Chapter 155: Great News! Division Commander Personally Approves
Chen Jun missed Xu Sanduo’s highlight moment and failed to see one of the classic scenes from Soldiers Sortie.
Yet during his conversation with the Division Commander at division headquarters, through experience accumulated over three lifetimes, he successfully thoroughly conquered the Division Commander, ushering in his own highlight moment.
The Division Commander’s first question in their private chat was actually not all that “friendly.”
“Combined Arms Tactics are just beginning to emerge in our army, and even frontline troops are still in the experimental stage, yet your Combined Arms Theory of reform has already approached perfection. May I ask how you managed to do it?”
The first thing the Division Commander wanted to know was how Chen Jun had accomplished it.
It sounded strange, but it was perfectly reasonable.
After all, Chen Jun was only twenty-three now, still at the most grassroots platoon leader position in grassroots units, yet he could write a complete theory starting from Combined Arms Company all the way to Combined Arms Battalion—
《On the Feasibility of Building Combined Arms Force from Zero》!
Although this theory only went up to Combined Arms Battalion, without regiment, brigade, or division establishment, it still left the Division Commander feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
But a Combined Arms Battalion was already an extraordinary existence, top-secret classified material anywhere.
Chen Jun, a grassroots cadre who had graduated less than two years ago and had just been a platoon leader for a year, could actually write such profound theory.
Logically speaking, it was indeed impossible, naturally making people feel incredulous.
And from the moment Chen Jun decided to build the Combined Arms Company, he knew that with his current identity and seniority, producing something so shocking would inevitably raise suspicions.
So to provide a reasonable explanation, he had already prepared his response in advance.
First, even if he had the full set of Combined Arms Tactics, even if given a division-level establishment now, he could build a Combined Arms Division within a year.
Chen Jun also didn’t foolishly dump everything he knew all at once.
The Combined Arms Tactics Theory he had authored now only covered company-level and battalion-level Combined Arms Force, still within the scope of grassroots units.
Second, he had already collected a lot of information, paving the way sufficiently for himself in advance.
Therefore, when the Division Commander raised this question, Chen Jun showed no panic and naturally explained: “I don’t have too many interests; I just like doing research, especially on modern warfare.
The Gulf War, I’m sure you know, Leader, how much shock it brought to the world.
Iraq, known as the strongest power in the Middle East, mobilized over 700,000 troops, yet was crushed in just forty-two days.
The ground war phase was even shorter, lasting less than one hundred hours.
I was still in high school then, deeply shocked by that war, realizing that traditional warfare modes had been abandoned by the era.
Informatized, technologized, globalized, modernized—that’s the new form of warfare.
So from that time on, I started collecting all sorts of information in various ways, deducing and simulating future warfare demands.
Among them, the U.S. Army’s new Combined Arms Force establishment piqued my intense interest.
By university, with a computer, I could access more frontline information faster, and my Combined Arms Theory gradually took shape.
Thus, after joining the company and arriving at Steel Seventh Company, my inner anticipation grew even stronger; I was constantly thinking about turning my ideas into reality, building Combined Arms Force for our country.
Ultimately, I was very lucky to gain the Company Commander’s appreciation and our Regiment Commander’s support, giving me the opportunity to turn my dream into reality.
The only pity now is…
Even though I’ve made sufficient effort, I still lack practical experience, so I can only simulate in my mind, with too many limitations.
Thus, my Combined Arms Force theory can only be deduced up to battalion level for now; anything higher requires more time.”
Chen Jun spoke this passage fluently, emphasizing clear reasoning, cause, and effect.
Not a single flaw to pick!
“You mean you started writing this Combined Arms Theory in high school? And only completed it after graduating university and joining the company? Taking over five years?”
The Division Commander was shocked by Chen Jun’s words and had no doubts about him whatsoever.
Moreover, realizing Chen Jun had spent five years researching alone, solely through collecting information, without any practice, purely through mental simulation and deduction, to complete Combined Arms Tactics Theory from zero to Combined Arms Battalion.
The Division Commander was convinced by Chen Jun’s astonishing talent and had to admit Chen Jun was a rare military genius.
“Yes, for it, I spent over five years, investing all my spare time, and fortunately, it didn’t disappoint me; it has some value.” Chen Jun smiled modestly and said.
