Chapter 20: Study and Training

On the peaks of Qingkou, the biting winter wind remained relentless, yet the air was no longer thick with the acrid scent of gunpowder. It had been replaced by the earthy smell of the training grounds and the faint, savory aroma of food drifting from a corner of the camp.

Following the heavy losses sustained by Wu Qiwei’s forces, his troops had retreated to the east bank of the Wu River, shifting to a defensive posture. The tension on the Qingkou front eased, transitioning from a state of high alert to a period of rest and training. Battalion Commander Zhou Biao and the officers and men of the 37th Regiment had completed their mission and returned to the garrison at Jiangjiehe. The Qingkou positions had now become the grounds for the Independent Regiment’s rest and training.

Recent reports via radio brought news of victory: on January 7, the resourceful Chief of Staff Liu of the Fifth Army Corps had employed a brilliant ruse, disguising his troops as retreating Guizhou provincial forces to successfully capture the gates of Zunyi. With Zunyi taken, the pressure on the Fifth Army Corps was greatly reduced. They had now assumed control of the entire defense line along the Wu River and, coordinating with the Ninth Army Corps stationed in Meitan, were jointly safeguarding the newly liberated city of Zunyi.

Wang Lin stood on the main peak, surveying the nearly three thousand men under his command. A smile touched his face. "Comrades, do not think the fighting is over—the true trial has only just begun! Our numbers have grown, but our tactical proficiency and combat capability must be forged into something solid. We cannot rely on raw courage alone!"

At the regimental assembly, Wang Lin’s tone was resonant and firm:

"We won the battle at Qingkou! We won because of the tenacious resistance of our brother units, the courage and resolve of the Independent Regiment, and because we seized the opportunity to strike decisively at the enemy’s command hub!"

His tone shifted, becoming grave. "However, we cannot keep using the same old tactics. The enemy is learning and adjusting, too. Our ranks are expanding, and we have many new recruits—this is good! But our tactical literacy and combat experience must be strengthened. In future battles, which will only grow more complex, we cannot rely solely on the ideas of the regimental or battalion commanders. That is not enough."

"Therefore," Wang Lin declared with iron resolve, "from today on, the Independent Regiment will launch a full-scale 'Great Training Program'! We must reach a new level of proficiency!"

He looked first at the Reconnaissance Company. "Zhang Hongtu!"

"Here! Regimental Commander!" Zhang Hongtu stood tall.

"Take your men into the mountains for a hunting mission. Rabbits, pheasants—if conditions allow, bring back larger game. Improve the regiment's diet!"

"Guarantee the mission will be completed!" Zhang Hongtu responded loudly. Hot, fresh meat would be the best way to boost morale.

"Eating well is not enough; we must also train well," Wang Lin continued. "We are launching a 'Tactical Seminar and Field Exercise' program!"

He proposed several training topics closely modeled on actual combat scenarios:

High-altitude mountain marching: Simulating the movement of equipment and the wounded across 4,000 meters of snow-covered terrain over three days, studying formations, cold-weather protection, and supply distribution.

Maneuvering through marshlands: Simulating the crossing of muddy terrain under adverse weather and enemy conditions, training in pathfinding, maintaining formations, and survival skills.

Village defensive operations: Simulating a company or platoon-level unit defending a rudimentary village against a superior enemy force, focusing on fire placement, the use of fortifications, and counter-attacks.

Maintaining operations during famine: Simulating extreme supply shortages, training in grain management, foraging, maintaining discipline, and equitable distribution.

The rules were clear and pragmatic:

Commanders at every level—squad, platoon, company, and battalion—must lead the research and submit ideas for at least one topic (company-level and above must submit brief plans).

Plans would be submitted to the regimental headquarters, where the regimental commander would organize evaluations and simulations.

Units whose plans were deemed feasible (with a success rate of over 60 percent and no major vulnerabilities) would receive rewards in their rations.

Those that failed would remain on basic rations.

Collective discussion was encouraged to pool wisdom.

"Use your brains, improve your skills, and those who perform well will get extra meat! Everything will be fair and transparent!" Wang Lin waved his hand. "Let's get to work!"

