Soldiers Assault: Starting from the 7th Steel Company

Chapter 163 We must do it even if there are no conditions!
Chen Jiang not only practiced what he preached in cross-country running, insisting on training with the entire squadron, but also demonstrated his true soldier king demeanor in other subjects. In particular, in shooting, Chen Jiang relied on the huge benefits brought by the system upgrade, and could shoot at will.

For them, hitting the rings within 100 meters is as easy as eating and drinking.

If it weren't for the fear of arousing unnecessary suspicion, he would have gotten perfect scores on every shot. With the system's support, his shooting within 100 meters is now so easy that the target seems to be right next to him.

For him now, hitting the nine rings is actually more difficult than hitting the ten rings. He has to deliberately miss without anyone noticing. Do you think that's difficult?

If you said these words to someone else, they would probably be shocked.

Chen Jiang's superior skills in training earned him unprecedented prestige among everyone in the squadron, and several newly arrived "troublemakers" were quickly subdued by him.

You disagree? Come out and have a match!
If you can beat them, then rest.

Can't beat them? Then I'm sorry, you're in trouble!
This is the military: as long as you have real strength, your subordinates will never disobey you.

The physical training of Brigade A was already among the best in the military, so there was no need to waste too much time on physical training. Chen Jiang urgently needed to push the informatization of the troops to the second step.

Before starting the second step, three things must be done.

First, we need to acquire new equipment. The so-called informatization relies on computers and the Internet. Without computers and networks, it's just empty talk.

These items must be procured through special military channels, unlike ordinary civilian computers.

In addition to these, we also need to develop a data terminal for each soldier. To put it simply, it's similar to a small mobile phone, except that in the military, this device only needs to be able to receive and output data, as well as have GPS positioning capabilities.

This is something that doesn't exist in the military yet, so Chen Jiang had already put a lot of effort into it. During his hospitalization, he received news from Chu Ning that the National University of Defense Technology seemed to have this research project.

So Chen Jiang contacted them in time, and to his surprise, it turned out to be his former class teacher, Chen Jingsong, from the military academy. He had been transferred from the Army Command Academy to the National University of Defense Technology, or rather, he had been promoted to the position of vice dean of the School of Information Technology Science.

It's much easier to connect with him directly.

Secondly, we need to address the mindset within the company. Although most of the soldiers in the company are officers, their combat thinking remains stuck in traditional combat methods. This is true even for a main force regiment like the 702nd Regiment, let alone other units.

We must change the outdated notion that "warfare is all about planes, cannons, and tanks," so that people can proactively accept the introduction of new equipment and knowledge.

The third and most difficult step is getting talent!
Compared to the challenges in equipment, this was the most difficult point, because by this time, information technology equipment had already reached a certain level. At the very least, computer hardware had begun to be updated intensively, and a number of high-tech technologies were emerging.

Talented individuals are extremely rare. In the early 21st century, there were not many undergraduates in China, and graduate students were even rarer. In particular, computer science students were highly sought after by most companies. Why would they be willing to join the military?

Without the participation of these key personnel, Chen Jiang's construction of an information-based squadron would be like water without roots, impossible to even begin.

After much thought, he decided to visit several universities to see if anyone was willing to give up a high-paying job outside and join the army, just like him.

Due to time constraints, Chen Jiang is focusing on completing the first two steps.

He stayed up for three nights to write a detailed plan for the equipment budget, which included the equipment to be purchased and the funds required.

Of course, a well-reasoned report analysis was also attached.

The ideological shift within the squadron was much more difficult to implement than he had imagined, because information technology required learning computers and English, two subjects that were weak points for most of the squadron members.

Especially Wu Liuyi, whose academic performance was terrible, so when Chen Jiang proposed this idea at the squadron meeting, most people were hesitant and felt that they hadn't even mastered Chinese yet, let alone a foreign language? Wasn't that just a pipe dream?
Therefore, Chen Jiang could only do ideological work one by one, especially for Wu Liuyi. He asked Wu Liuyi what he would use to compete with others when he was promoted to fourth-term sergeant.

Without solid skills, things will become increasingly difficult. After all, the military doesn't employ useless people. When you can't compete with others, there's a high probability of being eliminated.

