10 days of enlistment in the Artillery Brigade

In mid-March 2026, at Brigade 6 ( thuộc Military Region 9, stationed in Binh Duc ward, An Giang province), young men in their twenties, having just left their familiar homes, began to adapt to military life.

Through each training session, each hour of extracurricular activities, each communal meal, and each night filled with warm camaraderie, the new recruits gradually integrate into the disciplined environment, writing the first chapter of their journey to maturity in the military uniform.

We visited the unit in the afternoon, when agricultural production activities provided the new recruits with many interesting experiences. In the small garden of the barracks, rows of green vegetables were being cultivated and cared for by the soldiers together.

Some tilled the soil, others watered the plants, and still others weeded… everyone pitched in, but they were all happy. The new recruits, hailing from An Giang and Dong Thap provinces and accustomed to rural life, now understood even more the value of hard work and the rewards of teamwork.

New recruits are increasing agricultural production in the vegetable garden.

Nguyen Dang Khang (a soldier in Squad 5, Platoon 5, Company 3, 1st Artillery Battalion) was used to raising cattle in the countryside of Tan Long, Dong Thap province. “I’m an only child, and I shouldered most of the heavy work at home. Now that I’ve enlisted, I have to rely on my parents for everything. The first night at the unit, I had trouble sleeping, tossing and turning. Now I’m used to it; pulling weeds, tilling the soil, and planting vegetables all feel familiar,” Khang said.

The platoons were divided into two groups to play volleyball.

The sepak takraw game is played in a circle with 10 players.

Sports time is perhaps the moment that new recruits look forward to the most. Volleyball, sepak takraw, badminton matches... take place with great enthusiasm amidst the excited cheers of their comrades. Sweat beads on their young faces, but everyone is radiant, because with each run, each ball, the distance between the young soldiers seems to be shortened, strengthening their camaraderie and fellowship.

Soldier Nguyen Van Nu carefully styles his comrade's hair.

Looking across the courtyard, I noticed Nguyen Van Nu (a soldier from Squad 6), his whole body covered in hair, but his smile was still radiant. Nu said, “I’m 18 years old this year, but I’ve been a hairdresser for four years in Ho Chi Minh City. Although I specialize in styling women’s hair, I’m still very confident cutting soldiers’ hair to 3cm lengths. Since enlisting a few days ago, four or five of my comrades have asked for my help. Because of that, I’ve adapted to the military environment faster and feel like I’m able to use my abilities.”

Excited to go to the cafeteria to "recharge" in the afternoon.

The joy of bonding among soldiers in the same squad.

Mealtime at the unit also leaves a lasting impression on new recruits. After training or work, the soldiers gather at the mess hall, lining up neatly, holding their bowls and chopsticks firmly. The meal, though simple, is warm and cozy, with green vegetable soup from the unit's own garden, flavorful savory dishes, and lively laughter and conversation.

Sitting together in their uniforms, the young soldiers quickly became close, sharing stories about their hometowns, families, and future plans. My camera had to work almost constantly, as they wanted to capture precious souvenir photos to remember their youthful days of "straight-cut blankets and short haircuts."

Review the content in the Soldier's Handbook.

In the evening, the barracks were still bustling with activities specifically for new recruits. This included reviewing songs, reciting the Ten Oaths of Honor, listening to news readings, watching current events, and participating in "Three-Person Group" activities. Huynh Bao Kha, Tran Van Sat, and Ho Viet Khoi (soldiers of Squad 5) shared: "We were assigned to three-person groups randomly. We had almost nothing in common: different ages, different hometowns, different jobs. But the three of us got along very well and have always been ready to help each other since enlisting."

Major Trinh Minh Duc (Deputy Political Officer of Artillery Battalion 1) said that the first lesson for new recruits upon enlistment is a traditional orientation, so that everyone understands that this is an artillery unit, the ground firepower of Military Region 9, with 63 years of combat and growth. Every year, the unit focuses on building a highly trained artillery unit, contributing to improving the combat skills and capabilities of the troops, ready to fight in strategic missions, on strategic directions and key defense areas of Military Region 9.

“This year’s new recruits have adapted to the military environment very quickly. In just over a week, they have basically mastered the basic movements of arranging their personal belongings and learned some prescribed songs. In addition, during daily activities, each comrade demonstrated the ability to cooperate, a spirit of solidarity, and readiness to go through two years of military service with a proactive and cheerful attitude,” Major Trinh Minh Duc commented.

The joy of young soldiers in their first week of enlistment.

At 7 PM, the officers and soldiers moved on to the Youth Forum. This was the first group activity for the new recruits during the March Youth Month. The sounds of music and singing filled the air under the warm yellow lights. Some bravely sang, others participated in group games, creating a lively and cohesive atmosphere. These moments helped dispel homesickness during their first days away from family.

Just half a month ago, they were young men from the fields and cities, but now they share small tasks, laugh and chat during communal meals, and encourage each other through each day of training. The first days in the military may have been somewhat daunting, but it is precisely from these simple things that the character of a soldier is gradually forged, making their 20s even more meaningful at the heroic 6th Brigade.

GIA KHANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/10-ngay-nhap-ngu-lu-doan-phao-binh-a479624.html