Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 250 The Three Military Regions are furious; the area to be shared is far too large!
27th Army, 80th Motorized Infantry Brigade, 1st Tank Battalion.

At 8 p.m. on August 27, 1999, Qin Jianjun, the tank company commander, was logging onto the military network to look up information.

But to my surprise, I discovered...

Today's military website seems to be slightly different from its previous cold and aloof style.

Inside the network portal, a banner stands out prominently.

Do you want to understand the meaning of a military career? Do you want to truly become a highly skilled professional soldier? The Kyoto Military Region Sergeant Academy is dedicated to building the strongest information-based unit and sincerely invites you to join us!

"What the hell is this?"

Qin Jianjun was stunned for a moment. He was just planning to look up some things online, how did it get involved with high-end professional soldiers?
But now that we've seen it, we can't ignore it.

Humans are inherently curious creatures, especially military officers, who are a group of people with an insatiable thirst for adventure.

As if possessed, Company Commander Qin placed his hand on the mouse and clicked lightly on the banner screen.

A secondary page pops up on the computer screen.

This is a paradise for the strong and a hell for the cowards.

[Please watch with caution. If it causes you discomfort, then you are one of the latter.]

"Hold!"

"You son of a bitch."

Qin Jianjun was quite dissatisfied when he was inexplicably insulted after simply logging onto a military website.

He looked up and thought about it carefully. He had never heard of the Kyoto Military District Sergeant Academy, nor had he heard anyone mention that there was a special academy for army sergeants.

However, I do have some impression of building an information-based military force.

The news that the troops from the Kyoto Military Region had participated in the Northwest military exercise that just ended a few days ago and achieved a great victory has given us a little hint of what's to come.

In addition, their 27th Army was originally stationed in Shicheng.

The information technology experiments of the past few years have been conducted within the military region, and many senior officers will have some impression of them.

While thinking about it.

Qin Jianjun's hands didn't stop; he continued clicking the mouse.

The black-and-white images feature a striking collective second-class merit award, a scene of a lieutenant colonel waving goodbye to an troop transport vehicle, and the motto of Shicheng Army Academy: "Loyalty, Skill, Innovation, and Dedication."

There are many individual photos of captains and group photos of lieutenants. Everyone seems to be smiling happily, but upon closer inspection, the smiles appear somewhat forced.

Even after reading this far, Company Commander Qin still didn't understand what the military website was trying to convey by adding this kind of page.

But not understanding it is precisely what motivates me to keep watching.

Scrolling to the end of the second-level page, there's nothing but a bunch of photos and no other prompts.

Qin Jianjun could only continue clicking the mouse.

But next second.

The background music from "1942: Conquest of Paradise" played from the audio player, its grand and majestic melody captivating the heart.

The images were transformed into videos.

Rocket launchers soared into the sky like dragons, howitzers provided barrage fire, radar vehicles spun wildly on their roofs, and Z-9 attack helicopters swept across the low-altitude terrain.

Ground armored assaults kicked up hundreds of meters of dust as countless infantrymen, in coordination with tanks, launched attacks on the enemy.

The video was incomplete; it only showed the attack but not the outcome.

But this doesn't affect the viewing experience at all.

Soldiers were fighting, and officers were shouting commands over walkie-talkies, all accompanied by music, making for a thrilling and exciting scene.

But soon, the scene changed again.

A captain, who looked to be about the same age as Qin Jianjun, both in terms of rank and age.

After the war.

He returned home dusty and weary from his journey, carrying his bag. He slammed the bag down on the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

At first, Qin Jianjun didn't understand what the sudden addition of this scene meant.

But soon, it felt as if Qin, the company commander, had been struck hard by a heavy hammer, leaving him breathless and his eyes welling up with tears.

Because a little girl and a little boy appeared in the video and saw a man in military uniform, looking exhausted, come to their home.

The two children, with their timid big eyes, stared at the person who had suddenly appeared. They ran and clung to their mother's legs, unwilling to move an inch.

Outsiders might not feel much about it.

But Qin Jianjun is in his thirties, almost forty, and he also has children.

Thinking back to every time I went home for family visits, my child was different from how I remembered him. He had grown a lot, and the way he looked at me was exactly the same as in the videos.

Accompanied by the music, it evokes boundless sadness.

Qin Jianjun burst into tears, thinking of his family and his children.

