Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 244 Return of the Soul, included in the Restoration Archives

No matter how unwilling Chen Mo was, the Kyoto and Jincheng military regions simultaneously established demonstration battalions.

This connection is inextricably linked.

On the return journey from the 184th Regiment, Chen Mo followed the convoy of Qin Quan'an, the chief of staff of the 63rd Army, along with a group of more than a dozen people from the Army Academy, heading straight from Qinglong Gorge to the headquarters of the Jinyang Military Region.

The group set off at 5 p.m. on August 21 and arrived at the military region at around 1 a.m. on the 22nd.

The temperature difference between Jincheng and Qinglongxia is quite large. When the convoy stopped at the military parking lot, Chen Mo immediately felt that the temperature in late August was more than ten degrees lower than when he left in early August.

It was a bit cold when I got off the train.

"Greetings, sir. The dormitory area is just ahead. Let's go and rest first."

"The dormitories are all set up."

As soon as the crowd got off the bus, several officers from the General Staff warmly greeted them. Chen Mo tightened his clothes and was about to follow them when...

A captain ran up quickly, stood at attention, and saluted, saying, "Major Chen, the commander wants to see you."

Chen Mo recognized the person in charge of communication; he was the assistant who followed Chief of Staff Qin.

The leader he was referring to was undoubtedly Qin Quan'an.

Chen Mo wasn't surprised that someone needed him as soon as he arrived at the military region. No matter how good the 184th Regiment was, it was still the territory of the Jincheng Military Region.

There are many things that the military region cannot cover in every aspect, and many confirmed messages simply cannot reach him.

For example, even he, the battalion commander, didn't know the location the information battalion had chosen, while Old Wang, a guy who was completely unrelated to them, had better access to information than he did.

"Let's go."

Chen Mo handed Pei Shuaijun a change of clothes he was carrying, then strode after the captain to the military region's staff headquarters building.

When I arrived at the leader's office, Qin Quan'an had not yet come over.

Chen Mo simply poured himself a glass of water, sat on the wooden sofa, and waited quietly.

This wait lasted a full half hour.

When Qin Quan'an pushed the door open and came in, Chen Mo was staring blankly at the "August 1st" military flag hanging on the wall behind the office chair.

"So, what do you think of it?"

Seeing Chen Mo's actions, Qin Quan'an smiled and asked.

"Greetings, Commander!!" Hearing the noise, Chen Mo quickly turned around, stood at attention, and saluted: "It feels very solemn and dignified!!"

"Alright, sit down." Qin Quan'an strode to the desk, pointed to the chair opposite him, and said, "I didn't call you here today to talk about these things."

"Your file is being transferred and will be sent to headquarters in Kyoto by a special person. I just checked it."

"You're something else, kid. You've been in the army for less than a year and your file has already been transferred to headquarters. That's one of a kind in our army."

"Having been away from home for so long for the first time, do you miss home?"

Qin Quan'an, like a kind elder, asked with a smile.

I've been so busy with the exercises lately, dealing with sandstorms and figuring out how to beat people up. It's so nice to hear such kind and gentle concern.

Chen Mo paused for a moment, then chuckled dryly, "It's alright. I've been keeping in touch with my family. A man's ambition lies in all directions, and I can overcome anything."

"Oh, you kid."

Qin Quan'an shook his head: "This time, the higher-ups want to set up an informationized battalion, and the military region will be responsible for supervision and reporting on the construction progress at any time."

"The new barracks will be set up in the howitzer battalion of your 7th Brigade. As for the sergeant academy, it will continue to use the old site and will be established at the Taishan base."

"The General Staff and the Training Department will expedite the process of recruiting students for the academy, prioritizing the allocation of battalions and companies that participated in the Northwest Military Exercise."

“Establishing a new battalion will be extremely difficult. Considering this issue, the higher-ups specially transferred several top computer science students from the Tanzhou National Defense Science and Technology Academy to assist you in your work.”

"This is the list. They will be reporting to the camp soon. You are responsible for receiving them."

As Qin Quan'an spoke, he pulled out a printed document from a brown paper bag on his desk and handed it over.

Computer science was first established at Tsinghua University in 1958. Now, decades later, in 1995, many universities, including military academies, also launched computer science and computer science programs.

If you look at the timeline, this year marks the first batch of computer science graduates for many colleges.

At first, Chen Mo didn't take it seriously.

The starting point is certainly good; they simply want to recruit more talent to make the establishment of informationized units smoother.

