After my shift, I go to the fields.

Outside of their duty hours, many militia soldiers in Binh Giang commune diligently work to develop their family's economy. Many young soldiers are gradually stabilizing their lives and committing to the unit for the long term.

Soldier Bui Pham Cam (seated) and soldier Ngo Hoang Phuc performing their duties at the Military Command of Binh Giang commune. Photo: TRUC LINH

Major Nguyen Thanh Mao, Deputy Political Commissar of the Binh Giang Commune Military Command, said that the unit always focuses on building a regular and disciplined work environment to ensure that officers and soldiers can work with peace of mind. "When their lives are stable, soldiers will be even more responsible for their duties, ready to accept and successfully complete all assigned tasks," Major Nguyen Thanh Mao said.

Since the beginning of 2026, the Commune Military Command has implemented a savings model within the permanent militia force, encouraging each soldier to contribute 1 million VND per month from their allowance for savings. Many soldiers have also boldly invested in production, increasing their income right in their hometowns, thereby feeling more secure in their work and committed to the unit. A prime example is soldier Bui Pham Cam (24 years old). Despite not being healthy enough to perform military service, Cam volunteered to join the permanent militia. In his work, he always actively cooperates with the police force in patrols, participating in night patrols to ensure security and order in the area. During holidays, Tet (Lunar New Year), or political events, he always participates and successfully completes his assigned tasks.

After his shifts, Mr. Cam returns to his fields. Currently, he cultivates 40 acres of DS1 Japanese rice – a high-quality but rather "fussy" rice variety grown on acidic soil. In the early days, due to a lack of technical expertise, yields were unstable, and investment costs were high, resulting in low profits. Undeterred, he proactively sought out technical knowledge, learning from agricultural extension officers and successful farmers in the area. "Rice farming isn't just about experience; you have to closely monitor and address issues promptly to achieve good results," Mr. Cam shared.

During the production process, Mr. Cam prioritizes biological methods, limiting the use of chemical pesticides, only using them when absolutely necessary, and adhering to the "four correct principles." As a result, rice yields gradually stabilized, reaching approximately 1 ton/acre in the winter-spring season and 800 kg/acre in the summer-autumn season. With production costs of 2-3 million VND/acre, he earns a profit of about 4 million VND/acre in the winter-spring season, bringing in an income of over 150 million VND per season.

The family has six siblings who have all moved out, and since Cam is the youngest, his parents entrusted him with land for farming. Due to the nature of his job requiring frequent shifts, he proactively manages his time effectively, taking advantage of opportunities to plant, fertilize, and harvest; the remaining tasks are outsourced. The application of mechanization, such as using machinery and drones for spraying pesticides, has significantly reduced labor costs and improved production efficiency.

Besides being diligent in production, Mr. Cam also actively participates in community work. In 2024, when storms caused the collapse of houses in Giong Ke hamlet, he and the militia quickly arrived to help move belongings and rebuild houses. During Tet (Lunar New Year) programs for the military and civilians, he participated in road construction, house repairs, and assistance to disadvantaged households. From his monthly allowance and food money of over 10 million VND, he sends money home to his family for savings. "Seeing my son being responsible for his work and helping his family and neighbors, I feel very relieved," shared Mrs. Pham Thi Hop, Mr. Cam's mother.

Sharing the same sense of responsibility, 21-year-old permanent militia soldier Ngo Hoang Phuc is a prime example within the local permanent militia force. After graduating from high school, Phuc joined the permanent militia. He participates in combat readiness duty, coordinates patrols to maintain security and order, and carries out the recruitment and conscription of citizens into the military...

Besides his job, Phuc cultivates about 20 acres of his family's DS1 Japanese rice and rents an additional 20 acres for production. Thanks to actively learning techniques and proactively monitoring the fields, his production is efficient. "I do each step meticulously and use machinery, so I reduce costs while still ensuring productivity," Phuc said. Each harvest, he earns over 100 million VND.

From his income, Mr. Phuc spends over 10 million VND each month supporting his younger sister, who is a first-year finance and banking student in Ho Chi Minh City. "Our parents are getting old, so I try my best to support the family and pay for my sister's education," Mr. Phuc shared. He also sets aside a portion of his income to save up and prepare for expanding his business in the future.

The Military Command of Binh Giang commune assessed that the permanent militia force has effectively played its role in carrying out national defense and security tasks, while also actively engaging in labor, production, and family economic development. Exemplary individuals like soldiers Bui Pham Cam and Ngo Hoang Phuc contribute to spreading a sense of responsibility and a spirit of striving, contributing to the overall development of the locality.

TRUC LINH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/sau-gio-truc-la-ra-dong-a484939.html