With the encouragement of my family, I volunteered to enlist. After passing the selection process, I was accepted and enlisted in early Spring 2024. Thus, my dream has come true; I have become a soldier of Uncle Ho's army.

Holding the enlistment notice in my hand, a feeling of excitement and anticipation welled up inside me. I was happy to be fulfilling my duty as a citizen to my country. I was happy to be wearing the green military uniform. My whole family busily prepared my belongings for my enlistment.

Illustration photo: qdnd.vn

I remember the day I left for military service. Early in the morning, flags and flowers adorned every street. The troop handover ceremony at the district stadium was conducted solemnly. The traditional flame was lit, and the resounding drums of the troop handover ceremony echoed, urging and invigorating us on this day of enlistment. It was also a message from our homeland, trusting that we would continue to uphold the traditions of our forefathers, giving our all, studying and training diligently, and excellently fulfilling our assigned duties, contributing our strength and youth to our homeland and country. Wearing our uniforms still smelling of new fabric, backpacks slung over our shoulders, and the glittering gold star on our caps, amidst the lively military march music and the applause of those attending the ceremony, we confidently and proudly stepped across the "Bridge of Glory," beginning our passionate and responsible journey of protecting the Fatherland.

Before the vehicle departed to take us to our new unit, the gifts, bouquets of fresh flowers, warm handshakes, hugs, and heartfelt words of advice from family and friends were truly touching…

In the early days of our military service, coming from different rural areas into our "new family," everything was strange and unfamiliar, from daily routines and military regulations to military etiquette and conduct—it seemed impossible to get used to. Yet, during those unfamiliar and sometimes discouraging moments, the unit commanders, from squads and platoons to battalions, and sometimes even the regimental commander, were always there, diligently guiding and instructing us in even the smallest details.

During training sessions on the field or field trips for community outreach in the local area where we were stationed, we were always supervised and assisted by our unit commanders. We always treated each other like brothers; after training and studying, we would play sports together, grow vegetables, tend our gardens, and share stories about our hometowns. The joyful stories and songs of our comrades helped us ease our homesickness. When I was sick, I always received kind visits from my comrades and unit commanders. It was this love and support from my comrades that helped me overcome difficulties, integrate, and gain confidence in the military environment.

Like an older brother in the family, our company commander often encouraged us: "When I first joined the unit, everything was new to me. Over time, with my own efforts and the guidance of my comrades, and the camaraderie we shared, I became stronger and more confident. I believe you will be the same."

Yes! My comrades and I believe so too. The military environment has instilled in us a spirit of solidarity and mutual support, the courage of a revolutionary soldier, and the resilience to overcome all difficulties. Although we have faced challenging trials, the sharing and support from superiors at all levels and from our comrades will become a driving force, a source of strength, and a valuable asset for each of us to overcome all difficulties and move forward confidently in life.

If anyone asks about our feelings towards the unit, my comrades and I will proudly say: "The unit is as warm as a family." That family is the foundation upon which we train, contribute, and strive to grow.

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