Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 52 Post-War Arrangements

"After this modification, each battalion will have three combat companies and one machine gun company, relying on local advantages in equipment and manpower to make up for the lack of combat power against the Japanese companies."

"After the Japanese occupied our three northeastern provinces in 20, they began to prepare for an invasion of China. They were far superior to our soldiers who had only been trained for two years."

"Therefore, everyone must not underestimate the Japanese because of one or two victories, do you all understand?"

"Understood," the officers below replied, their eyes following his words.

"Zhao Zhu, how's your understanding of the infantry-artillery coordination tactic coming along?" Tang Weiguo suddenly asked Zhao Zhu. Tang Weiguo had discussed infantry-artillery coordination tactics with Zhao Zhu a long time ago, telling him to work on it gradually.

"It's pretty much there, but it hasn't been tested in actual combat, so I'm not entirely sure about it," Zhao Zhu said, sounding somewhat unsure.

"You first develop a training plan, and everyone starts training. We'll summarize our experiences and lessons learned during training, and continuously improve our tactics," Tang Weiguo encouraged.

"Okay, I'll give it a try first."

"Yes, they just finished a battle and need to rest. Use this time to train them well. Soldiers can't be idle. You all have to cooperate well with Zhao Zhu's training." Tang Weiguo ordered Tang Xiaohu and his group.

"Commander, the coordination is fine, but I want to take a good rest for a while. I've been too tired lately..." Tang Xiaohu complained.

"The Japanese devils haven't been driven away yet, and you still want to rest for a while? You're dreaming! I, the regimental commander, also want to rest." Tang Weiguo retorted directly.

Tang Weiguo now has nearly 4000 people under his command. Although each business in the group has a dedicated person in charge, the final decision-making power still rests with Tang Weiguo. He has to deal with all sorts of things every day.

"I know everyone has been working hard lately, so let's give you two days off to rest. When you come back from your break, you'll all have to train hard."

In the end, Tang Weiguo softened. He knew that people's minds couldn't be constantly tense, or problems would easily arise, so he decided to let them get some rest.

"Oh~ Oh~ Oh~, long live the commander!" Everyone cheered when they heard Tang Weiguo say that.

"Alright, alright, everyone quiet down, I haven't finished speaking yet."

"Zhao Zhu, how's the recruitment of the engineering corps going?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"Progress is slow at the moment. We've only recruited a little over 500 people so far, which is only half of our goal," Zhao Zhu said.

"Hmm? Why is recruitment so slow? We used to recruit soldiers very easily."

“Commander, the reason for this is on my side,” Professor Zhao, who was sitting to the side, suddenly said.

"Commander, our engineering regiment is here to build our Wolong Mountain Fortress, so I have asked Instructor Zhao to recruit some people with construction experience, preferably those who have worked in coal mines. These people will be able to do some construction work, which will make the construction process much more efficient."

"Otherwise, with just myself and two civil engineering students, we wouldn't be able to train a highly skilled engineering corps in a short time," Professor Zhao explained.

"It seems I underestimated the importance of building a fortress. Thanks to Elder Zhao's foresight," Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"Commander, we've already started construction on the fortress. The weather is getting colder and colder, so we can't work with cement for the time being. Therefore, I plan to use this winter to expand the existing natural caves in Wolong Mountain and create different functional zones. We'll start construction on the ground when spring comes and the weather gradually warms up," Professor Zhao said.

"Professor Zhao, you are an expert in this field. You are the chief commander of the military fortress construction. We will all follow your orders. I am at ease entrusting this to you." Tang Weiguo had only one principle in mind: professionals should do professional things, and those who do not understand should not talk nonsense.

"Commander, rest assured, I will definitely complete the construction of Wolong Mountain Fortress as soon as possible." Professor Zhao felt really good to be trusted.

"By the way, Professor Zhao, if you have some free time recently, I'd like you to inspect the progress of tunnel excavation in the villages and towns around Wolong Mountain. Winter is coming, and the people don't have any extra things to do, so it's a good opportunity to encourage them to continue digging tunnels."

"No problem, Commander. I'll go on patrol after I've finished handing over the matters here."

"My ultimate goal is to establish a vast network of tunnels centered around the Wolong Mountain Fortress. As long as the Japanese dare to come, we will make it impossible for them to move an inch and trap them in our endless sneak attacks," Tang Weiguo envisioned his grand plan.

"Of course, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let's take it one step at a time and start by digging the tunnels in each village," Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"I'm being way too arrogant," Tang Weiguo thought to himself.

After Tang Weiguo finished explaining to Professor Zhao, he asked everyone:

"Does anyone else have something to say?"

"Commander, we have a problem at our hospital," Chu Yu said, standing up.

"Dean Chu, please speak." In formal settings, Tang Weiguo usually addresses Dean Chu, but in private, he calls her Chu Yu.

"Commander, the weather is getting colder and colder. The charcoal stoves in the wards aren't very effective, and the rooms are too cold, which is not good for the patients' recovery. Commander, do you think we could build a special heated room for the wounded to live in?" Chu Yu suggested.

"Yes, yes, we really need to build one. Look at me, I've been so busy lately that I've forgotten to visit the wounded soldiers at the hospital. It's my dereliction of duty as the regimental commander, and I criticize myself for it." Tang Weiguo looked remorseful. These wounded soldiers had all fought desperately against the Japanese devils on the battlefield.

"Commander, Dean Chu, this is my responsibility." Professor Zhao stood up and took over the task.

"It just so happens that a medical area was specially designated in the cave. Since Dean Chu has a need for it, let's change the construction plan and start building the medical area first, so as to prioritize meeting the heating needs of the wounded."

"That's wonderful, thank you Professor Zhao," Chu Yu said happily.

"Is there anything else? If not, the meeting is adjourned."

"No."

"Okay, let's break up the meeting."

The next morning, Tang Weiguo got up early and went outside. Since it was a day off, the soldiers had gone home early, and the training ground was almost deserted. Only the soldiers who remained were still training as usual, a habit ingrained in their very being.

After finishing breakfast, Tang Weiguo headed towards the hospital. He first went to Chu Yu's office but found her absent, then proceeded to the wards. Chu Yu was currently leading the students on a round of the wards, checking on the injured patients' recovery.

"The regimental commander is here." Chu Yu was about to go out when she bumped into Tang Weiguo walking in, which made her blush.

"I've come to see the wounded soldiers."

"How are things?" Tang Weiguo asked.

"There's no danger to his life; he just needs to rest now."

"Then I'm relieved." After saying that, Tang Weiguo went around comforting the wounded soldiers and tucked the corners of their blankets in.

After finishing all this, Chu Yu accompanied Tang Weiguo to inspect the hospital before Tang Weiguo returned to the regimental headquarters.

Seeing that there was nothing else to do for the time being, Tang Weiguo returned to Tangjia Town, realizing that it had been a long time since he had been home.