On the morning of the third day of Tet (February 19th), while many streets in Hanoi were still sparsely populated, the grounds of the Guard and Military Control Battalion (Hanoi Capital Command) were already filled with laughter and conversation. The national flag and the Party flag fluttered in the cool weather of the early spring days.

Stick pushing is physically demanding but very fun.

On the unit's stadium, sports competitions and folk games took place enthusiastically, attracting a large number of officers and soldiers to participate and cheer. The stick-pushing competition was particularly exciting. Amidst cheers and applause, Corporal Ta Manh Dat, a soldier from Platoon 1, Company 3, consecutively defeated three opponents. Each victory was met with resounding applause from his comrades. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Ta Manh Dat proudly boasted: "I especially enjoy sports that require physical strength. Joining the army provides opportunities for training, so I'm always very confident in competitions and usually achieve high results!"

Tug-of-war requires collective strength and sound strategy.

In the table tennis area, matches were constantly heated with the players' skillful and tricky spin shots. Each beautiful shot was accompanied by cheers of "Excellent!", "Great!"… At the far end of the field, Company 2's team was giving their all in a tense tug-of-war, with everyone cheering when victory or defeat was decided…

The matches were all fiercely contested and full of energy thanks to the youthfulness, but also displayed a spirit of "fair play" and solidarity.

A fierce table tennis match between young players.
The sack race relay competition had the audience in stitches.

According to the plan for organizing activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, from the 1st to the 4th day of Tet, the Guard and Military Control Battalion will maintain folk games and sports competitions for soldiers with the spirit of "joyful, healthy, safe, economical, and highly combat-ready".

Earlier, on the 26th day of the Lunar New Year, a competition for wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) was held.
The soldiers meticulously decorated for Tet (Vietnamese New Year) using palm leaves.
The unit's skilled gardeners were selected for the task of decorating for Tet (Lunar New Year).

Major Ta Van Truong, Deputy Political Officer of the Battalion, said: “More than a month ago, the unit developed a specific plan for celebrating the Lunar New Year, clearly assigning responsibilities to specific individuals. The unit's view is that the Tet celebration for the soldiers must be complete and thoughtful in terms of material needs and rich in spirit, but absolutely must not affect the mission and must maintain discipline and order.”

Before Tet, preparations, decorating the reception room, judging the wall posters, and holding a banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cake) making competition were completed according to plan, creating a foundation for officers and soldiers to enter the first day of the new year in a warm and joyful atmosphere.

The room for welcoming the Lunar New Year is well-designed and beautifully decorated.

In particular, the spring celebration room and the wall newspaper were meticulously designed, vividly reflecting the lives and thoughts of the unit's officers and soldiers. According to Major Ta Van Truong, to achieve a high score, the spring celebration room must meet the unit's environmental landscape requirements; the competition registration board must be on A0 paper, comply with regulations, and have complete content and signatures; the fruit platter must have at least five types of fruit and be beautifully arranged. The entrance to the spring celebration room has couplets on both sides, the room is rationally arranged, and the decoration is creative and aesthetically pleasing…

The themed wall newspaper, "Celebrating the glorious Party, celebrating the Year of the Horse, celebrating the renewal and development of the country and the capital," was presented using various materials, frames, and ideas, including content such as editorials, poems, songs, stories of good people and good deeds, a soldier's corner, a suggestion box, and stories from the company...

The officers of the Guard Battalion - Military Control regularly communicate with, understand the thoughts of, and encourage young soldiers, especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).

The wall newspaper meets the requirements when it adheres closely to the theme, especially revolving around the success of the 14th National Congress of the Party, major holidays in 2026, and looking forward to the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the early spring days, Corporal Chu Thi Diem, a soldier in Platoon 2, Company 2, couldn't hide his emotion as he celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) in the military for the first time. He shared: "In the first few days, I felt a little homesick, but participating in spring festivities with my comrades, I clearly felt the warm atmosphere, just like being at home. The unit commander always cared for us, provided support, and encouraged us promptly, so we felt very secure. In the new year, I will strive to train hard and excel in my duties!"

Mr. Vu Ngoc Thuy (center of the photo) and his family visited his son, Corporal Vu Hung Phong, at the beginning of the year.

The soldiers' joy is also the peace of mind of their parents. Mr. Vu Ngoc Thuy (Dan Phuong commune, Hanoi) took advantage of the Tet holiday to visit his son, Corporal Vu Hung Phong, a soldier in Platoon 1, Company 2. Unable to hide his radiant pride, he expressed: “Seeing the disciplined and orderly environment here, and the well-organized and thoughtful Tet activities for our children, my family is very happy and reassured. We wish the commanders and soldiers of the unit good health and excellent performance in their assigned tasks in the new year!”

That reassurance is entirely justified because, during the performance of their duties in Hanoi, the officers and soldiers of the Guard and Military Control Battalion have consistently demonstrated unwavering resolve and a high sense of responsibility.

The Guard Battalion - Military Control is considered a "model" unit of the Hanoi Capital Command. Photo: VIET TRUNG

Regularly performing military patrol and control duties, Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Ngoc Hau said: "For military control forces, etiquette and conduct must be prioritized. Those performing the duty of maintaining military discipline must be exemplary in their words and actions to have enough credibility to correct and remind soldiers to strictly comply with military regulations, discipline, and state laws."

The unit's personnel regularly carry out missions outside the barracks. Photo: VIET TRUNG

In addition, when performing duties outside the barracks, officers and soldiers must have a thorough understanding of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety, be proficient in commanding and directing traffic flow; be skilled in using vehicles and technical equipment; and handle arising situations flexibly and appropriately, ensuring absolute safety for the forces on duty and road users.

....with very high demands regarding etiquette and demeanor.

According to the plan, on the morning of the 4th day of Tet, the Guard and Military Control Battalion will conclude its New Year's celebrations and quickly return the unit to normal operation, preparing for daily duties. The Tet holidays were joyful yet orderly, lively yet disciplined, abundant yet economical. This is also the "exemplary" character that the officers and soldiers of the Battalion have preserved and nurtured through each spring in the capital city.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/tet-vui-o-tieu-doan-muc-thuoc-1026899