Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 133 Comprehensive Drill: The Final Battle
The distant, crackling sound of gunfire continued.

Since Chen Mo learned that there would be no breaks during the martial arts competition and not even a lunch break would be arranged, he also began looking for a place to sleep.

He was still wondering about it that morning.

Why are those veterans who didn't get to play so lazy? The whole company sent over a hundred people, not including the dozen or so new recruits who weren't going to play, and platoon leaders like Liang Hongjie.

There are still over 110 people left, waiting to be drawn to play.

There were at most thirty or forty veterans active on site; the rest were either sitting or lying down in sheltered spots.

They're either lying down resting or chatting and bragging.

Chen Mo had been thinking they were lazy, but it turns out they had been conserving their energy.

Damn it, these guys are really tight-lipped.

Since we were not required to bring bedding or other personal items when leaving the company this time, we were not required to bring them.

Chen Mo couldn't decorate a small place for himself, but well, soldiers don't have that many fuss over things.

After rummaging through the cargo compartments of several troop carriers for a while, they found a few pieces of white plastic sheeting, which they used as bedding.

Chen Mo and Wang Jianyong, each carrying a piece of plastic sheeting, returned to the reconnaissance company's rest area in a sheltered spot.

Lay the plastic sheet on the ground, using half as a mattress and the other half as a blanket. Lie down on the ground, turn over, and roll the plastic sheet over your body.

Surprisingly, this thing is actually quite warm.

The sun sets in the west and it's getting dark.

Hearing the gunshots in the distance, Chen Mo's eyelids drooped.

It's hard to say whether he was just incredibly lucky or incredibly unlucky.

Chen Mo was not selected for any of the subsequent events.

These subjects test the core skills of reconnaissance soldiers.

Examples of combat exercises include 10-kilometer armed cross-country battlefield reconnaissance, mine clearance and demolition, nighttime infiltration and coordinated firing, and biological and chemical harassment.

That guy, the two companies were going back and forth on the arena, and the fight was quite exciting.

Because the soldiers from the two brigades had a conflict during the capture exercise, they fought fiercely in subsequent exercises.

Two reconnaissance companies from the anti-aircraft artillery brigade, one artillery reconnaissance and one instrument reconnaissance, teamed up to harass the reconnaissance company of the 7th Division.

But the people here aren't afraid either. Taking advantage of the poor lighting conditions at night, you can often see three or five old hands catching someone in a corner, beating them up, and then running away.

Both sides got hit, but they were quite tacit, and neither side let things get out of control.

Around 1 a.m.

Chen Mo was awakened by the noise around him.

He raised his hand to rub his sleepy eyes, lifted the plastic sheet wrapped around his body, and just as he sat up, several old hands next to him looked at him exaggeratedly: "Damn, Scholar, you're finally awake?"

"Damn it, if I didn't see you occasionally move, I would have thought you were dead."

"Go to hell." Chen Mo replied irritably.

Looking around, I saw several veterans holding porcelain bowls, stirring the fried noodles in them, and smacking their lips as they ate with relish.

In the distance, searchlights illuminated the entire artillery range, and a cold wind mixed with drizzle chilled the skin.

"Is the competition over?"

Chen Mo, not hearing any commotion in the distance, asked.

"End my ass." Wang Jianyong, leaning against the mound of earth, curled his lip. "Look at you, you're really out of it. You can sleep for six or seven hours in this place."

"Damn, being young is great, you can fall asleep anywhere."

"Na!"

Old Wang pointed to the bamboo basket next to him: "Hurry up and get up and eat something. After you finish eating, rest for a while and then you should set off."

"Let's go, where to?"

Chen Mo asked the questions, but he didn't hesitate to act quickly.

He pressed his hands to the ground and got up, walked to the bamboo basket, lifted the lid, took the porcelain bowl inside, and scooped out a bowl of fried noodles for himself.

The main problem was that I was starving.

Actually, he didn't want to eat these things, but unfortunately, on this artillery battlefield, besides the yellow earth, there was nothing else to eat but these damp fried noodles.

The soldiers in this era were used to hardship, and the veterans were all eating heartily. Chen Mo had no choice but to try to avoid going hungry and persevere until the competition ended.

Those rations must consist of these things.

