Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
After reporting to the Company Commander and the Instructor, my confidence grew even stronger. In the days that followed, in addition to addressing weaknesses, I focused more on overall coordination, especially during the training for Crossing the Sea to Island Obstacle. We adjusted personnel order almost every two to three sessions to achieve a faster overall completion time.
In this tense atmosphere, aside from regular training, nearly the entire unit engaged in additional practice. Time flew by, and soon it was the day of the unit assessment.
The assessment lasted a week, with each subject being tested twice. Those who finished early could rest first, and at the end, scores were tallied for ranking. The order went from the First Battalion to the Third Battalion, followed by the Special Operations Unit and Staff Officers. The design was quite scientific and reasonable.
The Armed Cross-Country Five Kilometers took place within our unit's assessment area, on a route shaped like a paperclip called Inner Loop Road, which was uneven and undulating.
According to our formation sequence, our company was the first to start. The starting point was at the Playground, where we would run a lap and then return to the starting point to complete the course. The Supervisor was checking equipment one by one, especially water bottles, which had to be filled; otherwise, it would be considered cheating. Once we started, there would be soldiers from various units watching along the route, making it impossible to pour out water while running.
Regardless of everything, as we were about to begin, I felt a bit nervous. After finishing the checks, I rolled up my Camouflage Uniform sleeves and pant legs, tightened my belt, took a deep breath, and stood at the front of our formation waiting for the signal.
The Company Commander led us at the front. Following our unit's established method, as long as we could keep up with the Company Commander, there would be no issues for our entire company. The unit assessment included everyone; even Culinary Team soldiers had to carry cooking equipment as a reference. Therefore, the Instructor brought a top soldier at the back to assist those who were struggling so they wouldn't fall behind.
With a command given, our entire company surged forward with the Company Commander leading us out of the starting line. Initially running in formation, we in A Row were at the front, four abreast. The pace was quick and our strides were long. My eyes were fixed on the legs of the Company Commander ahead of me as I pushed aside distractions and adjusted my breathing and steps to closely follow him. Gradually, my mind emptied; all that remained was the mechanical rhythm of moving my legs, swinging my arms, and breathing…
Despite having trained many times before, when we reached a quarter of the distance remaining, I found myself gradually falling back into mid-rear positions. According to our prior agreement, by this time our unit was no longer lined up in formation; all soldiers who could keep up with the Company Commander moved ahead in the front half of the group. What started as four abreast had turned into single file. Those who fell behind drifted back further as the length of our formation began to stretch out. The Instructor still hadn’t caught up with us; I felt a bit anxious but reminded myself that both he and the Company Commander must have been prepared for this situation. I pushed aside my worries and focused on keeping pace with my teammates.
After rounding a concave hilltop, I suddenly heard a loud roar from behind—someone had picked up speed! I instinctively quickened my pace as their voices drew closer. Unable to resist glancing back, I was stunned: there was the Instructor carrying three rifles on his back along with a pot! He held onto a backpack strap while another Top Soldier beside him also carried two rifles and urged everyone forward like a net catching stragglers. In between them was a squad leader with two rifles who occasionally pushed those in contact with him using his hands and backpack strap!
The Instructor shouted fiercely, “There are just a few hundred meters left! Push yourselves and run!” With that encouragement from him, those behind surged forward as if fueled by adrenaline; they were about to overtake me! Damn it! I had been breathing in a two-step rhythm but quickly adjusted my breathing pattern to deepen and quicken it as I began sprinting.
At that moment, I heard the Company Commander ahead also shouting loudly: “Those behind need to catch up! We’re going all out now!”
Upon hearing this command from ahead, everyone in front began shouting and charging forward vigorously. The overall speed surged dramatically; in no time at all we reached the edge of the playground and turned into the track.
As I sprinted onto the track from the playground entrance, I caught sight of Gao Ge standing there expressionless watching us. At that moment, I felt he must have anticipated this outcome; it seemed likely that our performance would be quite good.
I didn't have time to think too much as the number of people around me dwindled, everyone rushing ahead. Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself to increase my pace for a final sprint. With each second, it felt like my lungs were on fire, and my ears began to ring; the sounds around me became indistinct. All I could see was the Company Commander crossing the finish line, turning to shout something at us.
I shifted my weight forward, forcing myself to speed up. The distance of just a few dozen meters felt like an eternity, but finally, I burst through the line!
Slowing down from a run to a walk, I gasped for breath and took a big gulp from my water bottle. I glanced around and saw that most of the Unit had finished. Just then, I spotted He Baisha charging across the line with a roar before collapsing onto the ground. Behind him were the Instructor and two soldiers pulling along three more soldiers with backpack straps, while another soldier was desperately pushing the second-to-last soldier forward.
