefield, they felt that nothing would happen.

But after hearing Chen Jun's words, they realized that their previous ideas were wrong.

Moreover, it's not just during exercises or wars; even when they go out to eat with friends on ordinary days, they have to be extra careful in this regard.

Otherwise, the information they exchange with their friends could easily be overheard by the enemy and turned into intelligence detrimental to the army.

"Chief of Staff Chen, you're really good at everything but one thing. You've even incorporated psychology into intelligence warfare, and you've turned exercises into espionage. You're quite the polymath, haha."

Tian Baoguo was persuaded by Chen Jun's words and stopped being stubborn, readily offering a few words of flattery.

"Political Commissar Tian, ​​you are, after all, a political officer. You are not a specialist in tactics, so it is perfectly reasonable that you don't understand this aspect very well."

Chen Jun didn't argue with Tian Baoguo and even offered to explain on his behalf.

He then added, "War is an extremely complex matter, involving not only visible battles but also invisible smoke."

From a psychological perspective, Chu Zhangang, in order to defeat us, would certainly be eager to learn about the 708th Brigade's defeat from Wang Kezheng.

This analysis revealed our intelligence, and to prevent a repeat of Wang Kezheng's situation, I dispatched a special agent team to eavesdrop.

That's it!

After hearing this, everyone suddenly understood.

At first, everyone was a little confused about Chen Jun's purpose in sending people to eavesdrop. They were simply cooperating unconditionally out of trust in Chen Jun.

Now, after listening to Chen Jun's detailed explanation, I finally understand what happened.

"Old Chen's analysis is spot on. Luckily you're on our side. If you were on the other side, this roughneck of a man would have been completely outmaneuvered by you, haha." Although Gao Cheng's words were meant as a joke, they were full of admiration for Chen Jun.

"Through the previous confrontation with the 708th Brigade, I have come to understand how important intelligence is in future information warfare, and I have also come to deeply realize how terrible it is when our intelligence is obtained by the enemy."

Wang Qingrui was no stranger to warfare; however, while intelligence was important in traditional warfare, its utilization rate was far too low compared to modern warfare.

With the support of information-based warfare tactics and equipment, the value of intelligence has been maximized.

Any leak of information could lead to complete failure.

"It's the same old story. If it's a head-on battle, the outcome will be the same. We are no match for them. Our weaknesses are currently insurmountable, so..."

After surveying everyone, Chen Jun continued, "If we want to take down the 909th Brigade, which is also an elite force, in the second phase of the exercise, we can't follow the usual steps. We still have to take a roundabout approach."

Chu Zhangang made a special trip to seek advice from Wang Ke, so he will definitely address the mistakes in Wang Ke's deployment and make the next strategic deployment for us.

Meanwhile, Xu Xiaocun, the political commissar of the 909th Brigade, is currently waiting at the camp for Chu Zhangang's strategy.

One thing is certain: they will definitely communicate remotely, exchange opinions, and even determine the next attack plan.

If we could intercept them and eavesdrop on their conversations, then…

Chen Jun didn't say the rest, but everyone present had a gleam in their eyes because they all realized the immense value of it.

“After Chu Zhangang and Wang Kezheng finish eating the lobster and get the information he wants, they are very likely to contact Xu Xiaocun immediately. There is a high chance that we can steal the information. If we can find out how they will attack, then we will be in for a lot of trouble,” Gao Cheng said excitedly.

"Leaving aside today, the 909th Brigade only has eight days left. To deploy a fully equipped brigade from training to marching and combat readiness, and to travel more than 1,500 kilometers, is no easy task. Time is indeed of the essence for them."

Commander Wang was under a lot of pressure before, feeling that the 909th Brigade was definitely not as easy to deal with as the 708th Brigade, but after listening to Chen Jun's analysis, the pressure on his shoulders was halved.

“I’m sorry.”

Chen Jun continued his analysis: "Chu Zhangang has learned from Wang Kezheng's experience and will surely know that we will not stay in the position and simply defend."

He would immediately realize that we would interfere with their march and intercept their communications channels; he knew we had this capability.

Therefore, it is highly likely that Chu Zhangang will take the risk of violating confidentiality regulations and using civilian communication methods to communicate with Xu Xiaocun.

