Arriving at the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park training ground at 6 a.m., we saw over 300 officers and soldiers in two formations already standing in stable positions, ready to begin training. The instructors and management staff in each formation were focused on monitoring, recording, scoring, and promptly adjusting the soldiers' movements. After two months of training, the posture, demeanor, movement techniques, and courage of the officers and soldiers in each formation have improved significantly. Despite standing at attention for hours under the scorching summer sun, the entire formation remained neat and unified. Sweat poured down the faces of the eighteen- and twenty-year-olds, already tanned by the sun and wind of the training ground, causing their eyes to sting; their uniforms were soaked with sweat. As midday approached, the sun became increasingly intense. Even though they were exhausted and their feet were numb, the entire team maintained their posture with high determination until the end of the morning training session at 10:30 AM.

Lieutenant General Pham Duc Duyen, Political Commissar of Military Region 2, inspects and encourages officers and soldiers participating in the standing formation.

Wiping away the sweat, Private Leng Diu Sung, a soldier from the 174th Regiment, 316th Division, participating in the Coast Guard formation, confided: “According to the training program, the forces in the formation must maintain a standing at attention for 4 or 5 hours continuously. During the standing at attention, each individual must maintain a cheerful demeanor, not relax their body, but keep their posture straight and upright, chest out, stomach slightly tucked in, and shoulders balanced to create a solemn and unified formation. The most difficult thing for us is maintaining almost absolute concentration for such a long time. Despite the arduous training, my comrades and I always have a good understanding of our responsibilities, building determination and striving our best to complete this extremely glorious mission, contributing to the success of this important national holiday.”

Further investigation revealed that standing continuously in the hot sun quickly depletes the physical strength of officers and soldiers, causing muscle and joint stiffness, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, cramps, and the risk of heatstroke. Therefore, to help officers and soldiers successfully complete their tasks, according to Colonel Do Xuan Phuc, Deputy Commander of the 316th Division, the Organizing Committee of the Military Region 2 parade and march directed the medical force to conduct daily health checks for the troops, prepare and supervise the forces to ensure they drink the required amount of electrolyte solutions before training. At the same time, they proactively monitor those who are not in good health during training to implement appropriate training and rehabilitation measures. Medical teams are always on standby in training areas, ready to provide first aid in case of emergencies, especially heatstroke.

The organizing committee of the parade and march of Military Region 2 inspected and encouraged the forces participating in the training.
Young soldiers from Military Region 2 participate in serious and high-quality standing drills.

Furthermore, the organizing committee also arranged a reasonable schedule, directing the forces to maintain training sessions in the morning with a timeframe equivalent to, and striving for longer than, the actual duration of the anniversary celebration. This allowed the forces to become accustomed to their biological rhythm, avoiding distractions or drowsiness during the standing at attention. In the afternoon, after training sessions, a supplementary meal was provided, followed by long-distance running, push-ups, and sit-ups to improve health and endurance. During training, the units were instructed to broadcast news bulletins, competition reports, and propaganda content to further energize and encourage officers and soldiers to participate enthusiastically in the training.

Colonel Trinh Ca, Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Military Parade Organizing Committee of Military Region 2, stated that, in fulfilling the assigned tasks, the Party Committee and the commanders of Military Region 2 directed agencies and units to select forces participating in the A80 parade in a rigorous, serious, and thorough manner; only selecting officers and soldiers who meet the height requirements and health standards of categories 1 and 2, with cardiovascular and musculoskeletal indicators meeting category 1. Along with this, the units organized effective political and ideological education, thoroughly explaining the tasks, raising awareness, responsibility, pride, and building determination among the forces. During the training process, the Military Region directed functional agencies to promote cultural and artistic activities; conduct emulation campaigns and awards, promptly commending exemplary collectives and individuals who overcame difficulties and excelled; and at the same time, paying attention to and caring for the material and spiritual lives of the troops. Thanks to this, to date, 100% of officers and soldiers in all units have clearly understood their duties, proactively overcome difficulties, constantly improved their willpower, courage, and physical fitness, and strived to excellently complete their arduous but also sacred and proud tasks.

Text and photos: HOANG TRUNG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/linh-tre-toi-ren-y-chi-839802