Chapter 273: Conquering The Chief With Hard Power
Before Gao Cheng became a company commander, his father was already the top commander of the Group Army.
Now, after so many years, Chief Gao has, as expected, moved up and reached the pinnacle of the Group Army with his two-star strength.
Chen Jun has interacted with many senior leaders; two-star generals are not uncommon, and there are even quite a few three-star generals.
However, having a private family dinner with a two-star general is truly a first.
It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous.
Fortunately, having experienced much over lifetimes has made him calm and composed. Even if he felt nervous inside, he appeared more than calm on the outside.
“It seems the rumors are true, he is indeed extraordinary.” Chief Gao nodded to himself, quite satisfied.
Chief Gao is accustomed to all sorts of junior officers; even division-level cadres would become tense and dare not even breathe loudly in his presence.
Chen Jun, a mere junior officer, is able to remain neither subservient nor arrogant in front of him.
It is truly rare!
“Xiao Chen, come, have some tea.”
As he spoke, a woman walked over. Her features were not delicate, but her demeanor was very gentle and she looked very young, appearing to be only in her mid-thirties.
Especially her nose and mouth, they were exactly like Gao Cheng’s.
Her identity was obvious.
“Thank you, Auntie.”
Chen Jun immediately stood up and took a step forward, accepting the tea handed to him by Mother Gao.
“Xiao Chen, don’t be constrained. Treat this place as your own home. Sit here and rest for a while; the dishes will be ready soon.”
Mother Gao warmly welcomed Chen Jun and then carefully instructed Gao Cheng, “Gao Cheng, you rarely come home. Spend some good time chatting with your father and tell him about your recent work so your father can understand.”
After speaking, Mother Gao turned to Chief Gao again and said, “Old Gao, I’ll leave this to you. I still need to cook.”
“Go, go.”
Chief Gao waved his hand to show he understood, then turned his gaze to Chen Jun and said, “Chen Jun, how is the preparation for the military region’s lecture tour? If you encounter any difficulties, you can mention them directly.”
“Reporting, Chief. Everything is ready. We will complete the mission with absolute quality and quantity,” Chen Jun said confidently.
“Very good.”
Chief Gao nodded with satisfaction, picked up the enamel cup beside him, and took a sip of water, saying, “Recently, the military region has also been researching the tactical play of combined arms units, as they believe it might be a future trend in warfare.
Although you are young and not of high rank, you have successfully organized the army’s first combined arms battalion, which has truly impressed me.
Since we have the opportunity to sit and chat, let’s casually discuss this topic. What are your thoughts on combined arms units?”
Although Chief Gao said it was a casual chat, he was actually assessing Chen Jun’s fundamentals.
A talent like Chen Jun, who is at the forefront of the entire army, has an influence that is not limited to the battalion or regiment level; it also has a certain impact on the Group Army.
As the top commander of the Group Army, Chief Gao naturally wanted to understand this in depth when he had the chance.
Chen Jun, with his high emotional and intellectual intelligence, knew immediately that Chief Gao was probing him. If he performed well, it would be of immense help in the future.
Since Chief Gao wanted to discuss combined arms units, Chen Jun naturally intended to perform well.
“Combined arms units are indeed a hot topic. Overseas, there are already relatively mature systems, and domestically, we are actively building tactical bases. All these indicate that it will inevitably be one of the future mainstream trends.
The so-called combined arms unit is essentially the integration of infantry, armor, artillery, engineers, and even aviation to form a multi-arm tactical entity.
By reducing intermediate command procedures, mobilization can be made more efficient, thereby enhancing overall combat effectiveness.
If we can possess mature coordinated tactics and a more efficient command system, it is conservatively estimated that combat effectiveness will increase by at least double.”
Chen Jun spoke with great fluency about the field he was most familiar with.
“It sounds simple, but can the current technological level and command system truly support such complex coordinated combat?” Chief Gao asked.
“There are indeed many technological bottlenecks, but I believe the direction is correct.”
Chen Jun continued to expound, “Look, in the Gulf War, the US military’s ‘air-ground integration’ demonstrated the power of multi-arm coordination.
Iraq, hailed as the strongest nation in the Middle East, couldn’t even last a hundred hours.
This war shocked the world and also woke us up.
Although our equipment and informatization level are currently far inferior to theirs, we can start by exploring the concept of combined arms units, researching their tactics, and establishing the main structure first.
As for the backwardness in equipment and technology, we can find ways to solve it. As long as we put in the effort, there will definitely be ways to solve these problems.”
The command system of combined arms units is greatly streamlined, but the structure of the troops’ branches is more complex.
There are major issues here!
And to solve this biggest problem is simple yet very difficult.
The simplicity lies in the fact that the method is not complicated; it only requires a command system to handle it. The difficulty lies in the fact that no one can develop such a command system.
