Military career: Starting with a recruitment letter

Chapter 360 Review, the First Person to Arrive Late

After finishing the phone call, Chen Mo basically realized that this investigation was nominally aimed at Cheng Dong and Man Xuexi.

But in reality, there's a high probability that you'll get caught up in it too.

Otherwise, there would be no need for so many people to make phone calls to remind them.

In summary, there are only two points to make: during the review process, we will not say much, and all answers must be based on an objective and impartial stance.

Today is March 19th. If we calculate based on the normal departure time of the training program, I should be at the Shicheng Army Command Academy at this time.

Chen Mo wasn't sure if the timing was a coincidence, but that didn't stop him from being cautious.

"Dayong!"

After hanging up the phone, Chen Mo stood up, tugged at his military uniform, and shouted towards the outside of the office.

The office phone rang for half an hour straight. Even if Wang Jianyong was slow to react, he realized that something big had happened.

They've been standing right at the door the whole time.

Hearing the shout, Wang Jianyong strode in: "Battalion Commander, is it time for an investigation?"

"Well, don't make a fuss. Go tell the company commander that combat training is temporarily suspended, pending further notice. Also, inform the 182nd Regiment."

"Also, inform Lao Man and the company commander to make all the necessary preparations themselves. Do not notify the rest of the battalion. Just continue as usual."

"Don't let it show that we knew about this in advance."

"I see!"

Wang Jianyong nodded, then turned and strode out of the office.

Regardless of the higher authorities' attitude towards this review—whether it's just a formality or a genuine background check—the person who made the call ultimately meant well.

We can't just betray the person who kindly notified us, can we?

Chen Mo knew perfectly well that whether the investigation was targeting him, Man Xuexi, or Cheng Dong, it was most likely just a formality.

After all, the arrival of the disciplinary officials had already caused quite a stir in the city.

To put it bluntly, isn't this just something done for other organizations to see?

Otherwise, it would be impossible for news of any action taken by the Discipline Department under headquarters to leak out before the personnel even arrive at their respective units.

But precisely because it's for other organizations to see, we need to be even more careful.

It's important to understand that vetting isn't as simple as having a few people ask you a few questions and you just give a casual answer.

The entire process must be kept rigorous and transparent.

"Strict" refers to the space for the conversation, such as preparing a quiet meeting room, while "transparent" means that the entire review process is recorded on video, and both the reviewing officials and the reviewed personnel must be on video.

Saying the wrong thing and having it recorded could cause trouble at any time.

Wang Jianyong was busy making the notification.

Chen Mo tidied himself up, trying to look as presentable as possible, and went downstairs to the administration building to wander around the camp area.

Taking advantage of this lull, Chen Mo began to understand what Wang Songhe meant on the phone earlier.

As a pioneer in information technology, the Ironclad Regiment's Blue Army Battalion was representative of the entire regiment even before its expansion.

With so many veterans and young officers in the regiment, it's impossible for the higher-ups to ignore it.

Subsequent appointments will have far-reaching consequences, attracting attention from both headquarters and other units.

It is only natural to be extremely cautious about choosing a successor.

Around 3 p.m.

Two Z-8 helicopters rumbled and landed outside the armored regiment's barracks.

The hatch opened, and three middle-aged men with a star on their shoulder straps stepped out of the helicopter.

Behind them were more than a dozen officials.

Upon receiving the notification from the gatekeeper, Chen Mo immediately led the officers from the battalion and rushed over to greet them.

Judging from the other party's armband, Chen Mo learned that the group that came this time was not only composed of members of the Discipline Department, but also included several people from the General Political Department, including one of the leaders.

This combination is amazing!
Chen Mo sighed inwardly, then quickly ran to the edge of the tarmac, stood at attention, and saluted: "Greetings, Commander!"

"Welcome, esteemed leaders, for your presence and guidance."

"Is this Battalion Commander Chen?" One of the General Political Department leaders returned the greeting with a smile, "No need to be so polite. I've long heard of the reputation of your frontier armored regiment. I'm fortunate to see it for myself today. You truly deserve to be called an armored force."