Soldiers, with the moon shining over the border, have the peace of the world in their hearts.

They can only go home once every year or even two years.

Every time I call my wife, after about twenty lively sentences, I feel a sense of helplessness about not being able to take care of the family. I listen to the trivial matters at home and my wife's increasingly tired complaints.

Almost every time the phone call ended, it was because of disagreements over practical issues.

He served in the military for over a decade, never failing his country, but failing his family.

A deep sense of tenderness and indebtedness welled up inside me.

This incident deeply saddened the tough tank company commander.

He only wanted to log onto the military website to look up some things, but his thoughts were completely diverted, and he sat blankly in front of the computer.

But the next second, the promotional video changed again, and the background music disappeared along with it.

A young and beautiful woman, dressed in military uniform and seemingly a student at a military medical college, had a lively smile.

In the video, she smiled sweetly, like a host, and asked, "Are you still worried about your wife's household registration if she comes with you while you're in the military?"

"Yes." Qin Jianjun nodded involuntarily, tears streaming down his face.

Are you still worried about your child's school enrollment?

"Yes."

Company Commander Qin choked with emotion, feeling as if every blow was aimed at his chest.

"Count your hairs, look at your wrinkles, how long are you going to continue this long-distance relationship?"

The "host" on the other end sounded slightly nervous.

But it is precisely this tension that makes people empathize with them.

Qin Jianjun was stunned for a moment. How much longer? How much longer can I stay in the army?

In another five years, he can be discharged and go home. It shouldn't be too long.

Company Commander Qin touched his weathered temples. Although he couldn't see them now, he knew that his hair was already covered in white, like snow.

Are you going to keep waiting?

A voice can be heard in the video saying, "If you don't want to wait any longer, now is the best opportunity."

"What kind of great opportunity?"

Company Commander Qin stared blankly at the screen.

"Starting today, let's say goodbye to men's silence and women's tears, say goodbye to pouring out our longing over the phone, say goodbye to getting to know our children through photos, and say goodbye to our loved ones' tears."

"As long as you join the Sergeant Academy, participate in the information technology creation plan, and fill in your personal information, you can submit it."

"We solemnly promise that every core member of the Sergeant Academy will, in the shortest possible time, completely resolve the issues of household registration, employment, and children's schooling for military personnel's families."

"What are you still hesitating about? Coming here gives you the chance to win a second-class merit award, and you can reunite with your family sooner."

"Please don't get too caught up in the camaraderie of your old unit. Your family needs your protection just the same. A true brother will come with you to the sergeant academy."

"This is a paradise for the brave, a destination that cowards can never reach."

We look forward to your joining us.

"I'm not waiting anymore, I'm not waiting anymore." Qin Jianjun shook his head, his emotions already swayed.

But at this moment.

The video originally featured only a young and beautiful host, but now, suddenly, a slender middle-aged man with a long scar on his right cheek has appeared.

The other person had dark skin and didn't look like the kind of person who was easy to get along with.

"My name is Cheng Dong. I was the company commander of the 3rd Reconnaissance Company of the 7th Armored Brigade. Now I am the chief staff officer of the Staff Department of the Sergeant Academy."

"This is a collective second-class merit award that our entire reconnaissance company received at the Sergeant Academy."

In the picture, Cheng Dong holds the honor plaque in both hands, and his usually stern and ruthless face shows a rare hint of pride.

The host next to him asked with a smile, "Chief of Staff Cheng, how old is your child this year?"

"At eight years old, he was a lively and energetic little boy."

A smile appeared on Cheng Dong's lips, as if talking about his child made him feel particularly good.

"How much time have you spent with your child in the past three years?"

Hear the words.

Cheng Dong's expression froze for a moment. He looked up, seemingly recalling something, or perhaps suppressing his emotions, and said, "Forty-one days, five hours, and eleven minutes."

If the time is specified down to the hour, or even down to the minute, this tactic becomes even more ruthless.

Qin Jianjun's fists trembled uncontrollably as he watched. In the past three years, he had spent less time with his own daughter than he had with the dark-skinned captain on the screen.

It was only twenty-four days and four hours. It was precisely because getting along with each other was so difficult that he remembered every minute and every second clearly.

This feeling is perhaps best understood by soldiers who are away from home for many years.