But as Chen Mo watched, his eyes widened instantly, a feeling that was both absurd and comical welling up in his heart.

Because there was another acquaintance on the list, or more accurately, an acquaintance that many people in later generations would recognize.

The brigade commander of the Blue Army, known for his ruthless approach to warfare, is nicknamed "Man Heping" (meaning "Man the Nuclear Peace").

"Wait a minute, aren't these people from the Academy of Military Sciences? How come they're on the National University of Defense Technology's list?"

Chen Mo looked at Man Xuexi's name and couldn't help but blurt it out.

In fact, he was not familiar with Comrade Heping in his previous life. When Comrade Heping took office as brigade commander, Chen Mo had already applied for demobilization five or six years ago.

However, the commotion caused by the other side in the field army was too great, coupled with the constant propaganda on the military channel, so that not only those who had served in the army, but even those who had never been to the military, had heard of the name of nuclear peace.

"Who are you talking about?"

Qin Quan'an was a little confused by Chen Mo's sudden outburst. He craned his neck to take a look before laughing and asking, "You know him?"

"I don't really know him." Chen Mo quickly shook his head: "I just saw from the detailed introduction at the back that he's not a student at USTC."

"Ah."

Qin Quan'an didn't think there was anything wrong with it: "I was just about to introduce this comrade in detail. It's not accurate to say that he's not from USTC."

“He studied for four years at the National University of Defense Technology for his undergraduate degree and then for three years at the Academy of Military Sciences for his master’s degree. Some time ago, in mid-August, this student refused to stay at the university and took the initiative to apply to go to the grassroots level to serve as a staff officer.”

"This is an exception at the Academy of Military Sciences. We've never had such a high-achieving student assigned to a grassroots position before."

"Originally, we planned to transfer him to the 38th Army to serve as a captain platoon leader. Since the higher-ups have stopped him, let him work as a platoon leader under you first."

"Platoon leader."

For a moment, Chen Mo found it hard to process this fact.

After all, only those who lived through later generations know just how infuriating Comrade Heping really was. This guy suddenly became a platoon leader under my command, what have I done to deserve this?

Fortunately, Comrade Heping is still in a relatively green and immature stage.

In terms of being ruthless and dirty-minded, probably no one is as wicked as Commander Wang of the 61st Division.

Qin Quan'an didn't notice the change in Chen Mo's expression. While the other was thinking, he took out a document from the file folder on his desk and said, "Since the higher-ups have appointed you as the battalion commander of the Information Demonstration Battalion, then your studies at the Army Academy are considered over."

"Headquarters has granted you special permission to complete your studies ahead of schedule, and your personal file will be transferred to headquarters and included in the Fuxing Archives."

"Take a look at your resume."

"If there are no problems, you can go and rest. Make a specific plan for the construction of the camp as soon as possible. At that time, the military region will also set up a headquarters in the demonstration camp to be specifically responsible for assisting, supervising and other tasks."

When Chief of Staff Qin mentioned the "Revival Archives," his expression was extremely calm, as if he were talking about something insignificant.

After all, their rank is what it is; they were originally part of the personnel files compiled every ten years.

This decision surprised Chen Mo once again, even more so than when he learned that Comrade Heping was going to the Informationization Battalion.

Because those who are included in the headquarters' "Revival Archives" can choose the "Battle Command" major as long as they honestly follow the military path.

Enrich your resume.

As long as one doesn't make any fundamental mistakes, it's almost certain that one will be promoted to the rank of division commander before being transferred to civilian work.

Having served as a confidential secretary, Chen Mo naturally understood the influence involved, which was like receiving reassurance in advance.

Of course, even if one gets into the Fuxing Archives, it will be extremely difficult to advance further from the rank of division commander.

At that point, it's no longer just ordinary achievements and accomplishments that can be used as a standard for promotion.

They've all reached the rank of division commander. Among the same batch, who could be significantly worse than whom?
However, as far as Chen Mo knew, the most basic requirement for entering the Revival Archives was to pass a review by a specialist at headquarters.

It also requires a disciplinary department with designated personnel to register, record, and sign.

Has he not been censored yet?
The investigation conducted by the Army Academy that time was probably not deep enough.

With a hint of doubt, Chen Mo opened his resume.

Before opening it, he had some questions, but after opening it, he was completely speechless.

Because the entire resume, from his name to his position, from his unit of service to his areas of expertise, from his talents to his personality, and all his deeds after joining the military, is a very detailed summary of his personal life.