The people who came all had name tags on their chests, presumably to ensure impartiality during the video recording.

The leader who spoke earlier had a nameplate that read "Zhou Feng" and looked to be around forty-five years old.

He exuded a capable and efficient air, unlike the rough and rugged men from the field, and even his speech was much more refined.

There were almost no soldiers around the camp, and you could hardly see any armored vehicles. During combat training, the main force was out on the field.

I don't know where the title "Ironclad Army" came from.

But if someone praises us, we have to accept it.

Chen Mo quickly turned around and invited, "Thank you for your kind words, Chief. Please come in."

"No need to bother."

Zhou Feng looked around and smiled, "Battalion Commander Chen, according to the General Political Department's appointment process and the special nature of your armored regiment, we need to conduct political background checks on some comrades this time. We hope you can cooperate."

"Of course we'll cooperate. Thank you for your hard work, leaders."

Chen Mo nodded, trying his best to appear neither humble nor arrogant, since these people were not from field units and the assessment was of the cadres' comprehensive qualities and abilities.

It's not about attitude.

Chen Mo can propose or recommend candidates for the next battalion commander of the Blue Army Battalion of the Ironclad Regiment, but the final decision rests with the higher-ups after comprehensive consideration.

These all require efficient organization; there's no room for factionalism.

This wasn't the first time Chen Mo had been investigated.

Upon hearing Zhou Feng's request, he immediately turned to Wang Jianyong and said, "Dayong, go tidy up the meeting room and tell the people in the camp not to move around during the work period."

"Yes!"

The explanation is completed.

A group of people walked straight into the administration building.

As for the talk about cleaning up the meeting room, that was just a euphemism. The people from the Discipline Department politely declined the battalion officers' help and arranged for someone to check the meeting room according to the established procedures.

Install video recording equipment and set up the inspection site.

During this time, some people took DV cameras to chat with the soldiers in the camp, and there were also people on duty at the entrance of the meeting room.

Chen Mo, Cheng Dong, and Man Xue were all asked to wait in a separate office.

Anyway, the arrangements were quite serious. If it weren't for the fact that each unit had given prior notice, Chen Mo had mentioned it to Cheng Dong and Man Xuexi, and the officers in the battalion also knew what was going on.

This sudden stunt really makes you think something serious has happened.

About twenty minutes have passed.

Chen Mo was invited from his office to the conference room, which had already been set up.

Zhou Feng and two other people of the same rank served as the chief judges, with a colonel assisting them, indicating a very high level of authority.

Behind the four people hung a Party flag.

The scene was familiar; Chen Mo had had a similar experience at the Army Academy before, so he wasn't intimidated.

He walked confidently to the chair where he was to be tried and sat down properly.

"Comrade Chen Mo, regarding the personal political qualities and ideological review of Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi, we hope that you, as their direct superior over the past six months, can objectively answer your true thoughts and conclusions and cooperate with the background check process for cadres."

"understand!"

Chen Mo responded loudly.

"Before we begin, as required by headquarters, we will announce the review rules."

Zhou Feng said in a businesslike tone: "First, please be sure to ensure absolute objectivity and neutrality, and earnestly cooperate in clarifying Comrade Cheng Dong's personal thoughts. Second, after this review is completed, a relevant confidentiality agreement will be signed, and the contents of the review shall not be disclosed."

"Do you understand?"

"Understood." Chen Mo nodded knowingly; he was indeed familiar with these rules.

"it is good!"

"The questioning will now begin."

"Comrade Chen Mo, do you believe that Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi are both capable of succeeding as commanders of the Blue Army Battalion?"

"Yes!"

"What is your reasoning?"

"Their experience in commanding troops with integrated information systems, their overall perspective, tactical awareness, and basic war thinking—in simpler terms, that means they are capable of handling the task."

Please explain in detail!

