There were no sirens, only lights piercing the night, rapid footsteps, and the determined faces of soldiers ready to maneuver toward a simulated combat base...

At the Guard Platoon, Captain Quàng Văn Hà, the Platoon Leader, meticulously re-checked the military gear for the young soldiers. Backpacks were packed into neat squares with straps tightened, ensuring everything was ready before the movement hour. “At the office, we have practiced many times, so when the order comes, we deploy immediately. Even though it is very early, all the soldiers are ready,” he said.

In the parking area, dozens of military vehicles were started, their headlights tearing through the silent space. Non-commissioned Major Lê Văn Nam, a driver for the provincial Military Command, walked around his vehicle, carefully using a flashlight to inspect every tire groove before stepping into the cabin. He shared: “Although the maneuver route isn’t steep, there are many turns and some gravel sections, so every detail must be checked thoroughly. The driver must ensure the vehicle’s condition so that the officers’ march is safe and on schedule.”

Senior Colonel Nguyễn Văn Hoạt, Deputy Commander and Chief of the Staff of the provincial Military Command, directly issued the marching orders. A whistle sounded, and the military convoy took turns leaving the barracks. After traveling through mountainous roads, the troops arrived at a simulated combat base deep under the forest canopy. A field “command post” was ready, and the communication system was activated seamlessly.

Here, the provincial Military Party Committee held an urgent conference to issue a resolution leading the mission to transition to full combat readiness. Combat plans and base protection measures were discussed in alignment with the actual terrain. Every command issued was brief and firm, clearly demonstrating commanding mettle and smooth coordination between departments, from staff and logistics to technical units.

Based on the simulated situation, the staff agency reported and proposed handling options; commanders at all levels organized task dissemination, assigned forces, and deployed combat readiness measures. Simultaneously, logistics and technical departments deployed support work to serve the forces performing tasks at the base in a timely manner.

At the same time, in other key areas, the defensive area commands of various regions (Mường Nhé, Na Son, Mường Áng, Na Sang) also entered a rigorous assessment. Transitioning from “increased” to “full” status, the forces practiced maneuvering to secret concentration areas. In the heart of the forest bases, camouflage was meticulously executed under the motto: “Move without a trace, cook without smoke.” Each soldier upheld a high sense of responsibility, ready to handle simulated situations flexibly, ensuring that once the order is given, they can open fire and perform their duties immediately.

Senior Colonel Nguyễn Văn Hoạt stated: “This is an important training content within the 2026 combat readiness transition training plan, aimed at improving the command and management capacity of officers at all levels and the mobility of local armed forces. Through the exercise, the unit continues to temper its mettle, proactively improve the level of organization and coordination for agencies, and enhance the ability to handle situations, ensuring they are always proactive in all readiness states and can deploy activities according to plan when gathered at the simulated base.”

“To carry out the training, the Party Committee and the provincial Military Command directed the transition of local military units’ readiness status from ‘routine’ to ‘high,’ and from ‘high’ to ‘full,’ along with practicing force maneuvers into evacuation areas, organizing the construction of fortifications, and practicing combat plans to protect the base area. During these steps, we directed the Party committees and commanders of agencies and units to focus on political and ideological education, building determination for officers and soldiers. Additionally, participating forces were briefed on unified plans for the preservation and maintenance of weapons and equipment in field conditions and practiced combat plans to protect the base,” Hoạt added.

Throughout two days of determination on the simulated base training ground, thanks to thorough preparation in all aspects, the participating forces successfully completed the combat readiness transition training content. The training session was assessed to have met the set goals and requirements, following the correct procedures, staying close to reality and the situation of the unit and locality, while ensuring absolute secrecy and safety for personnel, weapons, and equipment.

Hoạt recognized many highlights in this training session. Most notably, officers at all levels firmly grasped the principles and sequences of transitioning combat readiness; the sense of responsibility, decisiveness, and the agile style of officers and soldiers in handling basic situations were correct in principle. However, he also frankly pointed out limitations in flexible coordination between departments and the synchronization of operational documents. “Strictness in training is the key to reducing bloodshed and errors in actual combat,” Hoạt emphasized.

In the context of increasingly high requirements for national defense, maintaining combat readiness and improving command and coordination capabilities will continue to be a consistent, regular, and long-term requirement. On the training ground today are simulated situations and sweat, preparations to be ready for any situation that may arise tomorrow...