Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 222 Surprise Attack: Let's see who has the darkest schemes!

8 month 4 day.

At the training ground outside Huanglongwangou, after a morning of team-based collaborative training, the results were still a complete mess.

The Joint Satellite Positioning System is indeed impressive; it can locate the position of all armored vehicles and enable the entire battalion to issue commands using different channels.

For example, one channel is for maneuver commands and another for fire control commands. With the support of the Xiangjian technical reconnaissance personnel, switching channels is no problem.

Unfortunately, the entire battalion's command personnel had very poor adaptability.

During the training camp, communication channels kept clashing. After each company was split into more than twenty squads, the issuance of orders became as chaotic as a vegetable market.

Not only were the soldiers in each squad confused, but even Chen Mo was equally bewildered, causing all the squads to move around constantly throughout the morning, burning a lot of fuel.

They haven't developed any teamwork or chemistry at all.

It is no exaggeration to say that after the companies were split into squads according to their coordination formations, their combat effectiveness was not as good as it was before the division.

Collaboration is simply impossible.

Even with the army academy graduates working tirelessly to make corrections, it was basically meaningless.

At noon.

While the soldiers were being brought back and went to the mess hall for their meals, Chen Mo ran to the water room to wash his face. Clutching his hat in his hand, he returned to the camp office looking exhausted.

He slumped in the chair, closed his eyes, and rubbed his temples.

Wang Jianyong brought the boiled water that had been left to stand for most of the day to his desk, and then sat down on the sofa next to him with a worried look on his face.

As the scholar's temporary orderly, Lao Wang realized that this so-called information technology experiment was not something an ordinary person could handle.

At first, he always thought that even a scholar could do this job, so it shouldn't be too difficult. He thought the scholar was just lucky to get such a good job.

But as soon as they arrived at Huanglongwangou, equipment was being brought in batch after batch, as if it were free. Ammunition and fuel were being transported in at a frantic pace by the battalion's transport platoon.

The technicians were working like spinning tops.

However, the training effect is declining, and we are not as relaxed as we were when we fought against the 188th Division a few days ago.

Especially the scholar, who always appeared confident in public, even when he was cursing others, always seemed to have everything under control.

But as soon as he came back, his whole demeanor changed.

His brows were furrowed, and he would often lie down in his chair without saying a word for an hour or two.

In Wang Jianyong's memory, the scholar was not such a lifeless person.

"Um, Battalion Commander," Wang Jianyong hesitated for a long time before finally speaking, "Aren't we going down the wrong path by breaking up the company and reorganizing it into squads?"

"The road is correct."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo immediately stopped rubbing his temples, picked up the white porcelain jar next to him, and gulped down several mouthfuls of cool boiled water.

He let out a long sigh and said, "We don't have time for step-by-step training anymore. Starting this afternoon, we'll transition directly to coordinated combat."

"Divide the entire battalion into three teams: A, B, and C. I will lead team A, and the company commander and Battalion Commander Liu will lead teams B and C. We will conduct frequent drills and live-fire simulations."

"Change commanders more frequently to help everyone adapt as quickly as possible."

"By the way, squad leader, call Platoon Leader Liang over here and bring the logistics requisition form."

"Okay!!"

Wang Jianyong agreed and left the office with an aluminum lunchbox.

It was lunchtime.

Judging from Chen Mo's posture, he probably won't be going to the canteen for meals. As a service soldier, I've watched Chen Mo enter the camp and grow from a new recruit to the old Wang I am today.

He has a strong sense of responsibility; he feels that as a veteran, he has an obligation to take good care of the scholar.

About ten minutes later.

Logistics Company Commander Liang Hongjie arrived at the office, drenched in sweat. He fanned himself with his shirt as he handed Chen Mo the forms that had been distributed by the logistics department.

"Old Chen, this is a list of supplies received by the transportation platoon from yesterday afternoon to this morning."

"The logistics department personnel have already set off for Qingtongxia ahead of time, going to check on behalf of the military region and also on our behalf."