"The Blue Army Battalion has gone through two phases. Whether it was the Blue Army Battalion that participated in the Northwest Military Exercise last year or the Blue Army Battalion that now has a designation, Comrade Cheng Dong participated in the entire process. During the Northwest Military Exercise in 1999, as well as the Northern Sword A Military Exercise and Operation Spring Thunder, Comrade Cheng Dong, as the Chief of Staff, always took charge of the work of the entire battalion and there was never any mishap."

"In addition, information-based integrated tactical coordination is derived from mechanization. During his tenure as chief of staff, Comrade Cheng Dong was always at the forefront of learning new tactics and methods."

"As for Comrade Man Xuexi, he came to the Blue Army Camp a little later, but he studied computer technology at the National University of Defense Technology and the Academy of Military Sciences. He is one of the few officers in the field grassroots units who has a three-service perspective. He actively promoted the air-ground integrated training model and has always spared no effort in assisting me and Comrade Cheng Dong."

"In this respect alone, he is far superior to most cadres who embrace continentalism."

"I believe the General Political Department should have a file on Comrade Man Xuexi. His education, vision, and performance in the Blue Army Battalion make him somewhat unsuitable to be a battalion commander, but he is perfectly capable of serving as chief of staff and taking over the work of Comrade Cheng Dong."

Zhou Feng nodded.

Although Man Xuexi was only a captain, he was, after all, a graduate of the Academy of Sciences and worked in the Blue Army camp, so he naturally received attention from above.

Before he came to conduct the inspection, he had already memorized all of Man Xuexi's files thoroughly.

"What you just said about the bottom line of war mentality?" Zhou Feng asked, somewhat puzzled.

Chen Mo grinned: "Although it may sound a bit immodest, objectively speaking, Comrade Man Xuexi is the fastest at accepting new things and has a strong ability to learn about different tactics, which is most like me."

"What a new system needs is this kind of new thing. Only by constantly incorporating new ideas and breaking with convention can we adapt to and develop a new system."

Listening to this Blue Army battalion commander bragging about himself, saying that "he is the most like me," is just adapting to the new system.

The people in charge of the review exchanged glances, and the atmosphere fell silent for a while.

to be frank.

This wasn't the first time they'd been investigated, but such shameless and brazen self-praise was truly unprecedented.

What's even more fucked up is.

The people present knew perfectly well that Chen Mo was boasting, but they couldn't find a single reason to refute him.

Because of Zhou Feng's and his group's rank, they already understood Chen Mo's importance in the eyes of the people at headquarters, thus opening up a new system and clearing away the fog.

This kind of contribution cannot be explained in just a few words.

Otherwise, how could a mere major like him have alarmed the security bureau?

Furthermore, they embezzled someone's satellite phone, openly and brazenly, and the security personnel actually tacitly approved it; not a single person stood up to express their dissatisfaction.

If it were anyone else, even the commander-in-chief of a military region, would you dare to do such a thing?

I reckon the call happened around noon, and by 2 PM, the security detail will be able to pry your office floor tiles off.

They think they can just scrape off and take away the plaster from the walls and floors of the entire office, let alone the floor. Do they really think the people from the General Staff Department are so easy to bully?
But when this happened to Chen Mo...

All four headquarters in Kyoto have heard about this. A reckless young man has appeared, trying to ask the security bureau for things.

So many days have passed, and no one has said a word.

Zhou Feng and the others remained silent for a while before they composed themselves. One of the cadres in charge of the investigation nodded and said, "Understood."

"Commander Chen's reasons for recommending it are unique and clear."

The leader paused slightly before continuing his examination.

"Comrade Chen Mo, have you heard Comrade Man Xuexi discussing other topics in the unit, such as promotion, future career path, or being competent as chief of staff?"

"No, he only put his ideas into practice; I haven't heard any discussion about it."

"Did Comrade Man Xuexi violate discipline or regulations during his tenure, and was he subject to complaints from officers and soldiers?"

"No."

"Has the Blue Army camp ever engaged in any irregularities related to meritorious service, awards, or membership in the Party?"