In this era, under the instigation of the tyrannical White Eagle, various countries worldwide have imposed strict blockades on our country.
Especially in the field of high technology, the restrictions are even more severe.
Technology talents in software development are extremely sought-after “treasures” in all countries in this era of impending informatization explosion.
It is difficult for our country to acquire relevant talents, especially those who can develop military software.
The difficulty is no less than that of the “Two Bombs and One Satellite” project in the past.
To develop the key “Five Major Systems” required for the Zhu Rihe Combined Arms Tactics Base, the superiors have essentially mobilized all the programming talents in the country.
For the lower-level units to develop command systems is almost an unthinkable matter for anyone.
Chief Gao’s statement revealed the key issue: the difficulty lies in the development of combined tactics and command systems, proving that the military region is also researching combined arms units.
Even the various military regions under other war zones are diligently researching in this area.
However, they are all still in the research phase and have not yet come up with viable specific plans. There is still a long way to go before actual operations can commence.
Chen Jun, at the most grassroots company level, managed to create a combined arms battalion.
This is a miracle!
It is something that absolutely cannot be replicated!
“That makes sense, you’ve explained it very well.”
Chief Gao was very satisfied with Chen Jun’s response, confirming that Chen Jun indeed had substantial capabilities.
He then began to increase the difficulty of the conversation, using this discussion opportunity to have Chen Jun analyze the difficulties encountered in the military region’s research.
“However, the difficulties of combined arms units are not only in technology and command systems, but also in equipment and training plans. Especially the coordination between various branches requires extremely high command efficiency and communication capabilities.
Our current command system is still relatively traditional, and the speed of information transmission is slow. If we were to go to the battlefield, it would lead to missed opportunities.”
Chief Gao was pointing out crucial issues, making Chen Jun realize that Chief Gao’s understanding of combined arms units had likely reached a very profound level.
In order to leave a deep impression in Chief Gao’s mind,
Chen Jun had to put in 120% effort.
“Uncle Gao, I believe our army’s current major push for informatization reform is precisely to overcome these areas. Future combined arms units must rely on informatization construction to establish efficient command and control systems.
In addition to developing key command systems, we also need to research or introduce digital communication equipment.
We should even attempt to develop our own satellite navigation and integrate it with battlefield awareness systems to be considered truly combined arms units.
However, these high-tech equipment and software cannot be developed overnight.
And we cannot just sit idly and wait because we lack equipment and technology, letting precious time be wasted.
I believe that even with current limitations, we can start by exploring from a tactical perspective.
We can research and develop combined tactics suitable for our army, without requiring actual equipment to be present. We can use assumptions for simulation.
In this way, when the equipment is in place in the future, we will be able to quickly form combat effectiveness, without having to start from scratch.”
Chen Jun’s explanation was very compelling and logically sound.
Even Chief Gao, who managed a military region, was moved by Chen Jun’s words and began to anticipate, eagerly asking, “Prioritizing development at the tactical level is indeed an excellent idea.
I imagine the Steel Seventh Battalion you are currently leading is also following this path. I’m quite curious, how will you develop at the tactical level next?”
Chief Gao’s interest was piqued, and Chen Jun naturally felt even more confident.
He responded with a targeted answer: “The current approach is very simple: use training as a substitute for exercises, and use exercises as a substitute for combat. Conduct numerous simulated exercises during daily training.
By simulating the combat modes of combined arms units, units such as infantry, armored forces, artillery, and engineers.
They can continuously coordinate with each other, provide fire support, open up paths, and engage in infantry-tank coordination, and can be combined in any random order.
This way, during exercises, they can quickly engage in combat based on actual combat standards.
I believe that through this model, even without a true digital system, the tactical level can mature rapidly through rigorous training and preliminary plan design to simulate this coordination effect.”
“Using training as exercises, and exercises as combat; good, very good, this is an excellent method.”
Chief Gao was impressed by Chen Jun’s eight-character slogan and happily repeated “good” several times, eagerly saying, “When your Steel Seventh Battalion produces results and proves its feasibility, I will promote it to the entire Group Army, and even to the entire army.
However, I have a question: this method places high demands on the quality of soldiers, requiring not only professional skills but also a global awareness. The overall intensity has increased significantly. Can our soldiers adapt to this?”
Chief Gao’s logical thinking was clear and agile; he had once again grasped the core issue.
“This is precisely what I wanted to say.”
Chen Jun continued seamlessly without any panic, “The tactical play of combined arms units is not just an upgrade of equipment and command, but also a comprehensive enhancement of soldier quality.
Future warfare will inevitably be high-tech warfare; it will be impossible to achieve overall victory relying solely on the advantage of a single branch of service.