"Well, things like setting up a warehouse require the logistics department to handle, which we can't do. Let's go then."

Chen Mo nodded and picked up the report to take a look.

That one glance left Chen Mo frozen in place.

He admitted that he would occasionally try to outsmart people and always ask for exorbitant amounts of supplies.

But unexpectedly, he really met his match this time.

Yesterday I went to the logistics department to request over two hundred rugged laptops. The number of these is as ridiculous as three thousand tons of fuel; it's just a random request, an attempt to squeeze more money out of the logistics department.

Unexpectedly, Minister Sun, a high-ranking official, is really willing to haggle.

More than two hundred units—let alone cutting them in half or two-thirds, this allocation doesn't even amount to a fraction of what's available.

There were only six units in total. The application form also noted that one of them was transferred from the General Staff Department. It broke down and hadn't been repaired yet, so it couldn't be used properly at all.

Even this was forced upon them.

"Depend on!!"

Even the usually civilized Chen Mo couldn't help but swear when he saw the application form, his eyes widening in disbelief: "This old man is too greedy!"

"More than twenty squads, we don't need to have one per squad, but at least one per squad would be fine."

"They only gave us six computers in total, and one of them is broken. Is this meant for two hundred people to share one computer?"

Chen Mo cursed loudly, his mood at that moment was exactly the same as that of a certain division commander who applied for shoes.

The difference is that the shoes that others applied for are something the division commander can afford, but Chen Mo can't afford this rugged laptop right now. Five years' salary wouldn't be enough to buy one.

Moreover, there is absolutely no channel for individuals to purchase these military supplies.

Hearing the angry shouts, Liang Hongjie scratched his head sheepishly, realizing that it was normal for the logistics department to have supply shortages.

Being stuck to this extent is indeed quite unfair.

In some respects, he, as the logistics company commander, also has to bear some responsibility.

"That... Battalion Commander."

"fine!!"

Before Liang Pai could continue, Chen Mo waved his hand and said, "I didn't expect them to give much anyway, but I didn't expect them to be so stingy."

"Liang Pai, allocate these five pieces of equipment to the Xiangjian team and have them do military modeling. Leave the digital scale part to them."

"When practicing assault drills, we need to be more detailed about troop deployment, equipment performance, and command procedures."

"During the day, we'll have the teams practice against each other, and at night we'll let them observe and study the tactics carefully, so they can become familiar with this coordinated style of play in the shortest possible time."

"Also, tell our company commander and Battalion Commander Liu that the soldiers should rest for an hour this afternoon. At 2 PM, have the two of them each lead a few squads to the open area west of the camp to set up camp."

"We'll stop the collaborative training and move directly to the second phase of live-fire simulation."

"Tell the two of them that this actual combat operation will not involve many twists and turns; the main objective will be to eliminate the enemy's manpower."

"Go!"

"Yes!"

Liang Hongjie straightened his chest and strode out of the office.

For their first surprise attack, Chen Mo didn't plan to hold any pre-battle meetings or formally deploy combat missions.

Even if plans are made, it's difficult for the two of them to actually execute them effectively, so it's better to let them have their own ideas.

I led Team A to completely break up and severely damage Teams B and C, which were led by the other two. I also learned something from my subordinates.

The captain leading the troops can also learn something from failures.

after all.

No company commander or battalion commander would willingly keep losing. When they can no longer save face, they will naturally become more attentive and think about how to defeat themselves.

2 p.m.

The armored group, led by the Type 96 tank, roared and converged.

Subject: Blue Army Battalion Coordinated Assault Combat.

Location: Outdoor training ground.

Teams: Teams A, B, and C.

Organization: Centered around all companies of the Blue Army Battalion.

Commanders: Chen Mo/Cheng Dong/Liu Hongyun.

Time: Two hours. On the field training ground, Chen Mo watched as the two commanders led their respective most familiar squads, moving towards the distance.

