Connecting with love, empowering new soldiers.

(GLO) - The first days in the military are always a challenge for every new recruit. At units of the 2nd Division (Military Region 5) stationed in Gia Lai province, fraternal activities and the Zalo group model have become an important source of moral support, helping new soldiers feel secure in their training.

Friendship and exchange programs – a "spiritual tonic" on the training ground.

Leaving their families and entering the military environment with its strict discipline, many new recruits inevitably experience feelings of bewilderment and anxiety. In the early days of training, physical pressure, tight schedules, and homesickness are ever-present. Therefore, creating a healthy, close-knit, and supportive living environment is a top priority for military units to help soldiers stabilize their mindset and focus on their studies and training.

Youth union members from Nguyen Trai High School (An Khe ward) prepare drinking water for new recruits at the training ground. Photo: Minh Trung.

In line with the policy of strengthening ties between military units and local organizations, the units under the 2nd Division have implemented many practical twinning activities in recent times. Among these, the cooperation model between Battalion 17 and the Youth Union of Nguyen Trai High School (An Khe Ward) is a prime example.

Based on the twinning program, the two units developed a specific coordination plan, assigning youth union members to participate in exchanges and provide support at the training grounds for new recruits. These activities are maintained regularly, closely linked to the soldiers' daily lives, and avoid being merely 형식적인 (formalistic).

During breaks, the sight of youth union members bringing drinks and fruit to the training ground, organizing games, and engaging in cultural activities has become familiar. These simple cultural performances and lively group games not only help soldiers relax but also create a cheerful and cohesive atmosphere among the forces.

Le Quynh Chi, an 11th-grade student from Nguyen Trai High School, shared: “Our youth union is assigned to take turns going to the training ground to provide support. Besides preparing drinks, we also organize cultural exchanges, games, and contribute to motivating the soldiers during their training.”

For new recruits, these gatherings hold special significance. After strenuous training sessions, chatting, singing, and participating in group activities helps them relieve fatigue and lessen homesickness.

Soldier Nguyen Duc Trinh (Company 1, Battalion 17) said: “The attention from the Youth Union members has made us more enthusiastic, helped us quickly adapt to the military environment, and strengthened our determination to successfully complete our tasks.”

Besides enhancing spiritual well-being, the twinning program also contributes to building close relationships between the unit and the local community. Through these exchanges, students gain a better understanding of the military environment, while soldiers clearly feel the care and support from the community.

Youth union members from Nguyen Trai High School (An Khe ward) held a cultural exchange with new recruits after intense training sessions. Photo: Minh Trung

According to Lieutenant Colonel Le Thi Hoa, President of the Women's Association of units under the 2nd Division, the fraternal relationship activities have yielded clear results. The units have mobilized various resources and coordinated activities such as supporting training grounds, cultural exchanges, and celebrating soldiers' birthdays, creating a joyful atmosphere and helping soldiers feel secure in their training.

Through simple yet meaningful actions, the fraternal relationship program has become a "spiritual tonic" that helps new recruits confidently overcome the challenging initial period. This is also an innovative approach that contributes to building an image of soldiers who are approachable and friendly in the hearts of the people.

Zalo Group - a bridge connecting the home front with the military unit.

Alongside the twinning program, the 2nd Division also implemented a model of creating Zalo groups at the company level to strengthen connections between the unit and soldiers' families. This approach aligns with technological trends and contributes to improving the efficiency of troop management and education .

Each company established a Zalo group with the participation of unit officers and soldiers' relatives. The group was directly managed and operated by the company commander. Every day, information and images about the soldiers' learning, training, and daily life were selected and reviewed before being posted.

Lieutenant Tran Dinh Nhat Nam, Company Commander of Company 1, Battalion 17, said: “We regularly update relevant information and images so that families can keep track of the situation. This reassures parents and builds trust in the training environment for their children.”

The model of creating Zalo groups at company level aims to strengthen connections between the unit and soldiers' families. Photo: PN

More than just a channel for information, the Zalo group also serves as a two-way bridge between the unit and the family. Family members' questions and concerns are addressed promptly; at the same time, the unit provides information on training results and guidance so that families can cooperate in educating and motivating the soldiers.

Ms. Ha Thi Kieu (Song Hinh commune, Dak Lak province) shared: “Since joining the group, my family regularly sees pictures and activities of our child, so we feel very reassured. We also get video calls on weekends, which further strengthens our trust. Seeing our child grow more mature every day makes everyone happy.”

In reality, the Zalo group model has proven to be highly effective, contributing to strengthening trust between families and the unit. When the home front is reassured, soldiers are more confident in their training and strive to successfully complete their missions.

The combination of direct fraternal activities and digital platform-based connections has created a comprehensive system of moral support for new recruits. On one hand, there is the sharing on the training ground; on the other, there is the companionship from the home front. All of this contributes to building a regular, disciplined military environment that is also rich in affection and camaraderie.

In the journey of every soldier's growth, these pillars of support are the enduring source of motivation, helping them overcome challenges, hone their character, and be ready to successfully complete any assigned task.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/ket-noi-yeu-thuong-tiep-suc-chien-si-moi-post586540.html