In the early morning, while the sun was still hidden beneath the sea, the alarm bell rang loudly at Battalion 162 (Brigade 242). Faced with the situation of enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) infiltrating the unit, officers and soldiers quickly moved into their combat positions. Commanders at all levels quickly discussed and agreed on a plan to handle the situation. The soldiers maintained high concentration, with the anti-aircraft gunnery coordinating closely, observing and tracking the target.

It was a combat readiness training session for officers and soldiers at Battalion 162. Despite the festive atmosphere of the New Year, day and night, the soldiers on the island always strictly adhere to their duty rosters, without a single moment of carelessness or loss of vigilance.

After the training exercise concluded, Sergeant Dong Khac Hung, Squad Leader of Squad 4, Platoon 8, Company 3, Battalion 162, stated: “We are determined to uphold a high sense of responsibility, avoid complacency, and always be ready for combat, especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). Airborne situations often unfold very quickly and unexpectedly. To handle them effectively, my teammates and I carefully study and understand the capabilities of our weapons and equipment. During training, we focus on practicing close coordination and cooperation among team members.”

Directly observing the troops' training, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Cong Vu, Battalion Commander of Battalion 162, shared: “In the vibrant atmosphere of welcoming the new year, the Party Committee and the Battalion's command have done a good job of disseminating information and building determination to complete the combat readiness duty during the 2026 New Year's Day and protect the 14th National Congress of the Party, especially for the non-commissioned officers and soldiers participating in duty for the first time. The unit focuses on ensuring good communication, coordinating observation and detection, notifying air raid alerts, and reporting promptly to all levels of command to avoid errors, omissions, or delays; closely coordinating between units within the battalion and with friendly units in the area to have a firm grasp of the situation. Previously, the Battalion organized the consolidation, improvement, renewal, and supplementation of materials serving combat readiness at the unit.”

Officers and soldiers of Battalion 162 participated in a football match between companies during the 2026 New Year's Day celebrations.

In addition to maintaining strict vigilance to enrich the spiritual lives of officers and soldiers during the first days of the new year, Battalion 162 also organized many vibrant and beneficial cultural and sports activities.

On the stadium, a football match took place between the teams of Company 1 and Company 2 (Battalion 162). Considered evenly matched, the two teams fiercely contested the score until the very last minute. Although the players were amateurs, they played with all their might, delivering many unexpected and spectacular plays that drew continuous cheers and applause from the spectators.

In contrast to the vibrant atmosphere at the stadium, at the Ho Chi Minh Room of the unit, the Youth Union of Battalion 162 organized a Reading Day with a book display and presentation competition. Through the skillful hands of the youth union members from the companies, square, angular books were arranged to create models of many famous architectural structures such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the pyramids in Egypt, etc., and they presented explanations about a book written about a historical figure or event associated with that structure.

Battalion 162 organized a birthday celebration for its soldiers.

In the evening, in a warm and intimate atmosphere like a family gathering, officers and soldiers of Battalion 162 came together to celebrate a comrade's birthday. They decorated and prepared for the celebration, blew out candles, cut the cake, and sang songs together, shoulder to shoulder. The close and sincere camaraderie helped each soldier overcome homesickness and longing for loved ones, fostering a deeper love for their unit and strengthening their unity in fulfilling their duties.

Sergeant Bui Van Kien, Squad Leader of Squad 7, Platoon 6, Company 2, Battalion 162, shared: “This is the first birthday I haven't celebrated with my family. But the unit organized a very thoughtful and complete birthday celebration for me and my comrades in the first quarter, and everyone felt the family atmosphere. That feeling helps us stay strong, feel secure in our work, and strive to complete our combat readiness duties well.”

Officers and soldiers of Battalion 162 participate in a reading festival at the unit.

Lieutenant Colonel Do Manh Hiep, Political Officer of Battalion 162, said: “During Tet, the Party Committee and the Battalion's command determined that ideological work must be done well. We organized activities at all levels to understand the thoughts and aspirations of the soldiers, thereby encouraging and supporting them to overcome difficulties, unite, and wholeheartedly fulfill their duties. The unit also facilitated contact between soldiers and their families, helping to alleviate homesickness. At the same time, the Battalion organized diverse and rich activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere, and maintaining high combat readiness.”

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/linh-dao-chao-nam-moi-1019654