When the Unit Is Home and Comrades Are Family

(DTO) At Regiment 924 (under the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command), the initial bewilderment and homesickness of young soldiers during their first days of enlistment are gradually fading. The disciplined rhythm of life in the barracks and on the training grounds is becoming familiar, marking the beginning of a journey of training and growth for recruits in the "Uncle Ho's Soldiers" uniform.

DILIGENT STUDY AND TRAINING

Leaving behind their hometowns and families to don the green uniform, each young man carries his own story and complex emotions

Some are eager, while others feel a hint of nostalgia when first stepping into the military environment. Yet, it is within this disciplined environment, rich in comradeship and brotherhood, that these young men gradually find connection, sharing, and the motivation to strive and mature.

New recruit Pham Minh Khang shared: “Before enlisting, I thought the Army was an extremely strict environment, so I was somewhat anxious. However, with the spirit of a youth in the new era, I told myself I must stay determined to fulfill all tasks well.

Since the first day arriving at the unit, my comrades and I have consistently received care and encouragement from commanders at all levels, along with dedicated guidance from the Squad Leaders.”

Within each squad, soldiers stand side by side, supporting one another in study, training and daily life. Thanks to that, homesickness gradually fades. “I now see the unit as my second home and am determined to train well,” the young recruit added.

Upon entering the military environment, the recruits began to familiarize themselves with a disciplined and regular lifestyle. From folding blankets into neat squares and arranging personal items tidily to maintaining orderly hygiene and mastering military etiquette, gestures, and forms of address-everything is practiced strictly according to the unit's regulations and regimes.

These seemingly simple tasks are the initial steps that help each soldier form a military posture, gradually adapting to the new environment.

As those who are "first among soldiers, last among officers," the Squad Leaders are the ones closest to the recruits, accompanying them through the initial days and throughout their months at the training center.

Sergeant Nguyen Van Tan Dat, Leader of Squad 10, Platoon 3, Company 1, Battalion 514, Regiment 924, stated that Squad Leaders are tasked with directly managing, mentoring, and accompanying new soldiers in their daily lives, studies, and training.

"Myself and other Squad Leaders eat, live, and work alongside the recruits, which provides us the opportunity to be close to them and understand their thoughts. 

Many soldiers are away from home for the first time, so initial bewilderment is inevitable. Therefore, besides providing training guidance, Squad Leaders frequently converse with and encourage them to feel at ease, viewing the unit as a family."

Not only during training hours or political studies but also during collective activities, evening breaks, or after meals, these moments become opportunities for officers and soldiers to talk and share. Through everyday stories, the distance between new recruits and their predecessors is gradually bridged, and the bond of comradeship and brotherhood grows ever stronger.

SWIFT ADAPTATION TO THE DISCIPLINED MILITARY LIFESTYLE

To help new recruits quickly stabilize their mindset and integrate into the military environment, the unit also organizes numerous meetings and exchanges in an open and cordial atmosphere.

Through these activities, each soldier has the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their family background, as well as their dreams and aspirations upon joining the army. These simple, heartfelt stories help bring them closer together, fostering unity within the collective.

According to First Lieutenant Pham Thanh Phuc, Political Officer of Company 1, Battalion 514, Regiment 924, before receiving the new recruits, the unit proactively made thorough preparations in all aspects—from dining and living quarters to training facilities, equipment, and personal military gear.

From the very first day of reception, through the eyes and gestures of the recruits, officers and commanders could somewhat sense their bewilderment when entering a new environment. 

Therefore, while strictly maintaining military regimes and regulations, officers at all levels remain close to the soldiers to promptly grasp their thoughts, providing encouragement and ideological orientation to help them feel secure in their studies and training.

After completing initial procedures such as stabilizing organizational staffing, conducting health re-examinations, and issuing military gear, the units quickly entered the new recruit training phase. 

The training content focuses on equipping soldiers with fundamental knowledge of politics, military affairs, and regulations, while simultaneously honing their skills in using weapons and equipment in accordance with standards.

On the training grounds, under the dry season sun of the Dong Thap Muoi region, new recruits diligently practice drill movements, formations, physical exercises, and military training modules.

Though initially clumsy, through daily rigor, each movement has gradually become more decisive and proficient. 

Throughout the training process, the dedicated guidance of officers and commanders serves as a steadfast spiritual anchor for the new soldiers.

Beyond their roles as commanders, many officers act as elder brothers and friends, ready to listen and share, helping the soldiers overcome the initial hardships of being away from home. Consequently, the young men who were once bewildered have gradually adapted to the disciplined rhythm of the Army.

Comradeship and brotherhood grow increasingly steadfast, serving as a source of motivation for every soldier to strive further in their studies and training. 

From the simple aspects of daily life, a "common home" has gradually taken shape in the heart of each soldier. In this place, the unit becomes a familiar roof, and comrades become close-knit brothers.

It is this profound and meaningful military environment that is forging the mettle, will, and responsibility of the youth toward the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland.

By CONG THANG - HA NAM
Translated by X.QUANG