He watched as the scholar squatted down in front of him, pinching bits of fried noodles and putting them into his mouth.

Wang Jianyong grinned and said, "Well, I see now. You haven't enjoyed any good life at home before."

"As long as you can eat, eat more. We'll have the comprehensive drill before dawn. This time, we don't need to select anyone; everyone will be on the field."

"The company commander didn't explain in such detail just now. Anyway, the last event of our company's competition is not easy. Eat more and stuff some into your satchel as rations."

"Otherwise, we won't have anything to eat when we're halfway there."

Chen Mo himself couldn't explain what the so-called comprehensive exercise actually was.

But when it comes to reconnaissance missions, just focus on the most difficult ones.

Even these veterans are being so cautious, it's probably not going to be simple.

After finishing the fried noodles in his bowl, Chen Mo took out his bag containing his gas mask, patted it clean, and stuffed it with nearly two more bowls of fried noodles.

Everything is in order.

He then sat down in the rest area and chatted idly with the veteran next to him.

Gradually, the night grew deeper, but the wind grew stronger.

The strong winds were mixed with light rain, making it impossible for everyone to get a proper rest.

The area around the artillery range is all hills and mountains, and there's nowhere to go at this hour.

Left with no other choice, Chen Mo and a group of veterans could only squeeze into the back of the truck, huddling together for warmth.

The military, especially when stationed in the field, often faces unimaginable hardships in their environment.

Everyone drifted off to sleep, and around four in the morning, the rain outside had lessened a bit, but the wind was still howling.

"Beep-beep!!"

A piercing whistle sounded at the artillery range, and the soldiers who had been huddled together in the carriages jumped off the vehicles like nimble cats.

The soldiers from the three companies began to assemble one after another.

While the reconnaissance company was assembling and forming ranks, Cheng Dong, wearing a transparent plastic bag over his body and rubber boots, walked to the front of the line, his feet sinking into the muddy water.

He first glanced at the slightly tired crowd, then stepped forward and walked to the speaker's position, saying in a loud voice, "Comrades, are you tired?"

"Not tired!!"

A deafening roar erupted from the ranks, drowning out the howling wind.

"Bullshit!" Cheng Dong said, hands on his hips, eyes blazing. "I'm exhausted, how can you not be?"

"But I'm telling you, especially the new comrades, as soldiers, once we put on this uniform, we have no right to complain about being tired."

"I don't want to spout any more nonsense about sweating more in peacetime and bleeding less in wartime, because a new battle is about to begin."

"The last event in the competition is called the team comprehensive drill, which involves the entire company."

"Since there are new comrades here, I'll say a few more words. In this comprehensive exercise, we carried a total of 35 kilograms of equipment and marched 50 kilometers."

"During the march, eight subjects need to be completed: long-distance march, boating and obstacle crossing, towing and crossing, reconnaissance and reporting, drawing simple maps, battlefield rescue, mine clearance and advance, and mountain climbing."

"I don't want to say these subjects are dangerous, because you all know it in your hearts."

"I'll just mention one thing: the load is 35 kilograms. When you set off, your backpacks, ropes, fresh water, paper, pens, etc. will all be wrapped in plastic sheeting by someone. After everyone is weighed and registered, you can set off."

"Comrades, I won't repeat the rules, but you should all understand the principle that space is limited and you should be quick in every step."

"We don't keep track of time during the 50-kilometer march. The stage for the closing ceremony of the competition at the finish line has already been set up. We'll take the second route later, with a dedicated leader."

"The first of the three companies to arrive is the winner."

"Understand?"

"clear!!!"

This time, the shout was much louder than when he lied and said "I'm not tired" earlier.

"Then there's nothing more to say. New comrades who aren't participating, stay. Everyone else, each class should count the number of students."

"We'll be leaving in five minutes!!"

After hurriedly giving his instructions, Cheng Dong fell silent and ran to a group of people packing their backpacks in the distance. He chattered with them, but it was unclear what they were discussing.

Although they only lined up for a short while.

Chen Mo still felt his clothes were soaked through by the rain, and a cold wind blew by, making his bones feel cold.

He reached out and touched his satchel; the dry rations that were already a bit damp were now completely soaked.

It doesn't even need to be mixed with water; it's already like dough balls.

Only two people from their work team participated, so there was no need to take attendance; they could each supervise each other.