After all the companies in the battalion were scattered, they were divided into twenty-seven detachments. The organization of these detachments was not entirely the same. Some armored vehicle crews would be mainly composed of tanks, with infantry and artillery vehicles as auxiliary units.

Rocket artillery vehicle crews should be equipped with a small number of tanks, primarily for logistical support and the establishment of artillery positions.

Cheng Dong is from the reconnaissance company. If he were to lead a squad, he would inevitably choose the mechanized infantry vehicle crew, which is the fastest in terms of mobility and can be handled by the reconnaissance company.

As the battalion commander of the 2nd Tank Battalion, Liu Hongyun would definitely take the armored vehicle group with him.

Seeing the two teams heading in different directions, they roared away.

Chen Mo's Group A quietly gathered all the officers and stood in front of the new battalion commander, intending to listen to the upcoming battle plan.

After all, even if the two groups had different firepower, they still accounted for two-thirds of the battalion's firepower.

Is this new battalion commander really confident he can outmaneuver them?
Cheng Dong and Liu Hongyun are both veteran cadres. They may not be very good at information technology, but when it comes to fighting, their abilities are quite high.

Just as everyone was worried about whether this coordinated assault would be effective and how it should be carried out.

Chen Mo, however, was full of confidence.

Not only did he not issue any battle plans, he also took out cigarettes from his pocket, tossed one to everyone present, and leisurely smoked it.

Look how calm the battalion commander is.

Rocket artillery company commander Hu Xueyan frowned and said, "Battalion commander, aren't we going to deploy a battle plan?"

"If they reach the designated location and hear the order to start the battle, they might just lead their troops to attack."

"Can't we just leave it undefended?"

"Not urgent."

Upon hearing this, Chen Mo smiled slightly.

He ignored Company Commander Hu and turned to Wang Jianyong beside him, smiling as he said, "Squad Leader Wang."

"To!"

What are the characteristics of our reconnaissance company commander?

Features?

After a moment of surprise, Wang Jianyong realized that Chen Mo should have asked about his personality, and immediately replied without hesitation, "Report, the company commander is stubborn and competitive."

"That's right."

Chen Mo smiled.

“Competitive people, when they get to the battlefield, are generally not willing to hide in the command vehicle; they definitely prefer to wander around nearby.”

"In addition, Company Commander Cheng has been leading a reconnaissance company for many years, so he is particularly sensitive to terrain."

As he spoke, Chen Mo took out a map from the car next to him and spread it on the car roof.

He pulled a pencil from his pocket, circled a spot on the map, and said, "The company commander's troops are mostly mechanized infantry squads, which are highly mobile. He will definitely set up camp in the 331 area and try to launch a surprise attack on us from the flank."

“We’ve circled this area several times. Take a sniper rifle and take advantage of the fact that the battle hasn’t started yet and the squads are undefended, to occupy the high ground in advance. It would be best if you could infiltrate one of the squads.”

"As soon as you hear the order to start the exercise and see the company commander pop out, shoot him dead."

I rely on! ! !

When Wang Jianyong heard that the scholar had told him to go and kill the company commander, he was immediately startled.

Given Cheng Dong's temper, if things really break down, I'd skin him alive the next time we meet.

Even though he knew the company commander was not someone to be trifled with, Wang Jianyong didn't know why, but he felt a fire throbbing inside his chest.

He lost control and started searching for a gun everywhere.

Wang Jianyong had an impression of Area 331. The mechanized infantry group had strong mobility and was not afraid of complex terrain. This area happened to be full of ravines and mountains.

The armored and artillery groups could not easily approach each other, which was indeed in line with the B group's encampment led by Cheng Dong.

Moreover, the vegetation is lush even in the middle of summer.

By lying in ambush nearby before the battle begins, or by sneaking in, one might actually succeed.

"So, are you in or not?" Chen Mo asked Wang Jianyong with a smile.