To put it bluntly, even if he wrote this himself, he couldn't have made it this complete.

The final advice after reviewing the resume was: observe closely and provide focused training.

Chen Mo took a deep breath.

He knew that his true stage was just beginning.

Chen Mo closed the document, stood up, and saluted!
"Please rest assured, sir, I will resolutely complete the tasks entrusted to me by the Party and the people, and I will never let you down."

Qin Quan'an stood up to return the greeting.

After a long pause, he waved his hand and said, "Alright, you must be exhausted from going out."

"Go back and get some rest, and finish the camp construction plan as soon as possible. The leaders above are waiting for you."

"Also, people from the Jincheng Military Region will be coming over to learn during this period, and there may also be people stationed in your camp."

"As the battalion commander of the Kyoto Military Region's Informationization Demonstration Battalion, you must always be mindful of maintaining the image of our military region. Don't be afraid of others learning from you. You may argue in private, but the concept of common progress among field armies must not be compromised."

"Progress is about making progress together, do you understand?"

"Yes, Chief!!"

Chen Mo puffed out his chest and then smiled, "Don't worry, sir, I know what to do." "Other military regions can learn whatever they want, but informatization is a system, not a fixed organizational structure. Completely imitating is useless, because even if you imitate them completely, their battalion commander is not me, so they still can't lead them."

"Only by learning the true concepts, bringing them back, and making them our own can the Jincheng Military Region's information technology demonstration battalion truly possess a unique combat capability."

"Get lost, get lost, stop bragging." Qin Quan'an cursed at Chen Mo for spouting nonsense.

I waited until I saw Chen Mo leave the office.

Chief of Staff Qin picked up a cigarette from the table, took a few puffs, and chuckled, "This kid's got some guts."

"It's good to have a plan; at least we can have an explanation."

Two years to build the camp sounds simple, but in reality, even the military region was under tremendous pressure.

The reason Chief of Staff Qin chose to call Chen Mo over for a talk in the middle of the night was to ask him if he missed home.

The initial purpose was not just to tell him that the higher-ups wanted to give him a person, but also to transfer Chen Mo's personal file to headquarters.

The main purpose was to hear this kid complain, talk about his own difficulties, whine about his hardships and poverty, so that the military region could at least be mentally prepared.

But who knew that after this kid came over, he stared blankly at the military flag, was surprised by the list, and was astonished by the files.

Damn it, they didn't mention the information technology demonstration battalion at all, leaving Chief of Staff Qin with a bellyful of comforting and encouraging words, but he didn't use a single one.

5:30 a.m. on August 22.

Normally by this time, it would be bright outside, but today the sky was overcast, and before six o'clock, raindrops the size of soybeans began to fall in a pattering sound.

At first it was only a small area, lasting only a few seconds, then the rain poured down, and the entire sky seemed to be connected to the earth, covered by a curtain of rain.

Chen Mo was sound asleep when he heard a noise outside. He quickly got up, dressed, and plugged in the window latch.

Looking at the rain outside, he couldn't tell whether he was in a good or bad mood. He remembered when he first arrived at Qinglong Gorge.

There had just been a torrential rain, and the strong winds had forced the logistics soldiers, who were only wearing shorts, to chase after the tents, and they hadn't had a proper rest all night.

Unexpectedly, I ran into them again after I came back.

It must have been because of the heavy rain that we could hear heavy footsteps in the stairwell of the dormitory, even before it was time to get up, which woke up quite a few people.

Chen Mo opened the dormitory door and glanced outside. Pei Shuaijun happened to arrive at the door.

"You're awake too?"

"I forgot to tell you last night that the base is going to be converted into an academy, and the leaders of the Army Academy are all returning to Shicheng today."

"Director Luo means that you've now graduated, so you can go directly to the new barracks."

"Okay, I understand." Chen Mo nodded. The chief of staff had mentioned this matter last night.

After responding, Chen Mo originally wanted to go to the corridor to take a look, but when he took a step, he found Pei Shuaijun hesitant to speak, looking conflicted.

They blocked the entrance.

Chen Mo asked curiously, "What's wrong? Is there something else?"

Yes, I do, but I don't know how to tell you.

"Just say it, what's the big deal?"

"alright."

Pei Shuaijun nodded: "When I came back yesterday, I overheard Director Luo chatting with Brigade Commander Wei of the Seventh Brigade. He said that yesterday morning, all the battalions and companies of your Blue Army Battalion were awarded the Collective Second-Class Merit."

