With the encouragement of my family, I volunteered to join the army. After the examination, I was selected and joined the army in early Spring 2024. So my dream came true, I became Uncle Ho's soldier.

Holding the decision to join the army in my hand, I felt excited and nervous. Happy because I could fulfill my duty as a citizen to my country. Happy to wear the green uniform of a soldier. My whole family was busy preparing my luggage for me to join the army.

Illustration photo: qdnd.vn

I remember the day I left for the army, early in the morning, everywhere on the streets, flags and flowers were shining brightly. The military enlistment ceremony at the district stadium was solemnly held. The traditional fire was lit, the drums of the military enlistment ceremony resounded loudly, as if urging and giving us more strength on the military enlistment day. It was also a message from our homeland, trusting that we would always continue to uphold the tradition of our fathers and brothers, do our best, study hard, train, and excellently complete the assigned tasks, contributing our strength and youth to our homeland and country. Wearing the military uniform that still smelled of new fabric, carrying a backpack, sparkling with a golden star on the cap, amidst the bustling military music and the applause of the people attending the ceremony, we confidently and proudly walked across the "Bridge of Glory", starting our journey of enthusiasm and responsibility with the task of protecting the Fatherland.

Before the car took us to the new unit, the gifts, fresh flowers, handshakes, warm hugs and kisses, and advice from relatives and friends were so touching...

In the first days of enlistment, coming from different hometowns to a “new family”, everything was strange and confusing, from implementing the daily regimes, the regulations of the Army; and then the military manners and etiquette, it seemed like we could not get used to it. However, in those strange and sometimes discouraging times, the unit commanders from squad, platoon, battalion, and sometimes even the regimental commander were always there, wholeheartedly guiding and instructing us from the smallest things.

During training sessions on the training ground or during field trips to do mass mobilization work in the locality, we were always accompanied and helped by the unit commander. Always seeing each other as brothers and sisters, after hours of studying and training, we played sports together, grew vegetables, tended flower gardens, and told each other stories from home. The funny stories and songs of our comrades helped us ease our homesickness. One day when I was sick, I always received the kind visits of my comrades and unit leaders. Thanks to the love of my comrades, I overcame all difficulties to integrate and be confident in the military environment.

Like the eldest brother in the family, the company commander often encouraged us: "When I first joined the unit, everything was confusing. Over time, with my own efforts and the guidance of my unit brothers, and the love my comrades had for each other, I became stronger and more confident. I believe that you will be the same."

Yes! My comrades and I believe so. The military environment has trained and equipped us with the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance, the mettle of a revolutionary soldier, and the will to overcome all difficulties. Although we have to go through difficult challenges, with the sharing and help of leaders at all levels and comrades, it will become the motivation, the strength, and the valuable provisions for each of us to overcome all difficulties and walk firmly on the path of life.

If anyone asks about our feelings about the unit, my teammates and I will proudly say: The unit is “warm like a family”. That family is the support for us to practice, contribute, and strive to become more mature.

DANG PHUONG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/don-vi-toi-am-ap-nhu-mot-gia-dinh-834622