Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 344 A Change of Attitude, the Wounded Old Man
The battalion commander's gossip was discussed privately by each company, and even new recruits had heard about it to some extent.

The versions are incredibly varied.

However, one thing is generally acknowledged: the battalion commander and Wang, the division commander of the 61st Division, were at odds and had a deep grudge.

Seeing that the battalion commander was being chased by Wang Songhe, the soldiers from the nearby companies didn't dare to stop at all, fearing that they would be spotted if they ran too late, so they all ran as fast as they could.

In the blink of an eye.

The companies that stayed near the base disappeared without a trace.

Chen Mo didn't care whether people were watching or not. Relying on his familiarity with the terrain of the camp, he made several turns and soon disappeared from sight.

What a joke.

This isn't the Qinglong Gorge 184th Regiment from before. Chen Mo was going there for the first time and didn't recognize the place, so he could only run around the square.

Now, we're on our own turf.

Do you think I'd let you bully me?

He ran to the wasteland behind the cafeteria, craned his neck to look around, and made sure no one was chasing him.

Chen Mo let out a long breath, sat on the ground with his back against the wall, a cigarette between his fingers, and enjoyed the rare peace and quiet.

The exercise was too exhausting; he needed a rest.

However, even when he was resting, he was reviewing the entire exercise in his mind.

Chen Mo made no further arrangements for the final battle.

The entire armored regiment made almost no adjustments to prepare for battle after entering the grassland battlefield from the Red Army.

The reason is that the Red Army had too many weaknesses.

Which unit coordinates with which unit, where is the point of attack, their mobile positions, and logistical arrangements?

Chen Mo knew everything about it.

The primary task of the Red Army's electronic warfare unit was not to protect their own communications from being hacked, but to launch a full-scale attack on the enemy's communications in an attempt to seize control of information.

What the hell were you doing earlier?

The battle had already begun, and the main forces of both sides were almost face to face in the struggle for control of the situation. All of the Red Army's combat deployments were like sieves, leaking everywhere.

The 61st Division has taken the wrong path in using information technology to support combat operations.

The goal is not for the main force to follow the rhythm of the informationized battalion, but rather for the informationized battalion to cooperate with the main force's attack and provide auxiliary support.

"Reform is a long and arduous task."

Chen Mo took a drag of his cigarette, tilted his head back with a smug expression, and blew smoke rings into the sky.

"You little rascal, you're quite dedicated!"

I'm really enjoying blowing those smoke rings.

Before he knew it, Wang Songhe had caught up with him, standing three meters away at the corner, panting and staring at him, one hand on the wall and the other gripping his belt.

Holy crap?!

The person who came was spotted.

Chen Mo felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly got up and tried to keep running.

Wang Songhe said irritably, "Stop! Don't run away, you son of a bitch! Do you think I'd eat you?"

"Give me a cigarette too."

Hear the words.

Chen Mo then stopped awkwardly and said with a dry laugh, "Commander, you know I really didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to say hello."

As he spoke, he casually handed over a cigarette, but just in case, he kept a little distance from Wang Songhe.

But just as the cigarette was handed over...

Wang Songhe raised his hand and, with a "smack," struck Chen Mo's elbow hard with his belt.

Hey, you old Wang!

Caught off guard, Chen Mo was furious and about to unleash a torrent of curses when he saw Wang Luyi running up from behind. In the end, he didn't say the rest of his words.

He swallowed it down.

Behind the scenes, he wasn't afraid of Wang Songhe.

But you can't make things too embarrassing in front of someone else's daughter.

"What, you're not convinced?" Wang Songhe glanced at him coldly and tightened his belt around his waist again.

Then, turning to look around, he said, "Let's go to your office. I have something to tell you."

After saying that, Old Wang turned and left.

Chen Mo pursed his lips and followed behind.

at first.

He wondered how Old Wang had found him so accurately, but when he left the mess hall, he realized that there were indeed no soldiers lined up to watch the excitement near the camp.

But these people stood upstairs, in every nook and cranny, their eyes intentionally or unintentionally fixed on the place where he was hiding, watching the spectacle.

Wang Songhe didn't need to search carefully at all; he could easily find it by simply observing where people around him were paying attention.

"Damn it, I was careless."

Chen Mo muttered something.

Noticing that Wang Luyi, who was walking beside him, kept glancing at his arm, Chen Mo smiled and reassured him, "It's okay, your dad didn't use any force. We're both on the same side, just joking around."

His voice wasn't loud, but Wang Songhe wasn't far away and heard the conversation clearly.