“One person accomplished what a team couldn’t in ten years—genius, absolute genius.”
The Division Commander, usually known for his steady demeanor, couldn’t hold back his emotions this time; his face was full of excited smiles as he lavishly praised Chen Jun uncontrollably.
“You’re overpraising me, Leader. I was just lucky, fumbling around blindly.” Chen Jun smiled modestly again.
“This is a combination of effort, strength, and ability—how can one sentence of ‘just lucky’ erase it all? Besides, luck is also a manifestation of strength, haha.”
Chen Jun’s astonishing strength paired with such modesty made the Division Commander appreciate his character even more and like him even better.
There was no doubt about the Combined Arms Company’s strength; the confrontation exercise was the most direct proof. The Division Commander then posed his second question.
“Chen Jun, suppose now I ask you to form a Combined Arms Battalion—do you have confidence you can complete it?”
The Division Commander locked eyes with Chen Jun, his face expressionless, revealing no underlying intent.
But though Chen Jun was only in his twenties, he had actually lived longer than the Division Commander; observing facial expressions and tone was effortless for him.
Chen Jun knew the Division Commander asking this wasn’t really about forming a Combined Arms Battalion now.
Rather, it was a test.
The final test before making the ultimate decision.
If Chen Jun answered hesitantly, it would mean he lacked sufficient confidence in the theory he wrote, at least for Combined Arms Battalion.
The Division Commander would adjust the subsequent deployment based on Chen Jun’s feedback.
For example, whether to directly launch the Combined Arms Battalion.
Or let time continue to test the Combined Arms Company, proceeding only with sufficient assurance.
If Chen Jun showed abnormal excitement, truly thinking he was about to lead a Combined Arms Battalion, thumping his chest in guarantee.
Such frivolous, overly eager mentality would lead the Division Commander to another judgment.
Steadiness is the army’s foremost quality!
Chen Jun knew the Division Commander’s intention and naturally wouldn’t err; after quickly analyzing in his mind, he immediately had the most appropriate response.
“Leader, I was able to successfully build a combat-effective Combined Arms Company with no practice and nothing to reference.
Now with the Combined Arms Company experience as paving, building a Combined Arms Battalion—I definitely have confidence.
However, I think it’s a bit premature now. The Combined Arms Company hasn’t been tested in major combat, and company-battalion level confrontation isn’t enough to fully verify achievement.
So, personally, I think.
Since the Group Army’s reform assessment exercise will soon reach our regiment in the coming months, it would be the perfect testing ground.
If the Combined Arms Company withstands the pressure, completes the mission in this assessment, and reveals no fatal flaws under high pressure.
Then considering forming the Combined Arms Battalion would be more scientific and steady.”
Chen Jun’s response was simply perfect, highlighting affirmation of personal ability, a temperament neither arrogant nor anxious, while considering the big picture.
So young yet with such steady character, paired with Chen Jun’s stunning talent that awed everyone.
The Division Commander smiled!
Smiling like he’d found treasure, eyes full of reluctant fondness.
Having resolved his two biggest concerns, he now had sufficient understanding of Chen Jun’s character, integrity, talent, and more.
The Division Commander fully trusted Chen Jun, with no other thoughts left.
The remaining discussion topics were relatively relaxed.
Mainly revolving around building Combined Arms Force and related Combined Arms Tactics content; the two engaged in in-depth exchange and discussion.
The Division Commander took the opportunity during their exchange to ask Chen Jun about points in the theory he didn’t understand.
Even though he had once been merely a first lieutenant, the Division Commander didn’t put on airs of superiority but humbly sought knowledge without shame.
Chen Jun, in his first private exchange with the Division Commander, was also impressed by his character.
These days, leaders and officials all have airs; even if not arrogantly condescending, most can’t let go of face.
Yet the Division Commander had none of these flaws, humbly seeking advice on what he didn’t know.
It embodied the most perfect side of a leader.
At the same time, through deep exchange with the Division Commander, Chen Jun learned much from him, deepening his own insights.
Though the Division Commander didn’t understand Combined Arms Tactics, he had led troops for over twenty years.
The understandings from those years, the experiences in leading troops, provided Chen Jun certain inspirations after discussion.
Live and learn till old.
This applies to the army too.