Wu Liuyi really wanted to stay in the army. Shi Jin at least went to the experimental brigade and had technical skills, but what would he do in the future?
Thinking of this, he could only listen to Chen Jiang and give it a try. What if he could learn it? Then he would become a "high-end" talent.

After Wu Liuyi's efforts were successful, things became much easier for the others. With Chen Jiang's tireless persuasion and guidance, at least on the surface, the squadron was ready to accept the new technology.

Immediately afterwards, with Yuan Lang's support, Chen Jiang went to the military region to report on his work and seek further support.

After much effort, Chen Jiang was given 10 minutes to give a report at the high-level meeting of the military region. Chen Jiang reiterated his ideas in a concise manner, and the specific content had been submitted before the meeting started.

After Chen Jiang finished speaking, several high-ranking military officers raised a few questions, which Chen Jiang answered one by one. When Gao Jianjun gave Chen Jiang a slight nod, he knew that the matter was most likely settled.

After the meeting, Chen Jiang and Yuan Lang waited anxiously outside for the results. In the evening, Gao Jianjun finally dragged his tired body out of the meeting room. His secretary, Zhao Yide, was already quite familiar with Chen Jiang. Because the leader had given instructions, he quickly arranged a small reception room, served tea to Yuan Lang and Chen Jiang, and then consciously withdrew.

"Xiao Chen, you have quite the courage," Gao Jianjun said with a smile.

Chen Jiang knew that the funding and equipment he had applied for were not simple, but this was the first step the army had taken to truly improve its combat effectiveness through informatization, especially since his squadron could be considered a pilot unit. This money really had to be poured into it.

"Sir, I know these things are difficult to handle, and the expenses involved are quite high, but..."

Gao Jianjun waved his hand after hearing this, "You think I said you're asking for too much money? I'm not that petty!"

He glanced at the somewhat bewildered Chen Jiang, then continued thoughtfully, "Years ago, I went with Commander Liu to visit the US Navy. The old commander was over 60 years old, but to see as much of the ship's structure as possible, he didn't stop for an entire hour." "I'll never forget that scene. To get a clear look at the details on the aircraft carrier's instrument panel, the old commander leaned to the side, stood on tiptoe, practically glued himself to it for a closer look. As soon as the visit was over, he excused himself, saying he wasn't feeling well, and found a place to write down everything he'd seen, all so he could provide valuable insights for the country's naval development."

"The old commander had an excellent memory; he could remember almost everything he saw. In that one hour, he actually filled half a notebook with notes, and afterwards he even asked me if there was anything he needed to add. I was very touched by this."

Chen Jiang knew who Gao Jianjun was talking about and knew the story, but he didn't know it in such detail.

“Those were tough times, but we made it through. The reason it was tough was mainly because we didn’t have the same equipment as them!” Gao Jianjun said, his right hand trembling slightly as he spoke.

"Many people say our soldiers are fearless, defeating the enemy with inferior weapons and equipment! But I want to say that if our equipment were better, or at least the gap wasn't so large, then so many of our lovely soldiers wouldn't have had to risk their lives. They're all children of their parents, sigh~"

Gao Jianjun's eyes were a little moist.

He took out a handkerchief to wipe his face, took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, and then continued, "So if you want new equipment, we must support you! I can't give you aircraft carriers and advanced fighter jets, but if you want computers and electronic warfare equipment, our army group can afford to provide them!"

"Information technology development, just like mechanization in the past, must keep pace with the times! If we fall behind, we will be bullied! So if we have the conditions, we should do it; if we don't have the conditions, we should create them and get it done."

He looked firmly at Chen Jiang and Yuan Lang, "I've convinced the other team members to approve all of these things! If there are any, get them from the Equipment Department immediately; if not, coordinate with the National University of Defense Technology and find a way to develop them quickly. We must ensure the modernization of the armed forces."

Chen Jiang was deeply moved. He never expected Gao Jianjun to be so supportive of his proposal. So what reason did he have not to work hard?
"Commander, rest assured, with your support, I will definitely get the squadron's information technology pilot project up and running!" Chen Jiang said confidently.

"It's not just about getting it started, it's about doing it well! Only when it's successful can your experience be promoted throughout the entire army and ultimately propel our country's defense cause forward by leaps and bounds!" Gao Jianjun's perspective was clearly much broader; he focused on the entire army and didn't get bogged down in one particular aspect.