At this moment, the longing for home is like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, growing uncontrollably.

"Do you miss your family now?" the host asked again.

"Yes, I want to." Cheng Dong nodded. "Of course I want to, but I can solve this very soon."

As he spoke, Cheng Dong turned his head and pointed behind him.

Behind them, rows of young officers stood in neat formation. Those in the back rows could not see them, but the officers in the front rows had their bright medals on their chests that shone brilliantly in the sunlight.

Some are so capable that one person can receive five or six third-class merit awards.

There were two formations, one for officers and one for non-commissioned officers. The people in the front row were full of vigor and pride.

Cheng Dong pointed to the crowd and smiled, "In the past, there might not have been a solution, or you might have needed to apply for a rental and wait in line, but here you don't need to."

"We only need to work hard and build diligently; everything else will be taken care of for us."

"Come on, the paradise for the strong welcomes new comrades."

Qin Jianjun watched the entire promotional video with tears in his eyes.

This tank company commander from the 80th Motorized Infantry Brigade discovered that there was indeed an option to fill in personal information at the bottom of the propaganda.

Without hesitation, he clicked on the app and started filling out the form quickly.

Perhaps deep down he didn't believe that this so-called sergeant academy was really reliable or could really solve these problems.

But it doesn't matter.

He needs a reason to vent.

People are terrifying when they're emotionally charged; at that moment, they can forget about thinking about the purpose of their propaganda.

Even if the battalion commander came to stop him, Company Commander Qin might dare to challenge him to a fight.

According to the military region's policy, the captain was indeed not eligible for subsidized housing, but he could apply for similar low-rent housing benefits, just like senior non-commissioned officers.

He pays rent every month and brings his wife and children to live with him.

Qin Jianjun has applied for this before, but the problem is that it's been almost two years and there's still no sign of him being able to accompany his military spouse.

The house can be rented anytime, but the problem is that the child needs to go to school, and the wife needs to work nearby, and so on.

Without a source of income, there's no point in coming.

Qin Jianjun's case is not an isolated incident. The propaganda posters created by Chen Mo, Man Xuexi, and Cheng Dong first used images of people being sent off as a background, then used scenes of battle to build up the atmosphere, and finally used the end of the battle and their return home as the conclusion.

A whole process was set up, ultimately to guide people to join the Sergeant Academy.

This caused a huge uproar on the entire Kyoto Military District's website.

For a while.

The entire military region was in an uproar. Tank regiments, a staff office, armored units, mechanized infantry units, and a large number of junior officers were all shaken.

Some people, like Qin Jianjun, were emotionally charged after seeing the form and filled it out during that time, while others filled it out just to try it out.

But more often than not, they filled out the forms with genuine sincerity.

The news spread like wildfire across various organizations.

The goal of the sergeant academy is to train backbone personnel, not ordinary soldiers. This type of military network is most used by junior officers and senior sergeants.

In just half a day, there were numerous feedback calls, from the grassroots level to the regimental and divisional headquarters.

The news spread too quickly and has already had an impact to some extent.

8 PM on the 27th.

Inside the conference room of the 1st Garrison Division of Kyoto, Division Commander Dong Zhennan was the first to realize that something was wrong.

His unit was located in a strategically important area near the capital, bearing significant responsibilities. Naturally, he immediately sensed something was wrong when instability arose within the unit.

A video conference was held overnight for all grassroots units of the division.

Inside the meeting room, Dong Zhennan looked serious. He did not appear on camera or speak. Instead, a colonel next to him presided over the meeting and said, "Comrades, let's convey the spirit of the meeting."

"Recently, there has been a strange trend of people applying to transfer to other units. I can tell you all clearly that you should not have any such thoughts. Officers are role models for soldiers and the core of the unit."

"The soldiers are watching your every word and action."

"As for the propaganda messages appearing on the military network, don't be blinded. The so-called sergeant academy is just an information technology demonstration battalion, and its future is uncertain."

"This is an experimental unit; they can't solve any substantive problems at the moment."

"Isn't it good to stay in the garrison division? There will be bread and beer. The division's Party Committee is already studying how to solve the problem of family members joining the army. We can guarantee that within one to two years, more than 80% of the comrades who meet the requirements will be able to have their families accompany them to the army."

"In addition, the selection, appointment, and promotion of cadres will be more open and transparent."

