The important examination

After nearly three months of training, new recruits from four battalions under the 324th Division, including Battalions 14, 15, 16, and 17, participated in the final examination of the following subjects: AK submachine gun shooting (exercise 1) at hidden and visible targets during the day; grenade throwing for distance and accuracy; and explosives handling.

The 324th Division's shooting range in May was scorching hot. Even the gentle early summer breezes, though not yet carrying the "specialty" Lao wind, were enough to make the range feel like a frying pan. Despite the harsh weather, we witnessed the high spirits and determination of the unit's officers and soldiers. Banners, slogans, and flags adorned the entire range, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. Slogans like "Overcoming the sun, conquering the rain, enthusiastically practicing," "Calm, confident, determined to achieve excellence, absolute safety," and "Sweat on the training ground, less bloodshed on the battlefield"... spurred the officers and soldiers to overcome difficulties and strive for high results in the "three explosions" test. The commander's orders, delivered through the loudspeaker, were clear and decisive; the sounds of gunfire, explosives, and grenades reverberating in the thick, gunpowder-laden air further intensified the atmosphere of "battle."

According to Lieutenant Colonel Pham Le Tuan, Deputy Division Commander and Chief of Staff of the 324th Division, in the new recruit training mission, all units in the division have thoroughly understood and strictly implemented the 2023 training orders and plans; made full and meticulous preparations regarding training grounds, practice areas, materials, training models, lesson plans, organized officer training, and received and trained new recruits rigorously and seriously… Regarding the final inspection of the “three explosions,” the division has focused on directing units to do a good job of preparing training grounds, materials, equipment, weapons, and specific and meticulous equipment. Following the training content organized by the General Staff at the 10th Division (3rd Corps), the division organized a training course for officers throughout the division, the Military School of the Military Region, and five specialized brigades. Following the military district's training course, the unit continued to organize training for company-level training officers, battalion-level staff assistants, and regimental-level staff officers; carrying out the content and procedures for inspection in accordance with the Ministry's guidelines.

Along with organizing training according to the motto "basic, practical, and solid," emphasizing comprehensive and in-depth training; training from easy to difficult, from simple to complex, focusing on improving the practical skills and movement techniques of the troops. In the past, officers at all levels in the division have regularly closely monitored, guided, and encouraged new recruits, building their character and strong mentality, and determined to compete to achieve high results in the "three explosions" test.

Captain Nguyen Tien Dung, Battalion Commander of Battalion 14, said: “This ‘three explosions’ inspection took place under extremely hot weather conditions; the shooting, detonation, and grenade throwing exercises had many new aspects compared to before. To achieve high results and ensure safety, along with focusing on training, officers at all levels focused on organizing troops to practice the skills and movements thoroughly; organizing segmented and combined shooting exercises to familiarize the troops with the explosions, and promptly drawing lessons after each training session. In addition, the unit did a good job of political and ideological education, thoroughly understanding the mission; launching and registering emulation campaigns for each collective and individual; promptly motivating officers and soldiers to uphold determination, unity, overcome all difficulties, and complete the mission well and excellently.”

Thanks to strict leadership and guidance; thorough understanding and serious implementation; clear assignment of tasks; the inspections at the battalions under the 324th Division were all conducted smoothly, adhering to safety regulations; the new recruits mastered the theory, became proficient in skills, possessed good techniques, applied tactics flexibly, and calmly and confidently completed the inspection tasks.

Returning from the podium after receiving the "Excellent Shooter" award, Comrade La Duc Khanh, a new soldier in Company 3, Battalion 15, excitedly said: “I am very happy to have achieved excellent marksmanship with the AK submachine gun. This achievement is thanks to the dedicated training, guidance, and constant encouragement from officers at all levels. This helped me stay calm, confident, and gain valuable experience to achieve such high results.”

Having achieved excellent results in all three shooting categories, soldier Nguyen Trong Thanh, Company 3, Battalion 14, shared: "I am very happy to have achieved 'three excellences'. Calmness, confidence, adherence to the correct aiming line, and thorough practice of the shooting techniques are the 'secrets' to my high achievement."

These are the first four new recruit training units of the 324th Division to complete the "three explosions" test for new recruits. The "three explosions" final test is a central part of the new recruit training program; it is a crucial "assessment" that contributes to educating and training the soldiers' character and mental fortitude, providing a solid foundation so that after three months of training, the new recruits will have sufficient health, political acumen, moral character, technical and tactical skills, and proficiency in using assigned weapons and equipment, ready to receive and successfully complete all tasks in their respective positions.

Colonel Nguyen Thao Truong, Commander of the 324th Division, emphasized: “The inspection was successfully completed, ensuring safety and achieving the set objectives and requirements; it serves as a basis for the Division to assess the training level and capacity of officers at all levels as well as the training quality of new recruits. Based on this, we will organize a review to improve training quality in the future; and at the same time, direct the remaining units to continue to do a good job of preparing and organizing the “three explosions” inspection for new recruits safely, determined to achieve high results.”

Text and photos: HOANG THAI

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