No matter how many lifetimes Chen Jun had lived now, he strove to grow every minute and second, never slacking due to his strong abilities.
This applies to people.
And even more to tactics.
Combined Arms Tactics aren’t static; Combined Arms Force isn’t forever unchanging.
Even in the 21st century when Combined Arms Tactics are widespread and no longer rare, Combined Arms Tactics continue evolving, and Combined Arms Force establishment compositions keep changing.
Distinctions like medium Combined Arms Force and heavy Combined Arms Force emerged after maturation.
Chen Jun needed sustained, long-term optimization and reform of Combined Arms Operations systems, making Combined Arms Tactics superior and the system more perfect.
And during the conversation with the Division Commander, Chen Jun’s knowledge reserve—so abundant it shocked the Division Commander—along with his poised, independent style of speaking.
Also astonished the Division Commander.
Such an all-around nearly perfect young cadre made the Division Commander inwardly think of that term—
Once-in-a-century genius!
It was precisely because of this one-on-one talk with the Division Commander that Chen Jun conquered him with personal hard power, gaining an unexpected surprise he hadn’t anticipated—
Promoted to Deputy Company Commander!!
Originally, by Chen Jun’s personal plan, reaching Deputy Company Commander after the mountain military exercise would already be remarkable, the top ceiling in his plan.
Unexpectedly, less than a week after returning from talking with the Division Commander, news came from the regiment.
The Political Instructor rushed excitedly to the parade ground himself, calling aside Chen Jun who was training troops, and said with a face full of joyful excitement: “Platoon Leader Chen, orders from the regiment—go to the Regimental Political Department immediately.”
“Go to the Regimental Political Department? What does that mean?”
Chen Jun, hearing he was going to the Political Department and seeing the Political Instructor’s excited face, was a bit puzzled.
Mainly because it was too sudden!
“Good news! Big good news!”
Political Instructor Hong Xingguo said excitedly: “At first I was puzzled too, so I specially called to ask for you, and got a huge piece of good news.
Heard that because of outstanding performance in the confrontation exercise, plus your theory satisfying the Division Commander.
The Division Commander personally approved a note for you; this trip to the regiment is very likely a promotion, high probability to Deputy Company Commander.
Platoon leader for a year straight to Deputy Company Commander—you really opened my eyes wide. I congratulate you in advance.”
Besides joy in Hong Xingguo’s eyes, there was also a trace of unconcealable envy.
Joining the company total less than a year and a half to become Deputy Company Commander—this promotion speed was truly exaggerated, like riding a rocket.
How exaggerated? Compare to Gao Cheng.
Even as son of the Group Army top leader, he had to serve a year as platoon leader to become Deputy Company Commander, then a year as Deputy Company Commander to become Company Commander.
Chen Jun had no background or connections, yet his upgrade speed was nearly catching up to Gao Cheng.
This comparison shows just how exaggerated the speed was.
No wonder the Political Instructor was envious!
“Really? So fast?”
Chen Jun, who thought he’d get Deputy Company Commander after fighting old A with good results, was truly pleasantly surprised by this sudden news.
“Nearly certain. Old Gao asked me to call you; he’s gone to prepare the car. Hurry up.”
Hong Xingguo urged while pulling Chen Jun along.
By the time they reached Steel Seventh Company’s main entrance, the car was ready; Gao Cheng, driving personally, waved through the car window and shouted to Chen Jun: “Platoon Leader Chen, quick quick quick, come on, get in the car, let’s go.”
With Gao Cheng’s face this excited, one might think he was being promoted to Deputy Battalion Commander.
Chen Jun thought that becoming Deputy Company Commander so soon would advance his plan by over half a year, and proving the Combined Arms Division’s evolution could also start at least half a year earlier.
At this moment, the fire of excitement and agitation in his heart had ignited.
“Coming, coming.”
Chen Jun’s steps were a few quicker than usual as he rushed over, opened the car door, and got in.
“Vroom~~”
Gao Cheng floored the accelerator, and the car shot off.
“Huh, what’s going on? Why is the Political Instructor so happy like he’s about to become a dad, and the Company Commander and Platoon Leader Chen leaving in such a hurry??”
Cheng Cai, on duty at the main entrance today, watched the scene in complete confusion.