Old Wang was going all out. He casually took off his hat, stuffed it into his pocket, and gritted his teeth, saying, "I will resolutely obey the battalion commander's orders."

After saying that, Wang Jianyong drove away without looking back, gun in hand.

Even if he were to settle scores later, he would still be following the scholar's orders, so he would have some justification for it.

"You're just sending him alone?" Company Commander Hu of the rocket artillery company asked, dumbfounded.

"In war, you often don't have to resort to brute force," Chen Mo replied meaningfully.

Then he looked at Hu Xueyan and said, "Company Commander Hu, you've known Battalion Commander Liu of Team C for quite some time now. What do you think are Liu Hongyun's characteristics?"

"If we were to describe Lao Liu's characteristics, they would probably be cautiousness and cunning."

Hu Xueyan showed no mercy, directly commenting, "Anyway, I don't think he's a good person."

"That's right."

Chen Mo nodded in agreement. In this era, without any formal education, and even though he was a soldier once led by a veteran, he was able to rise step by step to the rank of battalion commander.

How could he not have some skills?

Moreover, Chen Mo had read many records of the 7th Armored Brigade's past exercises. Based on the 2nd Battalion's past performance alone, he could roughly figure out the commander's combat style.

He also took the map and pointed to area 323: "This time, three squads are attacking, occupying different directions."

"Battalion Commander Liu's armored group is good at frontal assaults, but lacks mobility, while Company Commander Cheng's mechanized infantry group has strong mobility and is suitable for attacking us from the flank."

"Given the two of them making this choice, I reckon Battalion Commander Liu will contact Group B immediately, and the two groups will launch a joint attack on our Group A, before deciding the victor from Group B."

"And the best place nearby for them to meet is 323."

"Company Commander Hu."

"To!"

"You will select a group of people to temporarily serve as engineers, and they will lie in ambush along the 323 line, setting up minefields and waiting for the two teams to meet up there."

"Yes!"

Hu Xueyan agreed, but hesitated and didn't move. He stared at the map carefully for a few moments before saying, "Battalion Commander, the 323 terrain is indeed the best rendezvous point."

"But areas 317 and 336 also meet the criteria for secondary tactical rendezvous points. What if the main players from those two teams don't go to 323? Wouldn't our strategy be meaningless?"

"Hmph, I have to go whether I want to or not."

Chen Mo tapped the map with his hand: "Given the cunning nature of Battalion Commander Liu and Company Commander Cheng, and their wicked intentions, if they want to outmaneuver us, there's really no need to go to the best rendezvous point."

"But that's okay. Arrange for drones and armed helicopters to patrol over areas 317 and 336 and drive them to position 323."

"Unity my foot! Everyone, stand at your posts in the highest state of readiness and prepare to meet the enemy!!"

"Team A will win!!"

Chen Mo shouted encouragement to the remaining squads.

The soldiers behind them didn't hear what was being said at all; they only heard one sentence: "Victory is certain."

They also joined in the shouting.

After shouting, Chen Mo simply climbed into the command vehicle without issuing any maneuver orders.

Because this time the entire Blue Army camp was divided into three groups, it wasn't that his group had to defeat the other two groups.

It's not about who has the last laugh, but about who can have the last laugh.

Given Cheng Dong and Liu Hongyun's eccentricities, even if they wanted to unite, cooperate, and exchange communication codes between the two teams, it would be impossible.

But before that, the two teams need to conduct some probing tests.

They're all seasoned veterans; they all understand the principle that all's fair in war.

The three commanders would be wary of each other, and if given the chance, they would be the first to absorb all of the other's firepower.

To form an alliance, you need sufficient strength to guarantee it.

Moreover, on the battlefield, besides your own people, the only true allies are those who have been killed in battle.

If you don't even understand this simple principle, you wouldn't have gotten to where you are today.

Therefore, Chen Mo was not in a hurry.

While he was trying to secretly deal with those two, they were definitely up to no good behind his back.

It all comes down to who has more bad intentions.

(End of this chapter)