Yuan Lang immediately stood up and said, "The commander is right, we must make it a success! On behalf of Team A, I would like to express our full support for Chen Jiang's information technology pilot project."

The two men were very excited as they walked out of Gao Jianjun's reception room. It was a huge trust, but also a heavy responsibility.

Zhao Yide still escorted the two downstairs. He was increasingly convinced that Chen Jiang was no ordinary person. Placing such a pilot project concerning the upgrading of the army in his small unit would be a major event that would cause a sensation throughout the entire army if it succeeded.

When you're showered with immense honor, what's wrong with that?
So, contrary to his usual behavior, he escorted the two downstairs. Yuan Lang understood Zhao Yide's purpose, but it was only natural for him to do so, so he was quite polite.

With Gao Jianjun's support, the two went straight to the Logistics and Equipment Department, where they ran into Chen Jiang's old acquaintance, Major Staff Officer Shao Bin, who is now the head of the Information Technology Section of the Logistics and Equipment Department.

The two had traveled together on a plane, so they were acquaintances.

Furthermore, the latest directives from the military region meeting had reached him, so it was impossible for him not to fully cooperate.

He provided Chen Jiang with the best and latest models of computers and other equipment he needed. In addition, he gave him extra equipment as backups and replacements on top of the amount he required.

This made Chen Jiang feel quite flattered. In fact, Shao Bin also saw Chen Jiang's potential. Such a promising young military star with unlimited potential, wouldn't it be foolish not to befriend him at this time?
Encouraged by his smooth sailing in the military region, Chen Jiang decided to strike while the iron was hot and directly address the personnel issue. This was difficult in the military region because it was also short of computer talent, so he had to go to Professor Chen Jingsong, who had been transferred to the National University of Defense Technology, on his own.

Teacher Chen Jingsong received him very warmly, first praising him and saying that he was indeed an outstanding student, as he had taught him before.

At the same time, the school assured that it would organize a research team to tackle the technical challenges Chen Jiang needed and would be able to obtain what he required soon.

The only problem he was truly struggling with was the issue of talent.

Because it was impossible for the teachers at the National University of Defense Technology to go to the A Brigade with Chen Jiang. At that time, the treatment in the army and military academies was not comparable. Moreover, the computer talents in these academies were the country's treasures. How could they give up everything to go to the A Brigade, a deputy division-level combat unit?
As for the graduates under these experts, they have basically been "reserved" by various military regions, while the other students who are still studying are "too far to be of immediate use".

They can afford to wait, but Chen Jiang can't wait that long.

These difficulties left Chen Jiang dumbfounded. Without people, all his equipment was just scrap metal, utterly meaningless.

Teacher Chen told Chen Jiang not to worry, because he had also been thinking about Chen Jiang's situation these past few days, and therefore proposed a compromise:

We can select some outstanding students or key teachers from the National University of Defense Technology to teach the students of the A Battalion, teaching them English and computer skills. After all, many soldiers in the A Battalion need to improve their basic academic knowledge, and it would be more than enough for the students to handle these tasks.

At the same time, it will not hinder these people's "future," which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

As for the information technology construction talents that Chen Jiang needs most, namely computer experts, he could only suggest that he use his connections to recruit outstanding students from various universities across the country who are willing to devote themselves to the information technology construction of the military.

Although such recruitment would be difficult, because at that time, computer experts could get very good salaries and benefits at large companies, and the military simply could not provide comparable conditions.

But Chen Jiang had no better options and could only try anything as a last resort.

He spent two days at the National University of Defense Technology, mainly communicating face-to-face with experts from several research groups through the introduction of Professor Chen Jingsong. The two sides conducted in-depth discussions on the development of equipment needed by Team A.

At the same time, a group of teachers and students were selected to teach at Team A in exchange for elective courses that would increase their GPA or provide additional rewards.

Chen Jiang had carefully selected all these people, preferring quality over quantity.

Fortunately, the National University of Defense Technology is a top-tier military academy in China, and the quality of its teachers and students is absolutely excellent. Therefore, he quickly selected a group of people he admired as "mentors and guides." These people will carry his dream of building an informationized military force and embark on the most brilliant chapter of their lives.

(End of this chapter)