Chen Mo ran back to the carriage where he had just rested, tore open the plastic sheet he had used as a bedding, and wrapped his satchel tightly.

Five minutes passed quickly.

Chen Mo joined the queue and lined up to receive his backpack.

Perhaps because of the rain, the veterans who were organizing the backpacks were quite considerate, carefully packing everything that couldn't get wet. They even weighed the satchels and guns one by one.

As long as the load is 35 kilograms, no one will say anything; a little more is fine too.

But if anyone's total load isn't enough, the people on site will immediately take a marked brick and force it into their backpack.

Thirty-five kilograms, a total of seventy pounds, it's heavier on my back than carrying half a bag of corn.

In the pitch-black night, braving the wind and drizzle, the team set off.

Because Chen Mo was a private, he received special treatment and was assigned to the third squad.

With the first and second classes blocking the wind ahead, he could save his energy and avoid getting lost or wandering off.

Leading the procession and carrying the company flag was Hu Hai, a third-level sergeant from the first squad.

at first.

When Chen Mo set off, he thought that the participants would be very excited at the beginning of this kind of training exercise, and that they would brag about their heroic deeds in the past.

After all, this is a tradition of military field training.

What he didn't expect was that the reconnaissance company, these beasts, started by sprinting.

The flags in front fluttered in the wind.

Veteran soldiers from the company kept turning on their flashlights, using maps to plan routes, and the whole group marched quickly.

Chen Mo himself couldn't say exactly how long he ran, but it was no less than five kilometers.

Marching at night is extremely difficult. Just when Chen Mo felt that he was soaked to the bone and his body was exhausted to the extreme.

A valley lay ahead, blocking the entire company's path.

Because it was too dark, Chen Mo looked up and stared ahead for a long time, but still couldn't make out the specific situation.

It was Peng Wei, the squad leader of the third squad next to him, who pulled him and pointed ahead, saying, "Scholar, ahead is one of our eight subjects, the traction crossing."

“I’ve looked at the map. It’s seventeen meters from this side of the road to the other side, and it’s secured in the middle with a hemp rope.”

"If we want to cross this stream, we have to climb over the rope, but the rope is still seven or eight meters above the water. Do you dare to climb?"

"I dare!" Chen Mo nodded without hesitation.

At a point like this, let alone traction crossing, we'd have to go through a minefield.

If he were afraid, he wouldn't have joined the army.

"Alright, you've got guts, kid." Peng Wei smiled as he saw the veteran ahead of him begin to cross the river.

He quickly said, "I don't have time to say more. Take the safety rope out of your backpack, hang one end on the harness, and hang the other end on the rope later."

"Remember, there are only two ways to cross the river. One is to go down across, which means holding onto the rope with both hands, hanging your legs on it, and climbing up little by little. But this is too exhausting."

"Our next task is to navigate the obstacle course by boat. There are very few boats on the lake ahead. Whichever company arrives first will get a boat. Whoever arrives late will have to swim across the lake."

"So in order to save every second, we had no choice but to go across the river, which means we climbed onto the rope and moved little by little to the other side, trying to conserve our energy so that we could sprint for the next subject."

Do you understand?

"clear!!"

Chen Mo nodded.

Peng Wei's expression was very serious, because in some ways, a martial arts contest is a war.

He knew that crossing the river was more difficult and required a high level of balance from the soldiers, but there was no other way.

Since Xiucai has been assigned to the third class, Squad Leader Peng cannot let his own class cause the brothers behind him to be unable to cross the river indefinitely.

He pulled a blue wristband from his backpack and handed it to Chen Mo, saying, "Good luck, scholar. After this competition, I'll treat you to drinks when I get back to Lian."

"Thanks, squad leader. I told you, I will not become the company's weak point."

Chen Mo reached out and took the wrist guard. Actually, it wasn't much of a wrist guard; it was just a rubber pad like the kind used for holding folders. These veterans took it, heated it over a fire, and shaped it into a curved form.

Place it on your thigh to act as a protective gear.

When crossing the river, the most vulnerable part is the groin area.

Don't let their seemingly unreliable demeanor fool you; these veterans are actually quite resourceful, like they have a hundred bags on them, and can get whatever they need.