"Oh, I get it."

Gao Cheng suddenly realized and said, "So, Old Chen, that's why you sent them to the restaurant to set up surveillance and continuously eavesdrop in order to get the content of Chu Zhangang and Xu Xiaocun's conversation?"

“Yes, that’s what I want,” Chen Jun nodded.

“Chu Zhangang is not Wang Kezheng. I’ve seen his profile. He’s very meticulous. Would he really do something so important? I think it’s unlikely.” Wang Qingrui was skeptical.

"Of course I can't be 100% sure. I can only analyze it from a psychological perspective, considering factors such as Chu Zhangang's current needs, his emotions when he received the task, and his possible mindset."

Chen Jun explained his thought process and then made a final judgment: "His current thoughts are nothing more than two things. First, he wants to avoid making the same mistake as Wang Kezheng, because the leader's punishment is very severe."

What the leader deeply resented and severely punished, Chu Zhangang would definitely try to circumvent.

Secondly, we must learn from Wang Kezheng's lesson and avoid falling into our traps on the way. We must put a lot of effort into the marching route and preventing ambushes, so as to reach Langshan as quickly as possible.

As long as his main force reaches Langshan, Chu Zhangang is confident enough to take down the 535 defense line.

The reason is that during the eavesdropping conversation just now, Wang Kezheng clearly told Chu Zhangang that we are weak in direct combat and can only win by resorting to underhanded tactics.

Therefore, Chu Zhangang now firmly believes that as long as they safely complete the march, what follows will be as easy as Zhang Fei eating bean sprouts – a piece of cake.

Chen Jun has analyzed the matter very thoroughly; even the most foolish person could understand it.

"As expected of someone who can be a chief of staff, you really know how to speak. You've completely figured out the enemy's thoughts and actions. If I were your enemy, I'd have nightmares every night, haha."

Tian Baoguo wasn't very familiar with Chen Jun before, but now he truly felt how terrifying Chen Jun was, and finally recognized the young chief of staff.

"Of course, Old Chen is incredibly resourceful and has never made a mistake so far."

"Hahaha."

Gao Cheng promptly offered a round of flattery, which elicited laughter and cheers from the command post.

……

Half an hour later.

Chu Zhangang and Wang Kezheng changed into casual clothes, completely unaware that they were being monitored. They had no idea that they were being watched and simply walked into the restaurant together.

Guided by Xu Sanduo, who was disguised as a waiter, they sat down at a well-lit table by the window.

Don't tell me yet.

Xu Sanduo's wide grin, revealing a set of bright white teeth, and his squinting, goofy chuckle, are completely unlike the image of a special forces king.

She's just a regular waiter!
Wang Kezheng and Chu Zhangang didn't notice anything wrong with the waiter who brought them in, and they started chatting after sitting down.

"Brother, tell me now, how did you and Political Commissar He get captured? No, how did you stumble and fall?"

Chu Zhangang quickly corrected himself halfway through his sentence, slapped his mouth, and apologized, saying, "Look at my mouth, I always slur my words, brother, I'm sorry."

Wang Kezheng's face was about to turn green, but seeing that Chu Zhangang apologized in time, he didn't pursue the matter any further. He picked up the teapot on the table, poured tea while saying, "The Seventh Steel Brigade doesn't really have any new tricks. They're just using the same tactics the Americans use in the Middle East, which is called a decapitation strike in professional terms."

This refers to one of the Thirty-Six Stratagems of our ancestors: "To catch the thief, first catch the king."

However, to my utter surprise, he immediately resorted to the tactic of capturing the leader first, pulling off a series of tricks against the two of us.

Wang Kezheng was still too ashamed to talk about being arrested, and his answers remained evasive.

"Don't you guys have any vigilance at all? You just let him arrest you like that?" Wang Kezheng remained silent, so Chu Zhangang could only deliberately provoke him.

"Who would have thought he had this trick up his sleeve? At the time, I was focused on how to attack the 535 defense line. I thought that according to the plan, I had to take 535 within three days. Wouldn't that be insulting? Once I got to Langshan, I could take it down that same day."

Wang Kezheng is truly a person who's obsessed with saving face; even at this point, he's still bragging to himself. (End of Chapter)