"The vast majority of units are quite happy and have already returned to their respective units."

"that is."

"You mean something happened to the reconnaissance company?" Chen Mo was a very shrewd person.

The entire Blue Army battalion was awarded a collective second-class merit, which should have been a cause for celebration.

If they can't even bring this up, there's no doubt something must have happened on the reconnaissance side.

"Ah."

"The reconnaissance company was awarded a collective second-class merit in the morning, and its unit number was revoked in the afternoon."

"The entire company was incorporated into the information technology demonstration battalion."

"Company Commander Cheng seems... he doesn't seem very happy. He locked himself in his room all day and didn't come out."

Even though Chen Mo had already prepared himself mentally, when he heard that the entire company had been disbanded, his heart skipped a beat, and he knew something was wrong.

He had been to the reconnaissance company's honor room, and Chen Mo knew Cheng Dong's personality best.

That was the company I was determined to protect before I turned forty and retired from the military, even if it meant being transferred to a base and the whole company studying there, and never being able to return to the Kuchi garrison.

At least the serial number is still there, and the spirit is still there.

It's just that the tasks they perform are different.

Once the unit number is gone, will the soul of the reconnaissance company still remain?

Since May of this year, when a platoon was cut, the proportion of veterans in the entire company has exceeded 90%.

No one understands better than a soldier what it means for their company to be disbanded.

That's like the whole company losing their souls.

Even though Chen Mo was no longer a member of the reconnaissance company, hearing that the company he first came into contact with after enlisting had been disbanded still brought a wave of sorrow to his heart.

One can only imagine the torment that Company Commander Cheng, who was proud to the core, was going through at this very moment.

But this is a step we all have to go through, isn't it?

When the training base was established, the entire reconnaissance company was assigned to the study group, which meant that this day would come.

I never expected the higher-ups to act so quickly.

They didn't give the grassroots a chance to react at all; they just withdrew without warning.

Chen Mo's expression changed, and he quickly turned back to his dormitory to start packing his things.

"Scholar, what are you doing?"

Pei Shuaijun was startled by the other party's actions and asked urgently.

"Come back to life!!"

"Bring the whole company back to life!"

Chen Mo picked up his bag: "Old Pei, where are the reconnaissance company men now?"

"It's right there in the howitzer battalion, where the collective second-class merit was awarded yesterday."

Do you know the location?

“I went to check once, and I can find it.” Pei Shuaijun nodded.

"Take me there now."

"Row."

Pei Shuaijun didn't ask any more questions. He quickly ran back to his dormitory, took out an umbrella, and the two hurriedly went downstairs.

While they were talking, Wang Songhe was standing not far away. Old Wang knew that Chen Mo came from the reconnaissance company, and he also knew that the soldier who shouted "Fire at me!" after the failed raid on the command post was from the reconnaissance company.

The disbanding of such a company was indeed a significant blow.

"It seems that for this brat, the first hurdle in establishing a model battalion in Kyoto is not planning, but rather regrouping the disbanded companies."

"Let's go take a look."

After saying that, Old Wang, along with his orderly, followed Chen Mo.

Two vehicles, one in front of the other, drove out of the military region gate.

Speeding through the rain.

at the same time.

The location of the howitzer battalion in Hedong City, Shanxi Province.

At six o'clock in the morning, no whistles sounded in the camp, but one veteran after another went to the armory to collect their guns, wearing helmets.

They stood in neat rows in front of the administration building.

No one gave any orders, no one shouted any slogans; in the heavy rain, the rhythmic stomping of feet was quite intense.

Line up in formation.

All the soldiers stood tall and proud, looking at the administration building, waiting for the company commander to give instructions and for the start of a new day of intensive training.

Cheng Dong, who had served as company commander for seven years, had never been late, but today he was late.

In the rain.

The soldier's gaze was firm, as if the downpour didn't exist, and everyone waited quietly.

Half an hour, an hour, two hours
The queue did not wait for the company commander.

But in the end, they waited for Chen Mo, who had rushed back from the military region.

Get out of the car.

Chen Mo didn't have time to survey the entire camp area; just looking at the line of people in front of the building, he understood what was going on.

There's a line in "Soldiers' Sortie" that's very true.

People who mature early are often also mature late; proud people are also very impatient. Gao Cheng in the drama embodies all of these traits.

Cheng Dong of the reconnaissance company also possessed both qualities.

And they are even more stubborn!
(End of this chapter)