The joy of non-professional teachers

One hot, stifling day in mid-May, on the hillside training ground, Senior Lieutenant Tran Tien Dat, Company Commander of Company 2, Battalion 4, Regiment 148, Division 316 (Military Region 2), was diligently training his troops in tactics under the theme "Infantry Company Attacking Enemy Defenses in Mountainous and Forested Terrain." The large number of soldiers and the vast space required not only a loud, clear, and articulate voice but also frequent movement to guide and supervise the troops' training. Despite this, Senior Lieutenant Dat conducted the training quite skillfully and professionally. Many soldiers who were initially unfamiliar with the rules after enlisting have now become confident and proficient in individual tactics, group tactics (three-person formations), and platoon and company tactics.

Private Vàng A Dạy, a Dao ethnic minority from Mông Sơn commune, Yên Bình district, Yên Bái province, enlisted in the 148th Regiment in February 2022. Upon joining the unit, Vàng A Dạy was completely bewildered, almost a complete novice. Having only completed junior high school, Dạy had spent his time at home working in the fields with his parents. Setting off with his backpack was his first time away from home and loved ones. Initially, he not only missed home but also found military service incredibly strange. However, with the guidance and mentorship of his commanding officers, Vàng A Dạy steadily improved and matured. After more than a year of training, Dạy mastered drill regulations, troop management regulations; daily and weekly routines; understood the features and structure of the weapons he was equipped with; and mastered individual and three-person team tactics. Furthermore, during his participation in unit activities, Dạy boldly contributed to unit development, and was occasionally commended by his commanders.

Private Nguyen Huy Hoang, a soldier in Platoon 3, Company 1, Battalion 4, from Tuyen Quang city, enlisted in Regiment 148 in February 2022. Because he lived in the city, Hoang was considered a "spoiled rich kid" and knew nothing about growing vegetables or raising pigs and chickens. However, after joining the unit, under the guidance and instruction of his commanders, Hoang has become proficient in growing seasonal vegetables and fruits, as well as raising pigs and chickens. Every day, during the farming season, Hoang actively plants and cares for his crops. Hoang shared: "In the army, the officers taught me everything, from folding blankets to proper posture, etiquette, and greetings. On the first day in the army, everyone was bewildered and didn't understand much about politics and military matters, but through the training process and the dedicated guidance and instruction from the commanding officers, the soldiers improved day by day."

Upon visiting the 148th Regiment, we were not only impressed by the "bright, green, clean, and beautiful" environment, but also noticed that wherever soldiers worked, there were officers guiding and commanding them. Following the "four together" principle (eating together, sleeping together, working together, and training together) with the soldiers, the officers constantly stayed close to the troops, promptly correcting any deviations or mistakes. The officers were not only leaders and commanders but also teachers and knowledge transmitters. Because the soldiers were like "blank slates" from their first day in the military. To ensure the soldiers possessed political fortitude and knowledge of politics, military affairs , culture, science, and technology, the officers of the 148th Regiment spared no effort, working day and night with the soldiers, dedicating their enthusiasm and responsibility to teaching and imparting their experience.

In a conversation with us, Lieutenant Colonel Le Thanh Hiep, Political Commissar of Regiment 148, Division 316, said: "As a key unit responsible for training and combat readiness, managing, educating , and training soldiers is a regular task, and the role of the officers directly in charge is crucial. Although there is a lot to do, and it is very demanding both mentally and physically, the officers at the grassroots level always love their profession, are passionate about their work, and dedicate much effort to imparting and teaching soldiers what is right and good. The greatest joy for a commander and a non-professional teacher is seeing the soldiers constantly progress and mature every day."

Text and photos: DAO DUY TUAN

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/niem-vui-cua-nhung-nguoi-thay-khong-chuyen-728615