One Month in the Military: How Much Have They Changed?

Recently

the Southern Theater Command Air Force unit

has welcomed the new recruits of autumn 2026

who have now been in the camp for a “full month”

After a month of rigorous training

they have shed their youthful naivety

and gradually taken on the appearance of soldiers

On the drill ground

the steps have gone from scattered to orderly

the calls have gone from awkward to resonant

When standing still

their backs are straight as pines, their eyes bright and focused

In motion

their arm swings are synchronized, their footfalls strong and powerful

When they first entered the camp, their steps were still unsteady

now they turn and kick with precision and agility

their every gesture already reflects a soldier's demeanor

In the squad dormitory

the standards of internal affairs are gradually improving

the once loose bedding has been arranged into

sharp-edged “tofu blocks”

the sheets are spread flat, with not a wrinkle in sight

fingers repeatedly press along the corners of the quilt

creating straight lines

and solidifying the foundation of discipline

On the training ground

the recruits grip the pull-up bars tightly

their forearms tense, their core engaged

the blisters on their palms burst and heal again

each time they grit their teeth and persevere

is a testament to breaking through their limits

Thirty days of struggle

every drop of sweat engraves the marks of hard work

every change confirms the steps of growth

Several recruits have written their “one-month reflections”

documenting this journey of transformation

↓↓↓

Xiao Yuxin: What harm is there in a young dream of reaching for the stars, daring to pull the bow and shoot the celestial balance? Three months ago, I was still wandering in the streets of Jiangnan, enjoying the scenery and tasting the food, never imagining that I would don a military uniform and live, eat, and train with my comrades. The rigorous training has gradually worn away my casual habits, and I am stepping closer to the standards of a qualified soldier. With dreams in my heart, I shall pursue them, and hard work will surely yield the best answers.

Wei Lanxin: From a recent graduate to a soldier of the People's Liberation Army, I have completed an important transformation in my life. At the beginning of my time in the camp, I wrote in my diary my apprehensions and doubts of “Can I do this?” In the nearly month that has passed, my will has been tempered on the training ground, and my patience has been cultivated in the daily routines of maintaining order. Every detail of life in the military is reshaping and refining me. I will serve my country in the best state, taking up the baton from my predecessors, living up to my youth and my mission.

Wang Jie: The training life since joining the army has given me a deeper understanding of the identity of a soldier. I must practice self-restraint and inherit the spirit of not fearing hardship or fatigue. I will do simple things meticulously and take daily tasks seriously. I will shed past burdens and greet my military career with a fresh attitude. Glory lies in the ordinary, and the challenge is in the long journey. I will write my military answers with excellent conduct, shoulder my responsibilities, and fulfill my vow to protect my homeland.

Yu Hongyang: Returning to the army for the second time, the uniform remains the same, but my mindset is different. The first time I enlisted, I was young and naive, exploring the military camp with anticipation; now, returning to service, I am well aware of the hardships of training and the seriousness of discipline. With less restlessness and more determination, I am no longer driven by fleeting passion but have actively chosen to shoulder responsibility. I will focus on solid training, diligently learn professional skills, and remain true to my original intentions, not letting down this military uniform.

Liu Jianguo: Before enlisting, I was a taekwondo athlete, and the competition honed my indomitable will. Stepping into the military camp, I will bring this courage and discipline, diligently practice military skills, and commit to the mission of strengthening the army, transforming the spirit of competition into practical actions for serving my country, using my youth to safeguard the peace of my homeland.

Wang Xianyu: With passion, I stepped into the military camp, shedding my youthful naivety and shouldering my mission and responsibilities. Training may be tough, but it sharpens my will; collective life is warm, and it is valuable to have comrades united in purpose. I will strictly observe discipline, train diligently, and live up to my family's expectations and this military uniform.

Wang Mingxin: After a month of service, I have gradually adapted to the tense and orderly life of the military. With a regular daily routine and strict training, my physical fitness is steadily improving. Although training is hard and I have sweated a lot, I have learned to persist and obey, and through shared hardships, I have understood the meaning of unity. Shedding past carelessness, I now carry more responsibility and commitment, and I have a clearer understanding of a soldier's mission, striving to complete the transformation from an ordinary youth to a revolutionary soldier.

Thirty days of rigorous training

is just the starting point for a soldier

May the new comrades

carry this transformation and harvest

in the great melting pot of the military camp

continue to temper their strength and hone their skills

with a spirited attitude as they pursue their dreams

on the passionate journey of military service

to blossom in youth and not waste their prime

Author | Liu Dongwei, Feng Shiyu, Zhang Yan, Long Junjiang, Wang Chunhui