The story of discipline: The "earth ginseng" company

Stopping at Suoi Cat, the battalion commander jokingly called our Company 3 the "earth ginseng" company. This nickname came about because we had committed a mistake back then, and the unit commander kept reminding us to educate the soldiers.

That day, I was assigned by the battalion commander to do civilian outreach work, asking the local people to provide temporary shelter for the soldiers overnight before they marched to the training site.

Hearing the news of the soldiers' arrival, the villagers were overjoyed and excited, telling the soldiers to feel at home. The warm affection of the villagers eased our fatigue. However, in the spirit of Uncle Ho's soldiers, we reminded each other to always be neat and clean, avoiding causing inconvenience to the people. Early in the morning, the officers and soldiers voluntarily helped the villagers clean the village roads and alleys thoroughly before setting off.

Illustration: qdnd.vn

On behalf of the unit, I went to each house to thank and say goodbye to the villagers. Meeting Uncle Tam in the backyard, deep in thought in front of some empty holes in the ground, I immediately asked him:

- What kind of tree are you planning to plant that you've dug so many holes?

- It wasn't you who dug it up. This is the ginseng garden you planted last time; it was still here yesterday, but now it's gone!

Seeing the digging marks of military equipment, I suspected it might be from one of my soldiers, so I asked the commander for permission to quickly run to the company's assembly area:

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- Which comrade dug up those ginseng plants in Uncle Tam's garden?

Quyết quickly raised his hand:

"Yes, I dug them up!" Quyết said, then brought out a bundle containing nearly a dozen ginseng roots.

- Why are you digging up ginseng from Uncle Tam's land? Did you ask anyone's permission?

- Yes! I thought that ginseng was growing wild, so I dug it up for my father to drink!

I gently tapped Quyết on the head and asked:

Have you ever seen any wild trees growing in such a straight line?

"Yes... yes...!" Quyết stammered an apology when he realized his disastrous mistake.

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Quyết and I went back to apologize and return the ginseng plants, but Uncle Tám smiled kindly and said, "I thought it was someone else, but I wouldn't begrudge the soldiers. I'll give them to you as a gift!"

Although we were forgiven by the President, we deeply understand that this was a major shortcoming that requires serious reflection and learning from. Many years have passed since then, but every time we carry out a mission, we use it as a lesson to remind our soldiers about discipline in civilian affairs.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/cau-chuyen-ky-luat-dai-doi-sam-dat-1041704