Noticing that his daughter was constantly surrounding Chen Xiaozi, and thinking back to what had just happened, he realized that before he could even mention the transfer, his daughter had pulled him aside to express her desire to stay in the border region.

Old Wang sighed deeply, a hint of weariness on his face.

There's an old saying that goes, "A daughter should not be kept at home once she grows up; keeping her will only lead to enmity."

He didn't actually dislike Chen Mo.

Previously, my attention to this kid wasn't for any other reason than simply admiring a capable young man who had emerged from the field army.

But this kid is too young, and Wang Luyi is also young; their personalities are not yet fully developed.

Wang Songhe is not rigid in character; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to have a conversation with a young man.

But he is, after all, a father.

It's not shameful to treat people differently based on their status.

If Chen Mo had a strong background and powerful connections, Wang Songhe wouldn't have worried about him at all. It would be perfectly reasonable for the two young people to try to get to know each other and date.

After all, the people behind the families who raise young people from different backgrounds will know how to conduct themselves properly.

The problem is that he doesn't have those backgrounds, and achieving some success at a young age may not necessarily be a good thing.

What if the two young people fall for each other and cause trouble?

This not only ruined one person's life, but also ruined the futures of two people.

Therefore, Wang Songhe has been avoiding any interaction between the two.

But who would have thought.

These two people, who had never crossed paths before, were suddenly put in the same camp.

He can't control what others do, but he has to control his own daughter, right?

Given the current situation, it seems we can no longer rely on forceful control; we must proceed gradually.

The three of them arrived at Chen Mo's office one after the other.

Unexpectedly.

There were already two people in his office: Qin Hui, the commander of the 61st Division, and Lin Yifeng, the chief of staff.

Wang Jianyong was also there, busy making tea for the two leaders.

"Hello, Chief!!"

Chen Mo arrived at the office and immediately stood at attention and saluted.

Wang Lu followed closely behind, imitating him.

Wang Songhe didn't say anything; he went straight to the sofa next to him and sat down.

Instead, Qin Hui looked at the two young men and couldn't help but laugh, "Lu Yi, are you getting used to working with Battalion Commander Chen?"

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Qin. I think it's great here."

Wang Lu smiled sweetly, clearly knowing all the veteran cadres of the 61st Division.

That makes sense, since all of their family compounds are in Tianshui, they probably have pretty good relationships with each other in private.

"Haha, that's good. You went to register without saying a word and even went through the school's channels. You should have told your family. You could have just registered through the local channels."

After exchanging a few pleasantries and arranging for Wang Lu to sit on the sofa, Qin Hui turned his gaze to Chen Mo and said with a smile, "Battalion Commander Chen, please sit down."

"Yes!"

Chen Mo straightened his chest, pulled over an office chair, and sat down properly in front of the group.

"Battalion Commander Chen, do you know why we've come to see you at this time?"

Qin Hui asked with a half-smile.

"know."

Chen Mo nodded readily: "Commander, if you don't mind, I'd like to tell you a story."

"Oh?"

"There are more stories to hear?" Qin Hui and Lin Yifeng exchanged a glance, quite surprised.

"Then come and listen."

“Yes, before hearing this story, we need to meet someone.” Chen Mo said, getting up and walking over to Wang Jianyong to give him a few brief instructions.

With a shocked look in his eyes, Wang Jianyong turned and quickly left.

The battalion commander had instructed him to fetch someone named Gao Yuhan, a name that probably wouldn't ring a bell for most people.

Lao Gao was the squad leader of the fifth squad of the reconnaissance company and a second-class sergeant. Now he is the squad leader of the first squad of the Silver Sword reconnaissance detachment.

He was also the old squad leader who twice wiped out the Red Army's command post.

Gao Yuhan was not particularly outstanding in the reconnaissance company before. He was not as good as Lao Pao, Liu Hai, or Wang Yan, and not as good as Yao Jinghua or Wang Jianyong.

His individual performance was only in the middle to lower range in the entire company.

But this person has one advantage: first, he has strong execution ability; second, he has strong adaptability and is very meticulous. In the three months since the Ironclad Regiment came here, during Lao Gao's patrol duty, he discovered two groups of opportunists who were sneaking around on snowy nights.

otherwise.

During the period when the bottom-ranking elimination system was implemented throughout the regiment, Gao Yuhan's squad would not be ranked in the same position as the first squad of the Silver Sword Reconnaissance Squad.

They are not assigned to the first shift, and when making arrests, they are not sent out first.

Of course, Chen Mo sent only one class each time because he had other plans, not because he didn't want to give other classes a chance.

About five or six minutes have passed.