He knew it was Squad Leader Peng's protective gear, but right now, as a private, he was not as good as the veterans in terms of overall abilities, so the key was to improve his speed as soon as possible and not hold them back.

Therefore, there is no need to be modest.

The first and second shifts quickly crossed the rope and waved their flashlights on the other side to signal the people behind them to proceed.

It was my turn.

It wasn't a problem when we were far apart, but now that we're closer...

Chen Mo finally got a clear look at the rope used for the tethering crossing; in front of him was a hemp rope as thick as a baby's arm.

The other end of the rope led to the pitch-black opposite bank, which was completely invisible to the naked eye and surrounded by darkness.

Below the rope, the waves flowed gently, and the sound of the water splashing against the shore could only be heard if you stood very close.

The howling wind made the ropes sway.

In this situation, it would be impossible for Chen Mo to feel completely at ease.

He wasn't a special forces soldier after all, so he'd never done these things before.

But there was an entire company waiting behind him, and two opposing companies ahead, racing against time.

The principle of "not allowing oneself to become the company's weak point" must never be just empty talk.

Life goes on, the fight continues!

Chen Mo silently recited the name of Lian Hun in his mind, then reached out and hooked the safety rope's buckle onto the hemp rope.

Using the upward crossing method, slowly lie down on the rope, adjust the position of your weight pack, wrap the rope around your ankles, push forward slightly, and pull the rope with both hands.

Carrying a load of tens of kilograms, it's very difficult to maintain balance when lying on this kind of rope. Plus, no matter how you pull on it, there will always be ups and downs.

Chen Mo didn't dare to breathe heavily the whole time. His eyes were fixed on the front, and the rushing river below was eerily black.

But he didn't look down at all.

Behind them, while the scholar was climbing the rope, a group of veterans did not go up, because if there were too many people, the rope would inevitably sway more violently.

They waited, waiting for the new recruits to grow up.

They made concessions, giving new comrades ample opportunities to grow.

Even if we're in a rush, we can't rush these seventeen meters.

This is what makes the reconnaissance company of the 7th Division truly remarkable.

When the other side shone their flashlight beam again.

Peng Weicai breathed a long sigh of relief and waved his hand, "Brothers, let's go!"

Rows of veterans, under the supervision of the anti-aircraft artillery brigade's observers, stepped onto the ropes.

Chen Mo, who was the first to reach the other side, found that there was only an old soldier standing there, holding a flashlight and giving signals.

Those from Class 1 and Class 2 who were the first to cross the river have already rushed to the next battlefield.

He didn't even bother to rest.

The competition is all about willpower and physical strength.

He politely declined the veteran's order to rest, forcibly pressed down his trembling legs, and re-packed the safety rope.

The figure quickly disappeared into the night.

The final competition rule was that the three companies would start from three different routes.

During the first towing crossing, the two teams will not meet; they will each have their own competition route of over ten kilometers.

But when they arrived at the lake where the boats were being maneuvered, that was the gathering place for the three companies, more than two hundred people.

Xiaocheng has no sea, and its terrain is mostly mountainous and hilly, so there are no pontoon bridge troops stationed here.

Therefore, the assault boats used in the obstacle course were all from their own reconnaissance company.

The two reconnaissance companies of the anti-aircraft artillery brigade are not large in size, and the total number of assault boats stored by the two companies is only thirty.

Four people per lake, just enough for the Seventh Division's group. So, whoever arrived late had to choose to swim across the lake.

Chen Mo ran wildly down the road. He didn't know how far away the people in front of him were, nor how long it would take for the people behind him to catch up.

Anyway, the veteran had given him directions, so he just kept running along the path. As long as he didn't turn any corners, he wouldn't get lost.

He had no thoughts on his mind right now, he was just running as fast as he could, faster and faster.

If only we could look down from above at this moment.

You can see that the three reconnaissance companies are converging on the lake from different directions.

Since Chen Mo and his group were guests and unfamiliar with the surrounding terrain, they actually benefited from being assigned to take Line 2.

Because they can just run in a straight line.

The other two reconnaissance companies needed to rush diagonally toward the assembly point.

Hundreds of people, like hundreds of wolves, rushed and converged in the dead of night.

They raced against time to sprint forward.

Everyone gritted their teeth, no one willing to fall behind.

(End of this chapter)