However, the guidance of officers at all levels from units of Military Region 9, along with the efforts and determination to hone their skills and intellect, helped many new recruits achieve excellent results in the final examination and mark their maturity in this new phase.

From segmented shooting practice to the final exam, Private Dao Thanh Duy, a soldier in Squad 8, Platoon 22, Company 4, Battalion 2, 29th Signal Brigade, consistently achieved good to excellent shooting results. “I always followed the correct shooting techniques and methods taught by my commanders. Regardless of the shooting position, I always held the rifle firmly, not gripping it too tightly, as this would increase my heart rate and cause the aiming point to fluctuate. Next, I needed to remain calm, maintain composure, and be highly determined with each shot. For grenade throwing, strong hands are only a necessary condition; another crucial factor is determining the direction, gripping, throwing, and releasing at the right time to ensure accuracy. Learning about the explosions, I felt myself becoming calmer and more meticulous in each movement, because mistakes can lead to a very high risk of accidents,” the young man from An Truong commune, Cang Long district ( Tra Vinh province) shared his experience.

AK rifle shooting test, lesson 1, of the 3rd Battalion, 962nd Brigade.

Born in Truong Xuan B commune, Thoi Lai district, Can Tho city, Private Nguyen Nhat Tri, a soldier in Squad 2, Platoon 8, Company 4, Battalion 2, 29th Signal Brigade, always strives in his studies to earn the "excellent marksmanship" award as a gift to his parents. From a young man who used to hang out with friends, stay up late, and have an irregular lifestyle, Tri has now integrated very well into the military routine. Moreover, his maturity in awareness and actions has brought his family more peace of mind and pride. Private Nguyen Nhat Tri said: “Proficient use of weapons and equipment is an essential requirement that soldiers in the army need to master to be ready to perform their duties when ordered. Therefore, this is the goal that motivates me to study and pass all three tests with excellent marksmanship. I have also just registered to study to become a Signal Squad Leader at the Military School of the Military Region; the knowledge I gain from the school will help me contribute more.”

Throughout the training process, officers at all levels of the 2nd Battalion closely guided and corrected the new recruits. They combined effectively with the unit, family, and local community to educate and motivate the soldiers. Captain Nguyen Duc Tam, Political Officer of Company 4, 2nd Battalion, said: “Currently, the soldiers have a high sense of responsibility and fully implement all the content set by officers at all levels. From the moment they are recruited, we always monitor the soldiers' progress in understanding, grasping the content, and performing the movements; at the same time, we meticulously record the strengths and weaknesses of each subject to provide timely training, as well as identify and select soldiers with good training methods to recommend for further education at schools within and outside the Military Region.”

At Battalion 3, Brigade 962, under the scorching sun, the soldiers remained highly focused, patiently performing each movement and technique, determined to achieve high results in the "three explosions" test. After scoring 80 points, Private Tran Van Vi, a soldier in Squad 21, Platoon 7, Company 3, Battalion 3, happily shared: "I am very happy to have achieved an excellent score. Holding the gun, I was both nervous and anxious, but the encouragement from the instructor helped me calm down, recall each learned step, and concentrate on shooting. In the explosives handling section, remembering the learned steps, calmly assembling each part, and hitting the target according to the mission resulted in an excellent score."

The 29th Signal Brigade awarded "Excellent Marksman" certificates to new recruits.

In their daily lives, new recruits consciously adapt to routines and discipline. This maturation process doesn't happen naturally; it requires education from their unit and the self-discipline of each soldier. Major Ho Thai Dien, Battalion Commander of Battalion 3, Brigade 962, said: “During training, the unit strictly adheres to the principle of progressing from simple to complex, linking theory with practice. Besides concentrated training, officers at all levels are always close to, help, and encourage soldiers with slower learning abilities or difficult family circumstances… Thanks to the officers' attention, all new recruits strive hard, and the unit's training quality has improved significantly. After the firing tests, the unit promptly commends and rewards soldiers with good achievements, while also strengthening training inspection and supervision, patiently correcting and providing specific guidance to soldiers with limitations using the "hands-on" method. To date, many comrades have shown significant growth, especially in military and political knowledge, conduct, and behavior, and are ready to move on to the next training phase.”

It is evident that new recruits in various units, despite their differing circumstances, have matured in their awareness and actions thanks to good education and rigorous training. The soldiers continuously strive to become pioneering and exemplary military personnel. Furthermore, many possess high professional qualifications and aspire to attend specialized training courses or serve in the military for a longer period to contribute more fully.

Text and photos: TAI TAM