A whistle blew sharply!
The examiner shouted, "All members of First Company have finished running, all excellent! The overall score exceeds the excellent standard by 40 seconds!" I let out a sigh of relief. It’s worth noting that at another point, the Supervisor was counting heads; if even one person was missing, it would add zero seconds to our overall score. No one dared to cheat on the Unit's results.
"How did we do?" I leaned over to ask the Company Commander and Instructor. The Company Commander had just handed a cigarette to the Instructor and hadn’t had time to respond when the Instructor said, "This score isn't particularly high compared to our Unit's past assessments over these years. However, among all Units, we should definitely be first."
That’s good to hear, I thought to myself.
The advantage of being among the first to finish was being able to rest sooner. After learning our scores, everyone relaxed. Since these two units weren't training, our Unit allowed personnel some time for self-recovery. Some chose to go back and rest while others opted to stay by the Camp road and watch the excitement unfold; it was lively for a while.
The Observer teams from Fourth Company and Seventh Company also passed this assessment with All Excellent scores, though their times were significantly slower than ours. It seemed that "Building the Army's Twin Heroes" truly had its merits!
Wednesday marked the start of obstacle assessments, and we were again first in line. This wasn’t a major issue since our Unit only required everyone to achieve an excellent rating individually rather than as a group. As long as we followed our usual training regimen, there shouldn't be any problems. Sure enough, everyone passed the assessment relatively easily, achieving excellent results; another weight lifted off my shoulders.
Since I had arranged this part myself, I insisted on attending every assessment. After observing other Units' evaluations, I felt more confident about my own layout.
Friday was Armed Swimming day. The Company Commander and Instructor gathered those who struggled with swimming into one group while we supported them with tires as they pushed forward.
After the whistle blew, the entire company quickly entered the water in batches according to formation order. Once in the water, each group swam towards the opposite shore. The swimming area was wide enough that distances quickly opened up between us; only one group lagged behind. Thanks to the outstanding capabilities of our Company Commander and Instructor, my group was already near the front. At that moment, the Company Commander shouted, "It’s not far now; just paddle your best towards the shore! The Instructor and I will head back to assist the other two groups."
With that, both the Company Commander and Instructor swam back towards the last group to help them along. As expected, everyone in our company achieved All Excellent scores once again; my group arrived at the riverbank almost simultaneously with those led by the Company Commander and Instructor.
After checking that all the equipment was complete and intact, Supervisor recorded our exam results and deemed them valid. We all returned to change and rest, and on the way, we encountered Commander, who stopped the vehicle specifically to call down Company Commander and Instructor. He asked them to report on the assessment situation. Upon learning about Unit's final exam results, I saw Commander nodding repeatedly. After a brief conversation among the three, Commander left in his vehicle.
That evening, Company Commander and Instructor summoned me to Company Headquarters. They spoke with utmost seriousness, saying, "The assessment for Unit has concluded. Unless something unexpected happens, we should definitely be in the top three, and it's very likely we'll be first. The upcoming competition for Sharp Blade Company now depends on you." This only increased my pressure.
To be safe, I reported my plans and arrangements to both Commanders again. We went over the plan once more, listing all possible scenarios and responses. I didn't return to Barracks to sleep until late at night.
The weekend was when the scores were being compiled. I didn't schedule extra training for my squad but simply told everyone to make adjustments and prepare mentally for our turn to shine. The atmosphere was filled with tension and anticipation.
On Sunday evening during Roll Call, Commander announced the results of the competition assessment: our company indeed took first place! Seventh Company came in second, and Fourth Company took third! Just as everyone had expected. I looked around trying to spot the other two competitors to see their expressions, but unfortunately, I couldn't find them.
Next came the evaluation of the assessment, followed by the announcement of the competition process for Sharp Blade Company. The participating units were our First Company A Row, Seventh Company A Row, Fourth Company Three Rows, and Special Operations Unit Reconnaissance Platoon. The competition would be divided into Preliminary Round and Finals, with a draw determining the matchups. The Preliminary Round would take place on Monday, organized personally by the Deputy Chief of Staff. The winners would compete in the Finals on Tuesday after the military comprehensive assessment awards ceremony, which would also be organized by Commander. After the competition, there would be a flag presentation for the honorary title of Sharp Blade Company.
After Roll Call concluded, several Commanders from participating units stayed behind for the draw while I returned to wait for the results. It wasn't until nine o'clock at night that Company Commander and Instructor returned. They informed me of the draw results: we would face Fourth Company Three Rows; Seventh Company A Row would compete against Special Operations Reconnaissance Platoon.
The moment of truth was approaching! Wang Wei, you can do it! I encouraged myself inwardly.
(To be continued; more exciting content tomorrow!)
Comment 0 Comment Count