The burly, arrogant squad leader, Gao, arrived. He glanced at the people in the office, even though Wang Jianyong had given him instructions beforehand.

Old Gao was still startled.

He quickly stood at attention and saluted: "Greetings, Commander!"

"Hello, Battalion Commander!!"

"Ah."

Chen Mo nodded with a smile, while Wang Songhe and the others remained silent with dark expressions.

Damn it, you call this storytelling? Is this how you tell a story?
The three men—one a deputy division commander, one a division commander, and one a deputy corps commander—were all beheaded and captured by this soldier during the exercise.

Even if someone has an unconventional personality, it's impossible to completely ignore it, right?
Seeing that the leaders looked unwell, Chen Mo waved his hand and said, "Alright, it's nothing. Relax and go back to rest."

"Yes!"

"Battalion Commander Chen, is this the story you were telling?"

Qin Hui was clearly displeased.

He knew that Chen Mo of the Ironclad Regiment was somewhat headstrong and often went against Commander Wang, but he used to at least have some sense of propriety.

This time, it really went too far.

Even if the armored regiment and the 61st Division are not under the jurisdiction of a major military region, they should not have done this.

"Commander, please don't be angry, let me finish." Chen Mo took a deep breath and said seriously, "I know that it's not appropriate for the soldiers who led the team to take down your command post to come here at this time."

"But I just want to say that he was also the one who took down the command post the second time."

Chen Mo casually mentioned it, then noticed Wang Songhe leaning back in his chair, his face dark, looking like he was about to slam his hand on his coffee table.

He quickly changed his tone and said, "Commander, think about it, the Blue Army Battalion is a first-class merit battalion, isn't that right?"

"Hmph!" Qin Hui snorted coldly, without responding.

Chen Mo didn't seem to care and continued, "And the old squad leader just now took down two Red Army command posts in a row. Even if they don't get the credit, this military exercise can still produce a second-class merit squad from the first-class merit battalion."

"Even if a collective first-class merit is very significant, it is something that everyone in a battalion receives, so it is easily forgotten."

"But what if a second-class merit squad suddenly emerged from the first-class merit squad? What kind of chain reaction would that cause?" Qin Hui was clearly taken aback when he heard the question.

"You mean the other classes in the entire regiment will also take this class as their goal and train hard?"

"That's true, but also false."

Chen Mo shook his head slightly: "By taking advantage of this military exercise, we can artificially create a second-class merit squad. This will make the entire Blue Army battalion remember this exercise and think about this reconnaissance squad every moment because of the issue of honor. Why should they be awarded a second-class merit?"

"Sir, now that we've come this far, let me tell you the story I was about to tell you."

Hearing that they were finally getting to the point, even Wang Songhe sat up a little straighter.

Lin Yifeng and Qin Hui both adopted a serious attitude.

Because they had already vaguely guessed Chen Mo's intention in saying all this.

"Commander, in fact, before this Spring Thunder Operation began, all of our Blue Army cadres were pessimistic. No one thought we could win this battle."

Chen Mo frankly stated, "Whether information technology is used for primary or secondary combat, the system ultimately controlled is always people."

"As long as people are involved, reform cannot rely solely on systems; the first thing to change is their mindset. Equipment is easy to change, but mindset is difficult."

"It's hard to change, but we have to change it. As long as this second-class meritorious squad is here, in the future, when the armored regiment goes to war, even if I'm not there, the first thing these officers will think of is not fighting head-on, but rather wanting to emulate the decapitation operation."

"If we can ignore the enemy's organization and firepower before the war and think about a decapitation strike, then we will be forced to start from the information aspect."

"Commander, I have said everything I need to say."

"Information technology doesn't require learning; the primary task is to change our mindset. Since the 61st Division is an information technology-assisted combat unit, we should let them provide comprehensive support to the main force, just like logistics."

"To facilitate all actions of the main force."

"Instead of having all the main forces listen to the instructions of an information-based battalion, how can a division-level unit possibly win if it listens to a battalion-level unit?"

Chen Mo finished speaking.

Everyone in the office looked thoughtful.

Yes.

Information-based combat support only requires the information-based demonstration battalion to assist the main force in combat, rather than having the main force of a regiment protect a battalion.

It was not like the political commissar's order to prioritize the attack of the informationized battalion.

This is a complete reversal of priorities.

The correct direction should be to determine where the main force is to attack, and the information battalion should prepare for the battle and clear all obstacles for the main force.

For example, during maneuvers, drones can be used for advance reconnaissance, or drones can be used to infiltrate the opposing force's command system in advance to intercept useful information and provide convenience for the main force.

For example, when our main force is attacking, the most important role of the information battalion is to protect our own communications and information networks from being leaked.