Inside the conference room, the noise was deafening.

Each regiment, battalion, and company unit applauded enthusiastically in front of the camera; this was a real benefit.

Not just the garrison division.

More and more organizations realized something was wrong and began to hold emergency meetings.

The various units made the same commitment to clearly addressing the issue of family members serving in the military and to implementing policies that make selection and appointment more transparent.

no way.

The situation is too turbulent, so we can only focus on appeasement for now.

But appeasement can't be the decisive factor.

This night.

Everywhere you look, you can see platoon leaders or veterans from various units gathering together under the cover of night, whispering and discussing their plans.

Member A: "Hey! Have you all seen the military website's announcement? Have you filled out the information?"

Member B stared wide-eyed: "What are you talking about? How could I be that kind of person? I've been in this company for over a year and I have feelings for it. That so-called sergeant academy is not an officer academy. No matter how much they brag, it's still trash."

Deliberator C: "That's right, my workplace is my home, and no matter what anyone says, I would never apply."

Deliber D: "Yes, yes, yes."

Such righteous and eloquent discussions are actually of no use.

The group dispersed in less than an hour.

A sneaked into the computer room, intending to fill in his information under the cover of night when no one was paying attention, thinking he should at least give it a try.

But as soon as he reached the door of the computer room, he saw B sitting in front of the computer, looking rather sleazy, with the faint light from the screen illuminating his face.

This guy is the one who just called the Officer Training Academy trash.

The two exchanged a knowing glance, and neither of them uttered a sound.

When everyone finds a seat and fills out the form.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside. The two quickly shut down their computers and hid in their seats.

Crunch!

Ten seconds later, the door was pushed open.

The deputy company commander's dog sneaked in, glancing cautiously behind him before quickly closing the door, walking to the computer, turning it on, and accessing the military network.

A and B hid under the table, barely daring to breathe, their hearts pounding wildly.

The two exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat frightened.

Who would have thought that the deputy company commander, who had spoken solemnly at the meeting that night and was usually so respectable, would do such a sordid thing in the middle of the night?

The two wanted to jump out and expose them, but after thinking about it, they decided against it; they were cadres who had just graduated and been assigned there not long ago.

Even if they speak out, they don't have much say.

It wouldn't be fun if they were silenced again.

The publicity campaign is gaining momentum and becoming increasingly intense.

Initially, the problem only affected regiments, brigades, and divisions, prompting emergency meetings to try to curb this unhealthy trend.

However, the news reached the military region level the very next day, just one day after the propaganda went online.

27, 38, and 63 received complaints from various units almost simultaneously, demanding the removal of propaganda on the military website, on the grounds that it was too misleading and deceptive.

This has shaken the resolve of junior officers.

In various units, discussions about the Sergeant Academy can be seen everywhere.

Although nothing major has happened yet, the unstable morale of the troops is the biggest problem.

Inside the administrative building of the 63rd Army headquarters.

Commander-in-Chief Zhang Canshan's face was ashen, while Political Commissar Liao Hongjun held a water glass and remained silent.

Chief of Staff Qin Quan'an, Director of the Political Department Tao Ruichang, and Logistics Minister Sun Zhensheng were also somewhat numb.

One day.

Various departments dared not directly call the military headquarters to complain; the phones of the General Staff Department, the Political Department, and the Logistics Department were practically worn out from all the calls.

Without exception, they all accused the Sergeant Academy of its propaganda.

Qin Quan'an was even more unfortunate, as he was the person in charge of the military region's overall information technology development.

Any problems, whether from the Sergeant Academy or the Information Technology Demonstration Battalion, must be reported to him.

If it were just a call from one's own workplace, it would be fine; the matter could be easily resolved internally behind closed doors.

But here's the thing.

Now it involves the 27th and 38th Armies. Just now, the commanders-in-chief of those two military regions were furious, their tone as if they wanted to devour two people alive.

They were cursing and saying they wanted to come over here and demand an explanation.

People from both military regions could arrive at any time. What explanation will we give them then?

Qin Quan'an never expected that letting Chen Mo handle the publicity would cause such a huge uproar.

You're saying there's nothing wrong with you setting up a military network, but what if your own military region doesn't have one? Why drag the entire military region into this mess?
Even if someone signs up, do you have the ability to get them to sign up?

Take a thousand steps back.