"No."

"Did Comrade Man Xuexi or Comrade Cheng Dong receive any gifts, or gifts from officers and soldiers?"

"should have."

"Please specify the time, place, people, price of the gift, and nature of the gift."

"If we don't count offering each other cigarettes, then last year when I took half a month of annual leave, Cheng Dong and Man Xuexi both asked the officers in the battalion to raise money to help me buy gifts and also gave me some money, which I have now paid back."

"Why did they give you money?" "Because last year, during the flood in Xiaocheng, one of my comrades sacrificed his life while we were doing disaster relief. I personally donated two thousand yuan. Since I had only been in the army for a short time, I didn't have enough money during my annual leave, so the officers in the battalion spontaneously helped me."

"This doesn't count."

"Then there will be none."

Do Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi have any overseas connections?

"No."

"Have Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi ever leaked secrets?"

"No."

"Do either of them have any family or financial difficulties?"

"No."

"Have any illegal acts committed by Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi's relatives, or have they ever committed illegal acts?"

"No."

"Comrade Man Xuexi was born in 1976 and is 26 years old this year, but he does not have a partner. Is there any issue of his romantic interests?"

Chen Mo:
He had been asked similar questions before, but it was only because the censorship process was so serious that he was asked them.

He really wanted to know who came up with this kind of question.
When biases emerge in the military, can they really be hidden? Either they don't exist, or they pretend they don't, and even if they pretend, they'll keep pretending.

If there's even the slightest sign of trouble, then they're doomed.

But since the question had been asked, Chen Mo could only shake his head: "There is no issue of bias."

"Battalion Commander Chen Mo, you were born in 1981 and you don't have a partner. Is there another reason, or are you looking for one?"

"Ahem!" When this was mentioned, Chen Mo immediately straightened up and said righteously, "Commander, let me clarify first. First, I don't think I'm old enough to be at the stage where I have to get married."

"Secondly, I have a girlfriend, and many officers in the battalion know that."

"Oh? What's their family background? What's their name? How old are they? What do they do for a living?"

Upon hearing that Chen Mo had a girlfriend, the people in charge of the investigation immediately became serious.

Even the stenographers turned their attention to this.

Chen Mo blinked and said, "The other party is the daughter of Wang Songhe, the deputy commander of the 21st Army of the Jincheng Military Region. Her name is Wang Luyi. She is 19 years old this year. Before the new year, she responded to the military's special recruitment policy for college students and enlisted from Jinyang Medical College."

"Currently, I am serving as an intern military doctor in the medical detachment of the logistics company of the Blue Army battalion."

"Okay, Battalion Commander Chen Mo, let's continue."

Upon hearing that his girlfriend was Wang Songhe's daughter, the investigators visibly breathed a sigh of relief and did not ask any further questions.

"Do you think Comrade Cheng Dong, if appointed as battalion commander, would be able to always adhere to tactical authority and maintain absolute rationality?"

"can!"

Do you think Comrade Cheng Dong possesses the spirit of sacrifice?

"have."

"Based on your personal observation, is he absolutely loyal to his country?"

"Yes."

"Would it be better for the Ironclad Regiment to be in his hands than in yours?"

"That's impossible."

"Is Battalion Commander Chen very confident?"

"It's not confidence, it's honesty. I built the Blue Army Battalion from scratch. If there's anyone who can lead it better than me, then I wouldn't be the one who built the unit from scratch."

The reviewer paused for a moment, didn't dwell on it, and quickly moved on to the next question.

"Do you think Comrade Man Xuexi is capable of serving as chief of staff and undertaking the task of training cadres for the Blue Army battalion?"

"Yes."

"Comrade Man Xuexi has not spent enough time at the grassroots level. Do you think he has the command ability required for promotion?"

"People grow. As for seniority, I'm not qualified. There are many geniuses in the military. There are many outstanding predecessors in the history of the field army. Many of them did not have systematic training in the past. At least at this stage, they are learning and growing very quickly."