To win a war, more high technology will be invested, and the more high-tech equipment there is, the fewer people will be required, and the quality will continuously improve. This is an inevitable logic.
Therefore, to adapt to future warfare, our training models must change, and the quality of soldiers must also change. Improving overall educational attainment is the most basic requirement.”
Soldiers who cannot read and write, relying on high-tech equipment, are destined to be eliminated in the future.
“I understand now. No wonder you strongly requested an all-NCO battalion in the combined arms battalion establishment report you submitted earlier. You were already prepared; such foresight truly amazes me.”
For the first time, Army Commander Gao’s eyes showed astonishment, proving that he had been captivated by Chen Jun’s talent.
“An all-NCO battalion is not a mandatory requirement, and it’s impossible to fully implement it in the future. Therefore, we need to optimize related aspects and develop more reasonable training to make the combined tactics system more adaptable,” Chen Jun also pointed out a key aspect.
“Speaking of training, I think there’s another issue.”
Chief Gao had unconsciously become a student, constantly trying to find answers to all his doubts from Chen Jun.
He continued, “Combined arms units have more branches and troops, and their combat modes will definitely place higher demands on logistics than traditional units.
The supply of fuel and ammunition, and the maintenance needs of equipment and weapons for each branch will increase significantly. This poses a major challenge to our existing logistics system. Have you considered this aspect?”
“Logistics support is indeed a major challenge, but it is not difficult to solve.”
Chen Jun waited a few seconds, organized his thoughts, and then said, “Logistics problems can be solved by optimizing the supply chain and introducing new technologies.
For example, we can learn from the experience of foreign armies and establish a modular logistics support system that integrates into the command and combat system, forming a whole, which can significantly improve supply efficiency.”
“That sounds promising, but I think there’s still a key issue: our current economic and technological levels are still quite limited. Will the large-scale promotion of combined arms unit tactics be somewhat ahead of its time?” Chief Gao asked.
“It’s definitely ahead of its time, and large-scale promotion is indeed difficult. Combined arms units are too expensive to build, and our country’s current economy cannot sustain it.”
Chen Jun did not fear being scolded and stated the actual situation truthfully.
In later generations, China would carry out a full army division-to-brigade reform in 2016. Compared to the informatization reform in 1998, eighteen years had passed.
The reason for the delay in full promotion was actually waiting for China’s economy to grow.
The cost of a heavy combined arms brigade is calculated in billions. If it were to be promoted army-wide in the year 2000, it would absolutely drag down the entire country.
Waiting eighteen years for promotion was the most opportune time.
“Although what you said is not pleasant to hear, it hits the nail on the head. War is a game of burning money, and army development has no upper limit. Without economic support, everything is just empty talk.”
Chen Jun’s foresight at such a young age made Chief Gao look at him in a new light.
“Subjectively, that is indeed the case. However, speaking of which, I don’t think we should abandon the exploration of combined arms units just because of limited conditions.”
Chen Jun’s tone shifted, and he continued, “The tactical play of combined arms units is not just an advancement in military technology, but also a transformation of warfare forms.
If we don’t start researching now, by the time the form of warfare is completely changed in the future, it might be too late.”
Chen Jun’s final summary was pointed and insightful!
“You are right.”
Chief Gao agreed with Chen Jun’s viewpoint and also summarized from his perspective: “However, I believe that while promoting combined arms units, we must also consider our actual situation. For example, we can start by piloting in some elite units, accumulating experience, and then gradually promoting it.”
“Our regiment is doing exactly that now, and we are confident that we will set an excellent example for the entire army, acting as pioneers to usher in a new era.”
Chen Jun said this with great pride, and he had every right to be proud.
“Haha, you are not modest at all, you and Gao Cheng really are birds of a feather.”
Chief Gao was amused by Chen Jun’s words. Although it sounded like he was scolding him, his eyes showed full of relief.
He was relieved to have an excellent cadre like Chen Jun in the army, and to have him appear in his Eighty-fourth Group Army.
“Old Gao, dinner is ready. Bring both young men over.”
Just then, Mother Gao came out with dishes and called Chief Gao over.
“Alright, then let’s get ready for dinner.”
Chief Gao responded and was very satisfied with the conversation with Chen Jun. He finally summarized: “In conclusion, the tactical play of combined arms units is not only the direction of troop development but also the demand of the era.
We must seize this opportunity, seize the moment of reform, and prepare for future wars.
Chen Jun, I hope your research can provide more ideas for the development of our troops. After all, you are the one at the forefront when it comes to combined arms units.”
“Thank you for your trust, Chief. I will do my utmost for the development of our troops.”
Chen Jun stood up, his back straight, his voice loud and filled with absolute confidence.
Chief Gao smiled.
He smiled very happily!