Instead of being fearless and ignoring the main force, they directly engaged the enemy's electronic warfare units.

That's not to say it can't be done.

It's just that the timing was wrong. Electronic warfare doesn't start until the location is reached.

Then our own configuration, routes, and communications have all been stolen, right?

The main force's mobility, firepower, and organization are completely undiscovered. Even if they could suppress the enemy's electronic warfare units, it would be too late; what needed to be exposed has already been exposed.

It's also thanks to the small scale of the red-blue battle.

If the Red Army were to operate in a slightly larger formation, the Blue Army would only need to hold out for a short while before sending other Blue Army units to intercept them; the Red Army still wouldn't be able to withstand the attack.

"So, according to you, the cooperation between local road administration, militia, villagers, and law enforcement teams is also to change the battalion's mindset and guide its thinking towards information technology?"

Wang Songhe asked in a deep voice.

"Yes!"

Chen Mo readily admitted, "First of all, I want to win, so I'm mobilizing all available resources."

"Of course, if I want to mobilize troops, I need to know the Red Army's deployment in advance, which also requires information technology."

"After this battle, I believe that even if I am no longer in the Ironclad Regiment, the mindset of the officers here will be able to change quickly."

These words are indeed true.

It was during the pre-battle meeting that Chen Mo discovered the entire battalion's officers were pessimistic, and not a single person offered any useful tactics.

He then began planning the reduction of personnel, and the biggest support for the reduction was information warfare.

None of these.

How could he possibly know about the Red Army's maneuver plan?

Reports from disguised scouts along the way were too sparse and insufficient to support the intelligence network needed for the entire battle.

"I understand."

Qin Hui nodded and then stood up.

"Old Lin will be staying with the regiment for a while soon to learn about your armored regiment's training methods. Battalion Commander Chen, we can exchange ideas again when we have the chance."

"Yes, Chief!"

Chen Mo stood up and responded in a loud voice.

Afterwards, he saw the group downstairs, initially thinking that Wang Songhe would stay in the camp, at least until tomorrow.

I don't know.

Old Wang wanted to leave with Qin Hui.

However, before boarding the helicopter, Wang Songhe deliberately pulled Chen Mo aside and said in a clearly threatening tone, "Chen kid, you better behave yourself in the camp and don't bully Wang Luyi."

"Don't blame me for not warning you beforehand. If you bully her, I'll kill you."

If it were in the past...

Chen Mo was bound to argue, saying something. Threatening to kill himself at the drop of a hat—who the hell would believe that nonsense!
But he's not in the mood for it anymore.

He just chuckled dryly and said, "Don't worry, sir. After the New Year, I'll be busy with matters concerning my family joining the military. Soon I won't be the battalion commander of the Blue Army battalion anymore."

"Chief of Staff Xu wants to arrange for me to go to Zhongpei, which will probably be next year."

"Zhongpei?" Wang Songhe frowned. "Why so suddenly?"

"Besides, you're not even up to Zhongpei's standards right now. You'll need to settle down here for at least two years."

Wang Songhe has never been optimistic about a young person's rapid development. Even setting aside Wang Luyi's reasons, he doesn't think it's a good thing for Chen Mo to go to Zhongpei at this time.

It should be noted that the Zhuri River is already considered to be outside the Great Wall, and it is not far from the border.
According to the military's promotion mechanism, spending a few years here, especially when you're young, can largely offset the gaps in your border service experience.

The difficulty of promotion will be greatly reduced in the future.

Chen Mo's rank as a major had been suppressed by his superiors, who only gave him the treatment of a deputy battalion commander, but he was doing the work of a battalion commander, all because of his seniority.

Trying to force growth in the early stages is definitely not as effective as accumulating knowledge and experience later on.

Lieutenant colonel is one hurdle, but colonel is an even bigger one; 99% of officers in the military get stuck at this level.

However, considering the young man's contributions, Wang Songhe found it difficult to offer any further advice.

Currently, a portion of the Beijing Military Region headquarters, including the Taishan Sergeant Academy and the Armored Regiment, are all tied to him. It's estimated that he'll be fine at the colonel level, and it shouldn't be too difficult for him at the senior colonel level either.

Early training is also a good option.

It's likely that the higher-ups have actually included the armored regiment in the expansion plan.

I just don't know if this is a three-year plan or a five-year plan.

"If you leave, it will be difficult for you to return to the Ironclad Regiment. At least until it is expanded, you won't be able to come back."

“I think so too.” Chen Mo nodded.

For some reason, even though he and Lao Wang argued and fought, deep down he was still quite willing to trust the other's judgment.

