As the rhythmic clatter of wheels against the tracks filled the air, the scenery outside the window transformed continuously. From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, and then to vast, unending wilderness, time seemed to slow down. Despite the long and monotonous journey ahead, our hearts brimmed with anticipation for the upcoming field training; such minor inconveniences could not deter our progress.
When the first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the train window and warmed our faces, we knew we were getting closer to our destination. After a day and night of jostling, the train finally pulled into Xichang Railway Station. We eagerly disembarked, taking deep breaths of the fresh air and soaking in the unique charm of this city. Surrounded by green mountains and shaded by lush trees, what lay before us was a bustling scene—the very field training base we had longed for.
Field training was an excellent opportunity to learn various skills! Here, a wide array of talents could be showcased, leaving us dazzled. From carpenters to masons, and from designers to florists, every role played an essential part.
At first, this place was almost barren. The camp we were in had nothing around it; even basic facilities like our living quarters and toilets needed to be built and planned by us. Moreover, this was not something that could be done haphazardly; there were strict standards and requirements to follow.
Take the construction of the camp as an example. We had to carefully select suitable materials to ensure the stability of the buildings. At the same time, we needed to consider ventilation and lighting so that everyone could have a relatively comfortable resting space in such harsh conditions. As for the toilets, we couldn't afford to be careless; they had to be clean and hygienic while also being laid out reasonably to accommodate many users.
After a week of hard work together, we finally managed to establish these basic facilities. It was during this process that I gradually mastered skills in floral design and masonry. Through continuous practice and exploration, I learned how to mix cement, lay bricks, and plaster walls to create sturdy structures. This experience was invaluable; it not only taught me practical skills but also fostered my teamwork spirit and problem-solving abilities.
The weather in Xichang felt oddly similar to that of Yunnan—one minute it could be sunny, and the next it might be overcast. Our training ground was also on a mountain, but it was significantly higher in elevation. For someone like me, who had grown up at sea level, climbing to the summit was somewhat exhausting. The mountain's cloud sea beneath us looked just like something out of a television show—like a fairyland. Due to the humidity, every training session left us drenched in sweat; however, there was a local specialty that provided us with some joy during breaks—Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula). Fresh Dangshen has a distinct aroma; as soon as you enter its vicinity, you can smell it strongly. By following this scent, we could find it easily; however, digging it up required skill—most amateurs like us would end up breaking it off. With this experience in mind, each time we ascended the mountain, we brought along some entrenching tools—clearing paths when we encountered mountains and digging for Dangshen when we found it; occasionally we even added some greens to our meals.
Of course, specific subjects were included in our training plan as well. Armed marching drills were one of the essential courses for building willpower. Before dawn broke, we prepared everything; at the command of the duty officer, we donned our gear and set off. We climbed over mountains and cut through thickets for about an hour until we faced a steep hill with no visible path—a cloud sea lay beneath us where one couldn't see the bottom. Even a lightly equipped young person would find climbing challenging; let alone with all our gear at such altitude. But this was a necessary path forward. Suddenly, I heard our Company Commander shout, "Charge with me!" Instantly, we surged forward like awakened tigers toward the summit.
Everyone helped each other out: you pushed me while I pulled him along; if someone fell behind, others would help carry some gear to lighten their load while encouraging them onward. In this back-and-forth process of moving two steps forward and one step back, we finally reached the top amidst cheers as if we had won a glorious battle. Our instructor quickly called everyone together for a precious group photo against the backdrop of the cloud sea. Although this hill was just a minor obstacle on our journey, it epitomized our unity and determination in overcoming difficulties—it reflected the cohesion of our team.
Along the way, various situations arose: some comrades ran out of water; everyone shared what they had left or took turns sipping from their canteens as best as they could conserve it. Some comrades developed blisters from walking too long; others would support them or even offer their insoles as padding for comfort. From morning until nightfall when we returned to base exhausted and barely speaking a word, it was evident that everyone had gained a deeper understanding of what unity truly meant.
On ordinary days when there was free time, our Company often organized singing sessions. Upon arriving in this land, we naturally followed local customs and worked hard to build good relationships with the community. Thus, our first song learned in a minority language was the distinctive "Jing Jiu Ge."
You see, we came from all corners of the country and were not all fluent in different languages. Facing this song in Yi Language initially posed quite a challenge for everyone. However, after brainstorming together, we devised a rather unique method: translating each word from Yi Language directly into corresponding Chinese characters.
Surprisingly enough, this seemingly simple approach yielded remarkable results! In just about an hour's time, everyone could sing along proficiently with the song. Later during evaluations at camp, we earned praise from higher-ups for our synchronized singing performance. In that moment, every heart swelled with pride and joy.
The weather in the mountains is indeed unpredictable! Just this afternoon, the sky was clear with bright sunshine; who would have thought that at nightfall when we were just about to drift into sweet dreams—a sudden downpour would come without warning? It caught everyone completely off guard.
Given how rudimentary our accommodations were, it wasn't long before leaks began appearing in some areas due to rainwater accumulation outside slowly seeping into our tents through drainage channels.
Upon realizing this situation, everyone immediately sprang into action. Some quickly grabbed nearby basins and stood on their beds trying hard to catch dripping rainwater; others hurriedly took their entrenching tools rushing towards drainage ditches working frantically to clear blockages; still others anxiously transported personal belongings away from potential water damage without pause. In no time at all chaos ensued as everyone busily scrambled about.
Fortunately though, this rain did not last long. After an intense period of urgent handling efforts, our little shelter miraculously escaped major damage! Eventually everyone collapsed from exhaustion gazing breathlessly at each other’s soaked appearances before bursting into laughter—the sound echoed through that quiet night as if all fatigue and worries vanished along with those joyful laughs.
Gradually drawing near its conclusion filled with challenges and sweat—the field training experience came closer towards its end. At this crucial moment, military district specially dispatched an impressive artistic troupe for a morale-boosting performance—a visual feast for all soldiers!
As night fell and lights illuminated up stage performers sparkled like brilliant stars making their entrance! At that moment we finally laid eyes on those celebrities whom we'd only seen on television screens before! Among them was Teacher Zhao Liang who captivated hearts with his deeply resonant portrayal of San Dezi from "Kangxi's Secret Visits," eliciting waves of cheers from below; Teacher Xiao Zeng followed suit with his emotionally charged voice singing one beautiful song after another captivating every audience member present; while Teacher Chen Lijuan charmed countless viewers through her role as Yu Fang in "Mountain City Stick Army," radiating charisma on stage!
This spectacular performance began right after dinner continuing until just before lights out when curtains slowly fell down ending showtime! The program featured diverse forms including songs & dances skits & cross-talks—all meticulously arranged showcasing high artistic standards! Everyone remained spellbound by thrilling acts glued attentively towards stage occasionally bursting into laughter or shedding tears moved deeply immersed within joyous atmosphere! Even though show concluded many still felt unsatisfied wishing they could continue relishing such rare delightful moments!
However beautiful times are always fleeting! Amidst laughter & cheerfulness—our lengthy field training life reached its fulfilling conclusion! This experience not only honed our resilient character but also allowed us amidst rigorous training feel warmth & care extended by military district! It will forever remain an unforgettable precious memory within military careers inspiring us onward striving towards excellence!
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