"Battalion Commander Chen Mo, do you mean you can't guarantee that Comrade Man Xuexi will be 100% able to assist Comrade Cheng Dong in managing and leading the Blue Army Battalion in the future?"

Upon hearing "100%", Chen Mo's forehead creased with a few black lines.

There is nothing absolute in this world. The definition of 100% is too absolute. Let alone leading troops, even when it comes to something as simple as going out for a meal, who can be 100% sure that they will be able to eat?

Could other unexpected events happen along the way?
The way this question is phrased is problematic; no matter how you answer it, it will never be a satisfactory response.

Chen Mo thought for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Who in this world can guarantee 100% completion of a task?"

There's a saying that goes, "I've tried my best in everything, success or failure is not up to me."

"Commander, I built up the Blue Army Battalion from scratch. If anyone is most worried about the development of this unit, I am definitely one of them."

"Therefore, my recommender did not make a random recommendation, but rather it was the result of careful consideration."

"I think we should have the courage to try and fail. To this day, the armored regiment has made progress in information technology. But to be honest, I have been worried and fearful all the way through the Blue Army Battalion. I spent the military funds, and the local government and military region provided the funding."

“Almost all the non-commissioned officers of the entire army group were concentrated in one battalion. A new officer from an army came to one unit and followed me through all the ups and downs. For me, my future was like a step into heaven or a step into hell.”

"However, I still maintain that I am a soldier. If I'm going to do something, I'm not afraid to take responsibility or make mistakes. If you want to develop, you have to give yourself a chance. Commander, don't you agree?"

Hear the words.

The person in charge of the investigation fell silent for the third time, and the group exchanged glances.

After a long silence, Zhou Feng finally spoke: "I understand what you mean, Battalion Commander Chen Mo, next question."

"Can you, based on the principle of party discipline, vouch for Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi?"

"Before answering this last question, I hope you've thought it through."

“Battalion Commander Chen, you should know better than anyone the importance of creating an information system, and you should also have a greater sense of urgency than others. If something unexpected happens to the Blue Army Battalion, or the Armored Regiment, in the hands of Cheng Dong or Man Xuexi, the loss will not only be military spending, but also time and momentum.”

"And your personal future."

"To be frank, our military buildup and economic planning are in line with each other, and your opinion will be given serious consideration by the higher authorities."

"But I think you certainly don't want a day when our economy is big enough, but our soldiers are unable to defend peace, and you, as a pioneer of information technology, will also be greatly affected."

Hearing the reminder.

Chen Mo smiled but did not respond immediately.

He understood.

The review means that the person he recommends will be given serious consideration by the higher-ups; in other words, it's almost a done deal.

But if these two people get into trouble in the future, I will also bear joint responsibility. If I don't recommend them and let the higher-ups make the arrangements, then I will not bear any responsibility in the future.

That's a very insightful point.

But if all soldiers are selfish and self-serving, how can they shed their blood on the battlefield and forge a Great Wall of iron and blood when a powerful enemy invades?
As soldiers, we should set aside selfish desires with a loyal heart, protect our country with our loyal souls, ride into enemy camps on horseback, and never retreat in the slightest.

During the last review, I was just a private who had just entered the army. I made a few boastful remarks at the Army Academy, which aroused the doubts of a group of old men.

How long had Company Commander Cheng known him back then?
He dared to use his military service and party spirit to vouch for himself, so now that it's his turn to vouch for the company commander, what's there to be afraid of?

Being a soldier is not a profession, much less a way to make money.

While some may have different opinions, the vast majority of soldiers will have no problem with the spirit of mentoring and guiding others.

Chen Mo stood up abruptly.

He took a deep breath and said loudly, "I guarantee, based on the principle of party discipline, that Comrade Cheng Dong and Comrade Man Xuexi are capable of meeting the challenges ahead."

"I guarantee that both comrades are absolutely loyal."

"I guarantee they will persevere despite the difficulties and continue leading the Ironclad Regiment forward."

