A steadfast love across the border.

Located in the strategically important northern Central Highlands, the Border Guard Force (BGF) of Gia Lai province is tasked with managing and protecting a border section over 80km long, adjacent to Ratanakiri province (Cambodia). Throughout 60 years of fighting and development, generations of officers and soldiers of the Gia Lai Border Guard Force have remained steadfast in their love for the border, achieving many proud victories and accomplishments.

"Blue Star" during wartime

To build and develop the armed security forces to serve in combat on the Southern battlefield in general, and the B3 Front (Central Highlands) in particular, on April 15, 1965, the People's Armed Police Command (now the Border Guard) deployed a number of experienced officers from the northern provinces to reinforce Gia Lai , marking the birth of the Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard.

Immediately after being reinforced and reorganized, the Gia Lai Armed Security Force closely monitored the area, relied on the people, and bravely, flexibly, boldly, and unexpectedly carried out operations to eliminate evil, suppress traitors, protect the people, break enemy control, and seize control, contributing alongside the army and people nationwide to thwarting all the insidious war schemes and tactics of the enemy. In the first 10 years of its establishment, the Gia Lai Armed Security Force participated in hundreds of battles, large and small, killing 562 enemy soldiers, wounding 314, and capturing 211, contributing to the Great Victory of Spring 1975, liberating the South, and unifying the country.

Officers and soldiers of Ia Lốp Border Guard Station (Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard) patrol and protect the border. Photo: HUY TỊNH

Although the country was liberated, the seeds of invasion and subversive plots against the revolution still existed throughout the country, from the borders to the interior. In particular, the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime continuously engaged in acts of aggression, raids, encroachment, and the murder of innocent civilians, seriously violating national sovereignty and border security. Simultaneously, remnants of the puppet regime and the FULRO reactionary forces, fueled by hostile forces, intensified their subversive activities. In the fight against the Khmer Rouge invaders, the "Green Stars" realized their "oath to defend the land" through fierce battles within enemy encirclements, achieving glorious victories; simultaneously, they coordinated with other forces to track down, detect, and arrest 200 ruthless individuals, including puppet soldiers and officials, who refused to surrender to the revolutionary government, confiscating 115 weapons of various types along with many other important documents and equipment.

The outpost is our home, the border is our homeland...

Over the past 60 years, generations of officers and soldiers of the Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard have thoroughly understood and implemented the motto "The outpost is our home, the border is our homeland, and the people of all ethnic groups are our brothers and sisters," constantly striving, overcoming all difficulties and challenges, and gradually improving their skills, courage, and combat capabilities to perform their duties in all situations.

Party committees and commanders at all levels regularly monitor the situation, promptly reporting and advising the Party Committee, the Border Guard Command, the Provincial Party Committee, and the People's Committee of Gia Lai province on policies and strategies for border defense and the development of the provincial Border Guard force that are practical, effective, and prevent any passive or unexpected situations. Training quality and combat readiness are constantly improving. Border control and management are strictly organized; proactive measures are taken to combat all types of crimes and violations of the law, successfully carrying out hundreds of special cases and arresting thousands of suspects, thereby cleaning up the area and maintaining political and border security. Border diplomacy is being strengthened, with active advice and direct implementation of diplomatic activities between the governments and people on both sides of the border, contributing to building a peaceful, friendly, stable, cooperative, and developing border.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, officers and soldiers of the Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard Command united, overcame difficulties, organized 34 checkpoints and 12 mobile control teams, and closely coordinated with other forces to successfully carry out the "dual task" of both managing and protecting the border and participating in the effective prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic. This was recognized and highly appreciated by the local Party committee, government, and people.

Ia Lốp Border Guard Station (Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard Command) organized a literacy class in Khôn village, Ia Mơ commune, Chư Prông district, Gia Lai province. Photo: HUY TỊNH

Implementing numerous programs, projects, models, and initiatives, contributing to building the political foundation, developing socio-economic conditions, and strengthening national defense and security in border areas, notably: "Helping children go to school - Children adopted by border guard posts," "Shelter for the poor in border areas," "Houses of solidarity and friendship," "Cattle breeding for the poor," "Spring in border areas: warming the hearts of villagers," "Tet of solidarity, spring of love," "Accompanying women in border areas," "Charity kitchens," the "Say No to Child Marriage" club, literacy classes, rice cultivation demonstrations, and the elimination of temporary and dilapidated houses. From 2018 to the present, the Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard has mobilized nearly 2.148 billion VND to build 21 "Shelter in border areas" houses; and over 1.850 billion VND to provide free medical examinations and medicine to more than 8,300 people. Over 13,848 man-days were spent helping people develop their economy; providing regular financial support to 52 students, adopting 11 orphans, and organizing meals for 14 disadvantaged children at the "Charity Kitchen"...

The Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard Command has been awarded two Second-Class Orders of National Defense by the Party and the State, along with many other prestigious awards. Three units of the Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard Command have been honored with the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces.

Colonel TRAN TIEN HAI, Commander of the Gia Lai Provincial Border Guard.

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Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/sat-son-mot-tinh-yeu-bien-gioi-823919