Drawing from tactical theories he had studied in the past and combining them with his own insights, he prioritized the "Three-Three" tactical training:

Its core lay in avoiding dense formations to minimize casualties from artillery fire, emphasizing small-group flexibility and mutual support.

The basic unit was the three-man combat squad: the squad leader (a veteran or party member, equipped with a pistol or shotgun), a rifleman, and a support soldier (carrying extra ammunition and grenades). The three formed a triangular formation, with intervals of 5-10 meters adjusted according to the situation.

Squad and platoon tactics: A squad consisted of 3-4 groups. During an attack, one group would advance while the other two provided covering fire, moving in turns. In defense, they formed interlocking fields of fire. Platoon leaders controlled supporting weapons like machine guns and the reserve force.

Firepower usage: Emphasis was placed on precision shooting and grenade throwing. Machine guns were used to suppress key points, and blind firing that would expose one's position was strictly forbidden.

Simulations showed that adopting the "Three-Three" system significantly increased survival rates during artillery barrages and greatly improved the success rate of infiltrations during village offensive and defensive operations.

"Is everyone clear?" Wang Lin scanned the battalion and company commanders. "Mastering this is the key to saving lives and defeating the enemy! If you don't master it, the next battle will cost us in blood! Starting from the squad and platoon, it must be practiced until it is second nature!"

The spoils from the Battle of Qingkou were substantial. Wang Lin ordered:

The Independent Regiment would prioritize re-equipping itself with superior weaponry according to the new organizational structure and tactical needs, while retaining sufficient rations and silver dollars.

All remaining old rifles, surplus ammunition, some heavy machine guns, and the rest of the grain and silver were to be inventoried and packed.

"Zhong Guangbang!"

"Here! Regimental Commander!"

"Lead a team and deliver these supplies to the Army Corps headquarters immediately!"

Finally, Wang Lin turned to Political Commissar Wang Guang. "Commissar, please take charge of the ideological and cultural studies! Start the night school tonight! Every battalion, company, and platoon must set up learning centers!"

Cultural studies: Learning to read, writing one's name, and understanding orders. Taught by literate cadres, clerks, and soldiers with higher levels of education.

Political studies: Explaining the tenets of the Red Army, revolutionary principles, the significance of the Zunyi victory, and the importance of discipline. Combined with "grievance-airing" sessions to strengthen a sense of unity.

Tactical studies: Focusing on the "Three-Three" system! Using sand tables and maps, and incorporating real-life examples from the Qingkou battle, to ensure every soldier (especially the core members) understood how to act during attacks, defense, and retreats. Regimental leaders and battalion/company commanders would take turns instructing.

Survival skills: Battlefield first aid, weapon maintenance, construction of fortifications (anti-artillery dugouts, communication trenches), and field survival (identifying wild vegetables, making fire, purifying water). Taught by medics, veterans, and experienced engineers.

"Learning is also fighting!" Wang Lin concluded. "The whole regiment will participate, and the cadres must lead by example! Learning outcomes will be assessed and evaluated!"

With the orders issued, Qingkou immediately became a hive of activity. Beside the campfires, the game brought back by the scouts filled the air with tempting scents. Even livelier were the "problem-solving" sessions—squad and platoon leaders gathered together, drawing on the ground with sticks, arguing endlessly over how to navigate "snow-capped mountains," "swamps," "village defense," and "resisting hunger," all to submit better plans and win that honorary extra meal.

On the training grounds, the "Three-Three" system became the main subject. "Spread out!" "Group one, advance! Group two, cover!" "Interlocking fire!" The commands never ceased. Veterans led new recruits, and their movements grew increasingly proficient. Wang Lin and his staff moved among them, offering guidance. The function of a "cradle for future generals" was quietly taking effect, and the officers' tactical understanding was being imperceptibly enhanced.

Night fell, and the campfires grew more numerous. Night school was in session! Under the cliffs, inside civilian houses, and around the fires, makeshift classrooms appeared. The sounds of reading, lecturing, tactical discussions, and demonstrations of bandaging formed a warm current of knowledge that dispelled the chill of the North Guizhou winter night.