"I guarantee it!!!"

"Okay, that's enough." Zhou Feng nodded, then picked up the documents and stood up to walk over to Chen Mo.

"Battalion Commander Chen Mo, please keep this investigation confidential and do not disclose it to anyone."

"Also, since you believe in their abilities, I'll tell you another piece of information."

“The training can’t be delayed any longer. Over the years, many cadres have gone through the intermediate training program at Shicheng Lu Zhi. You are the only one who dares to be ten days late.”

"For the next ten or even twenty years, you'll probably be the kind of person who dares to be this late. I think you should pack your bags and get going."

"be late?"

Chen Mo was taken aback for a moment: "No, I already asked for leave, sir."

"I personally will absolutely obey the arrangements made by the training center, but due to the combat training in the battalion..."

Before Chen Mo could finish speaking, Zhou Feng picked up the signed document, returned to his seat, and said with a smile, "Your leave doesn't count."

"This intermediate training was arranged by the General Political Department, and Xu Hong has no right to interfere with the timing."

"I still suggest you set off as soon as possible. You're already ten days late. If you don't want to be infamous in Luzhi, you'd better leave quickly."

"Alright, the questioning of Battalion Commander Chen is over. Please leave!"

When Chen Mo came out of the conference room, his head was spinning.

What the hell.

Why did things turn out differently than I expected?
He was inexplicably ten days late, and now that everyone from Zhongpei had arrived, he couldn't even imagine what kind of expressions they would have when he rushed over.

That's incredibly audacious!

Since Cheng Dong still had a full year of study to complete and was subject to investigation, Chen Mo did not return to his office but went directly to the administration building.

At this moment, Wang Jianbin, Zhang Chuan, Qin Xiaojun, Liang Hongjie, and others were waiting anxiously.

I saw him come out.

Old Wang strode forward, his face full of worry, and asked, "How are you, Scholar? You haven't done anything wrong, have you?"

Why is there such a big commotion all of a sudden?

"fine."

Chen Mo waved his hand, then looked at Wang Jianyong: "Dayong, you can continue to work as a communications soldier with the company commander from now on."

"Go to the dorm and help me unpack my luggage."

"so serious?"

When Wang Jianyong heard that he needed to pack his luggage, he was completely stunned.

"Battalion Commander, you've been discharged?"

The group of cadres around them were on tenterhooks, exchanging bewildered glances.

Goodness, they've been training quietly lately and haven't done anything out of line. They've just been a little less at comforting people, but that's not enough to warrant expulsion, is it?

"What dismissal? Don't talk nonsense."

Chen Mo shook his head, his face full of helplessness: "Zhongpei is about to leave. I originally thought there were still eight or nine days left."

"The leaders of the General Political Department just informed me that I am ten days late. If we look back five years or forward ten years, I am probably the number one person in the world of lateness."

"We have no choice but to set off."

Hearing the battalion commander's helpless tone, everyone suppressed their laughter. If you push it back five years, or forward ten years, or even a hundred years, no one would dare to be more than ten days late for cadre training, right?

Field troops always arrive early; when have they ever been late?

What's more, it's something so important.

"Zhou Cang!"

When Zhang Chuan heard Chen Mo packing his bags to leave, he immediately turned around and ordered, "Go, notify the guard battalion to come back. The battalion commander is leaving. Even if we can't hold a large-scale farewell party during the combat training, we can't let the battalion commander leave alone."

"All personnel assemble at the battalion's camp!"

"Yes!"

With the guard battalion taking the lead, the tank company commander, the mechanized infantry company commander, and many other officers on site all reacted.

Yes.

Xiucai was the backbone of the Blue Army camp; he couldn't keep his departure a secret from the soldiers.

Zhongpei isn't a bad thing, so why be secretive about it?

Even the simplest farewell ceremony must be held.

Chen Mo didn't refuse; after all, he had personally trained this army.

How could I be at ease when I'm leaving?

We have to face it eventually, we have to say goodbye eventually!

(End of this chapter)