The "green soldiers" guarding the peace of the village

They are farmers, workers, grassroots cadres... but when the Fatherland calls, they are soldiers. With nearly 45,000 comrades, the militia and self-defense force (DQTV) in the province has affirmed its role as a "steel shield" protecting the peace of each village. In the period of 2021-2025, more than 338,000 cadres and soldiers with 1.37 million working days were present everywhere, from the border, islands to the heart of historic storms and floods, affirming the spirit of "all people protecting the Fatherland" in the new era.

Militia and self-defense forces of Hoang Chau commune and other forces actively participated in handling the landslide incident at Dong Den 2 sluice.

Strong restructuring, methodical investment

In the period of 2021-2025, when the whole country and the province reorganized administrative units according to the 2-level local government model, the provincial militia and self-defense force underwent a major "restructuring". From 547 commune-level military commands, they were reorganized into 166 commune-level military commands, along with 67 military commands of agencies and organizations. The reorganization of the apparatus was carried out scientifically, in accordance with the requirements of the tasks and local characteristics.

A notable highlight is that the political quality of the militia and self-defense forces has been significantly improved. By 2025, the proportion of party members in the militia and self-defense forces will reach 31.6%, an increase of 1% compared to 2020. This figure reflects the steadfast political will of the "green soldiers" - they are not only armed forces but also reliable political nuclei at the grassroots level. 100% of communes have established military party cells, contributing to improving the quality of the Party's leadership over the force.

In order to improve the quality of the military cadres at the commune level, the province has sent 89 cadres to participate in training at military schools at various levels, including intermediate, college and university. Many comrades, after being trained properly, have changed their working methods, no longer working based on experience but have a better understanding of responsibilities, and know how to advise local leaders more effectively in defense and military work.

Along with long-term training, training and fostering work has also been promoted. In the period 2021-2025, all levels organized 516 training courses with 54,387 comrades and 12 fostering courses for 1,456 comrades, helping to improve staff capacity and organize the implementation of tasks at the grassroots level.

Training - the "backbone" of the militia force - has also achieved impressive results. In the period 2021-2025, all levels have organized training for 215,317 out of a total of 219,946 comrades, reaching a rate of 97.9%. Training sessions take place early in the morning or late in the afternoon, rain or shine, they still hold guns, practice exercises, and practice combat skills. Although the level of support for working days is modest, it does not reduce their spirit of readiness, because they consider this not only a duty but also a pride of the "green soldiers" at the base.

Challenges in historic storms and floods

The role of the militia and self-defense forces is most evident in natural disasters and catastrophes. For example, at the end of September 2025, storm No. 10 caused prolonged heavy rain, severe flooding and landslides in the province, causing heavy damage to houses, crops and transport infrastructure.

In Nong Cong commune, the militia, police and youth union members were on duty since the night before, assigning people to check key points and helping to evacuate households with the elderly and children. The commune government, military, police and rescue forces worked day and night with the motto: Ensuring the safety of the people is paramount.

When the water level is high and the road to the commune center is completely isolated, a food and essential goods gathering point is set up right near the North-South expressway intersection and Van Thien - Ben En road, becoming a command center and distributing goods to people in flooded areas.

Nong Cong Commune mobilized cadres, civil servants, and militia forces to distribute necessities to each residential area. In coordination with the Provincial Police, the Provincial Military Command, the Region 8 Rescue Team, transport companies, and many volunteer teams, they transported thousands of packages to the people by motorboats and specialized vehicles. The militia soldiers only had time to quickly eat a piece of cake to "fill their stomachs", then quickly got back on the boat to continue supporting people in flooded areas.

Not only in Nong Cong, in the period from 2021 to 2025, the whole province has mobilized 338,461 militia officers and soldiers, with 1,374,615 working days participating in combat readiness, border patrol, maintaining political security, social order and safety, preventing natural disasters, epidemics, rescue, etc. They help people to reinforce their houses, move assets, evacuate to safe places, and at the same time clean up mud, scrub and disinfect schools to welcome students back to class soon.

Standing in the middle of a garden still submerged in mud, looking at the house that had just been cleaned up by militia soldiers, Mr. Nguyen Trong Tuan, a resident of Nong Cong commune, emotionally shared: "In the past few days, when the floodwaters rose, we were really worried. But seeing the army, police, and militia bringing food to our homes, we felt more secure. We know we will not be alone, because behind us is the entire political system and deep affection for our fellow countrymen. That is the source of strength that helps us stand firm in the face of all natural disasters."

However, besides the proud achievements, the militia force still faces many difficulties. Due to the impact of the market economy , many young people of military age have to go far away to work. The regime and policies are still low, not commensurate with their dedication. Many cadres have to hold multiple positions, making it difficult for them to complete multiple tasks at the same time when a situation arises...

Looking to the future, the Provincial People's Committee is preparing to submit to the Provincial People's Council the Project "Organizing the building of forces, training, operations, ensuring regimes and policies for the Thanh Hoa Provincial Militia and Self-Defense Force, period 2026-2030", promising more synchronous policies, in line with the 2-level local government model. With the due attention of the Party, the State and the local government, the Militia and Self-Defense Force in the province will continue to develop strongly, worthy of being the core force in the national defense posture. The "green soldiers" at the grassroots will always be the trust and solid support of the people in all circumstances, continuing to affirm the spirit of "the whole people protecting the Fatherland" in the new era.

Article and photos: Minh Hien

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhung-nguoi-linh-xanh-nbsp-canh-giu-binh-yen-thon-xom-267248.htm