It's one thing to do propaganda on the military region's website, but at least keep the information you fill out confidential. The names and specific details are indeed kept confidential and can't be seen on the surface.

However, the number of people applying online is clearly displayed there.

What do you mean?
Do you think you haven't caused enough trouble?
Overnight, hundreds of officers or non-commissioned officers from the three military regions signed up on average.

Regardless of the severity of the offense, this behavior alone, from the perspective of the commander-in-chief, has seriously challenged the dignity of the military region's top leader.

With such a large military region, hundreds of people signed up in one night, which also means that many units were abandoned. Wouldn't that leave the commander-in-chief all alone?
Looking at the number of people doesn't show who is more infuriating.

Looking down, I saw that the microphones were all on the desk, and I didn't dare to answer any more calls.

Qin Quan'an chuckled dryly, then looked up at Commander-in-Chief Zhang Canshan, who was silently smoking, and Political Commissar Liao Hongjun, who was sipping tea.

“Old Zhang, my Political Commissar Liao, you two should give us some advice. These guys, number 27 and 38, are coming soon. They were yelling at us on the phone, demanding an explanation.”

"Even the garrison troops are coming to our door to demand answers, how are we supposed to deal with this?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Canshan continued smoking without responding.

Political Commissar Liao shook his head and put down his water glass: "Asking me won't help. I'm also one of the victims."

"When those old guys get here, they're probably not going to have a nice word to say."

No sooner had the political commissar finished speaking than Logistics Minister Sun Zhensheng sneered, looked at Qin Quan'an, and spat out the words through gritted teeth, "Old Qin, how dare you ask?"

"If it weren't for your doting, would that kid surnamed Chen dare to break the rules of field warfare and play with fire?"

"The fact that things have turned out this way is entirely your responsibility, Qin Quan'an."

"Bullshit, you bald grandson!" Qin Quan'an slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "How was I supposed to know he'd go this far?"

"It's my responsibility! The higher-ups assigned us the task, but you logistics guys were so stingy and didn't approve anything. If it weren't for that, would we be in this situation today?"

"Damn you, Qin the dwarf, don't think I'm afraid of you." Sun Zhensheng rolled up his sleeves, eager to fight Qin Quan'an.

He hated being called bald more than anything in his life.

Besides, the strict logistics controls are in order to prevent unnecessary waste, so what's wrong with that?

"Alright, alright!!"

Seeing that the two were about to start fighting, Political Commissar Liao Hongjun waved his hand: "First, notify the battalion commander of that demonstration battalion to come over and find out the specific situation before we talk about it."

"He was sent down from above. Even if Lao Yan and his men had a lot of guts, they wouldn't dare to come over and beat people up."

"As for the matter of demanding an explanation, we'll deal with it as it comes."

“Even setting aside the demonstration battalion, that Chen kid is still one of our military region’s men. We can fight him behind closed doors, but no one else can do anything to him.”

“Killing that kid would be too lenient. I suggest tying him to a tree and bombarding him with mortars; that will make him behave.”

Logistics Minister Sun Zhensheng snorted coldly.

Old Sun was all bark and no bite; of course, he had a very fiery temper and was extremely stubborn.

There's nothing wrong with being protective of one's own. If he wants to protect Chen Mo, he only needs to do it all by himself. All he has to do is throw a tantrum and act shamelessly.

But similarly, once the outsiders are sent away and the family rules are enforced behind closed doors, Old Man Sun is probably the one who beats the most severely.

After Qin Quan'an understood the political commissar's meaning...

Without saying anything more, he walked to the door, waved to instruct the cadres in the confidential department to call the demonstration battalion.

Tell Chen Mo to come over immediately.

the other side.

Ever since Chen Mo realized he had messed things up and that the military network had implicated the entire military region, he knew that his life was probably in trouble.

He didn't even bother trying to recruit people from other units; he'd been trying to get close to Wang Songhe ever since yesterday.

They tried to pull someone heavy enough to draw fire.

Unfortunately, for some reason, even Old Wang has learned his lesson and doesn't respond to anything Chen Mo says.

I waited until the military region called.

Chen Mo sighed, already anticipating that he had gone too far this time.

However, he felt that he was just unlucky and wasn't too worried.

His original intention was to share his problems with everyone.

That is.

The area allocated this time is slightly larger.
(End of this chapter)