The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the roof, sparkling on the flowerbeds and ornamental plants; the scent of damp earth lingered after the last watering of the day; the gentle breeze rustled through the leaves… These seemingly ordinary moments made me think more deeply about the logistics and technical sector, about the people who silently "keep the fire burning" behind the artillery emplacements, serving countless masters.

A profession of absolute precision.

As a political officer closely associated with the unit's Logistics and Technical Department, I deeply understand that behind every safe firing, every successful training exercise, field march, or drill, there is not only the orders, formations, or fighting determination of each officer and soldier, but also an entire system of persistent and silent support. It contains the sweat, responsibility, near-absolute precision, and the quiet pride of those who provide "rear support" for the battlefield.

The barracks of the 382nd Artillery Brigade (Military Region 1) are bright, green, clean, and beautiful.

My years working at the 382nd Artillery Brigade helped me to deeply understand the unique nature of the Logistics and Technical branch. This is a field where mistakes, even the smallest ones, are unacceptable. A single oversight in ensuring the well-being of personnel, in financial management, or in the maintenance and preservation of weapons and technical equipment can have consequences that extend beyond the quality of mission completion; they directly affect the safety of personnel, comrades, and the general public.

Officers and soldiers of the 382nd Artillery Brigade take care of their "common home" during their breaks and days off.

Just to ensure the soldiers' well-being, the Brigade's logistics and technical department has to organize thousands of meals every day, meticulously calculating every gram of food and every penny spent on meals, especially given the volatile market prices at times. To proactively ensure this, over the years, the logistics and technical department has advised the Brigade's Party Committee and command to plan and invest in a comprehensive agricultural production system with over 17,500 m² of vegetable gardens, 2,260 m² of trellises, 1,550 m² of livestock pens, 42,000 m² of fish ponds, and 11 orchards with more than 10,200 trees of various types. These figures are not merely reports, but are vividly present in every meal of the officers and soldiers.

Technically, the requirements are even more stringent. Artillery weapons and equipment systems demand rigorous and precise maintenance and upkeep down to the smallest detail. Many nights, in the rain and wind, before drills, I witnessed the unit's technical staff quietly inspecting the warehouses and depots, just to ensure that every cannon and every shell was in the best possible condition. The work was repetitive and silent, but it allowed no room for complacency.

Assessing the role of the Logistics and Technical Department, Colonel Do Khac Long, Secretary of the Party Committee and Political Commissar of the 382nd Artillery Brigade, affirmed: “Logistics and Technical Department is the direct foundation ensuring the combat strength of the unit. The training and combat readiness results of the Brigade in recent years have been significantly contributed to by the proactive, responsible, accurate, and dedicated staff of the Logistics and Technical Department.”

Teammates, a pillar of support in our "shared home".

Having been associated with the 382nd Artillery Brigade, what I cherish most are the comrades and fellow soldiers who are sincere in life and serious in their work. These include exemplary and attentive leaders and commanders; dedicated colleagues and partners who wholeheartedly commit to their duties; young soldiers who were initially hesitant upon enlistment but matured and became capable through each training season; and especially the logistics and technical officers and staff who always consider responsibility as honor.

During the days spent assisting the people in overcoming the consequences of natural disasters in the area, the officers and staff of the logistics and technical sector were always the first to arrive, ensuring the provision of vehicles, fuel, food and accommodation, and equipment repairs under challenging conditions. No one complained, no one hesitated. Everyone understood that supporting and assisting the people in times of difficulty and hardship is also a combat mission of the Army in peacetime.

Comradeship is also demonstrated in very small things. When new recruits are unfamiliar with daily routines, the officers and professional soldiers are ready to guide them attentively and thoughtfully. When a comrade faces difficulties, the whole group shares and encourages them, so that no one is left behind. It is these seemingly simple things that create a strong and enduring spirit for the entire unit.

Warm camaraderie in the days leading up to Tet.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, the barracks of the 382nd Artillery Brigade took on a new, spacious, and warm appearance. From the old buildings constructed in the 1990s, the unit's housing and office facilities have now been invested in and built in a standardized and comprehensive manner. Despite limited funding, the Brigade's Party Committee and command have flexibly combined various resources, both leveraging investment from higher levels and developing internal resources.

In just the last few years, the Brigade has installed 85 solar-powered lighting systems and 10 solar energy systems; switched the water supply from dug wells to industrial-grade drilled wells; and ensured that 100% of company-level officers and soldiers have access to hot water for showering. These seemingly small improvements have a significant impact, especially during the cold winter days at the end of the year.

Gate of the barracks of the 382nd Artillery Brigade (Military Region 1).

The unit also pays special attention to green spaces. Responding to the "Tree Planting Festival - Forever Grateful to Uncle Ho" movement, in recent years, the Brigade has closely coordinated with local authorities to plant 26,500 protective forest trees and build a system of flower gardens, lawns, and miniature landscapes within the barracks. The barracks remain lush and green throughout all four seasons, helping soldiers relax after strenuous training sessions.

As the traditional Lunar New Year approaches, and the unit's barracks are adorned with flags and flowers, I am even more deeply moved by the silent sacrifices of the logistics and technical soldiers, those who serve the masses. They are the ones who "keep the flame" burning behind the artillery, a silent but enduring flame that contributes to the fighting strength and faith of the artillery soldiers in all conditions and circumstances.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/nhung-chien-si-giu-lua-phia-sau-mam-phao-1025315