“When you go to Zhongpei, I will transfer Wang Luyi away.”

Wang Songhe added.

That's exactly what he thought; the frontier region is indeed harsh.

In winter, temperatures can drop to minus 30 or 40 degrees Celsius, while in summer they are suffocatingly hot. The surface temperature can reach 60 degrees Celsius, which can cause the lubricating oil in tanks to deteriorate instantly.

Even worse, this place is shrouded in sandstorms for more than 200 days a year.

Although Chen Mo is unreliable, he is still an acquaintance who can take care of things. If even he leaves, it will be a great loss.

Wang Songhe really couldn't bear to see a young girl suffer in this place.

"Haha, sir, if you want to transfer, you can do it now. If you keep leaving it here, aren't you afraid I'll kidnap it?"

Chen Mo chuckled. His intention was to provoke Wang Songhe and deliberately provoke him.

But to everyone's surprise, this time Old Wang wasn't angry at all. He just snorted coldly and said, "You little brat, try and see if I can kill you."

"Alright, stop talking nonsense every day."

"Zhongpei, just study hard and stay put for a while. There will always be a time when you can use your skills."

"Also, look after Lu Yi. That kid's grown up, and he's become stubborn."

After Wang Songhe finished speaking, he waved to his daughter, who was standing there blankly in the distance, then turned around, boarded the helicopter, and left.

Originally, Wang Luyi was standing in front of him, but Wang Songhe pulled Chen Mo aside and gave him some instructions.

Now, it's time to leave.

He couldn't stay any longer.

The reason I didn't leave earlier was because I wanted to ask specifically about where the Red Army lost in this battle. The explanation given at the command post was unclear, but now I know that we need to start by changing our understanding and mindset.

Having a plan is not something that can be accomplished overnight.

There's no need for us to stay here anymore.

The Red Army also needs to review its performance and make timely corrections. The 61st Division did not participate in the annual military exercise, but the task of New Year's combat readiness duty should be put on the agenda as soon as possible.

Watching the helicopter disappear into the distance.

As Chen Mo was about to return to his office to plan Cheng Dong's subsequent appointment and to organize the details of the military exercise commendation, he was...

Wang Lu came running over from a distance, stood at attention, and asked curiously, "Battalion Commander, what did my dad just say to you?"

“I told my dad I’m not transferring. I love the grasslands and I love the armored regiment. I haven’t been awarded a rank yet, so I’m not going anywhere.”

“It’s okay. Your dad told me to take care of you and introduce you to me when you come of age.”

Chen Mo casually joked.

But when they saw Wang Luyi's face turn bright red because of those words, they were shocked.

In the distance, Cheng Dong, Wang Jianbin, and Man Xuexi are approaching.

He panicked too, good heavens.

If Man Xuexi were to catch Wang Jianbin flirting with Old Wang's daughter, it's estimated that within ten minutes, the entire regiment, even the soldiers who cook, would hear about it.

Especially Lao Wang, with that foul mouth, he has absolutely no sense of propriety.

"cough!"

"What?"

Chen Mo quickly composed himself and pretended to cough.

"Wang Luyi".

"Wang Luyi?"

"Huh? Here!"

After I called her twice, she finally reacted and hurriedly responded.

"It's alright. The conferment ceremony will be held after the New Year, at the same time as the mainland units."

"Go and do your work."

"Yes, battalion commander."

Wang Luyi agreed, turned and walked away for a few minutes, then hesitated for a moment, turned back, pulled down her hat brim, and whispered, "Battalion Commander, isn't the age of adulthood eighteen?"

"Then I'm already an adult."

After saying that, she ran away again.

"Who?"

"Who's an adult?"

"So what if you're an adult?"

As soon as Wang Luyi left, Cheng Dong, Man Xuexi, and Wang Jianbin also ran up to him.

Especially Lao Man, when he heard the word "adulthood", his eyes widened like a toad, and his gossip fire burned fiercely.

This made Chen Mo feel awkward. He raised his leg and kicked Lao Man in the butt: "You son of a bitch, what are you howling about?"

"You performed terribly in this military exercise. From now on, you are relieved of your post as deputy company commander of the tank company. Go to the artillery company and report to Company Commander Zheng."

"From now on, you'll be the deputy company commander of the artillery company. If you still can't do a good job, you'll go back to your logistics supply platoon."

Holy crap?!

Man Xue covered his buttocks, looking completely innocent.

What does the tank company have to do with this military exercise? He has been diligently on duty, assisting Qin Xiaojun in preparing for war.

Why did I perform poorly?
(End of this chapter)