After 8 days of experiencing as real soldiers at the 202nd Armored Brigade (Quynh Luu commune, Nho Quan district), 84 "young soldiers" participating in the "Semester in the Army" program had a meaningful journey of maturity.

At 5am at the 66th Tank Battalion, when the alarm clock rang, 84 "young soldiers" quickly got out of bed and went to the gym. After completing their morning exercises, they returned to their rooms to do their personal hygiene. At first, they were still confused and bewildered, but after 3 days of training, the young "new recruits" gradually adapted to the military lifestyle and were extremely excited about these new experiences.

Carefully smoothing the blanket and mosquito net to make it square, Nguyen Le Duc Anh (grade 8, Phu Long commune, Nho Quan) shared: "On the first day entering the military environment, everything from waking up early, personal hygiene, washing dishes, doing laundry, marching... were challenges for me. At first, I didn't fold the blanket well, the mosquito net was wrinkled. Then, with the dedicated guidance of the seniors, I was able to fold the blanket and mosquito net squarely and sharply."

Duc Anh participated in "Semester in the Army" because he admired and dreamed of becoming a soldier of the Vietnam People's Army. Through the program, he experienced the living and training regimes of a real soldier, and learned about the weapons and equipment of the army. The lessons and field trips helped him understand and be more proud of his homeland, the Fatherland, and the Vietnam People's Army.

For "little soldier" Dao Thi Bich Ngoc (grade 7, Hoa Lu district), "Semester in the Army" is a journey where she overcomes many of her own limitations. Bich Ngoc is the only child in the family, so she is always loved and pampered, and her grandparents and parents support her with all the housework.

The first time she practiced and practiced in a collective environment, Ngoc kept to herself and did not dare to boldly interact with her friends. Understanding the psychology of Ngoc and some female friends, on the first evening, Major Do Thi Thanh Lua, the officer in charge of the female team, spent time for the girls to interact and chat. The care and openness from her older siblings and friends helped Ngoc get acquainted and integrate better. At that time, the life of a "young soldier" really began for Ngoc. She was happy, confidently shared with everyone, and actively participated in the semester's activities with enthusiasm and excitement.

"Now I know how to wash dishes, do my own laundry, hang clothes and fold blankets. Before, my parents supported me with these things, but now I can do them myself. I feel very happy and proud. The program also helped me make many new friends. I am no longer shy or afraid when meeting strangers," Ngoc excitedly shared.

During the more than 1 week of participating in the "Military Semester", 84 "young soldiers" were divided into 5 squads and had to follow the living and training hours according to the regulations in the military environment. They participated in new soldier training content such as: regulations, military formation, learning about AK submachine guns, basic postures and movements in combat, and marching experience...

In addition to the training content, the program also integrates many useful life skills for young people and children. Mr. Le Hong Phuc, Head of Skills Department, Provincial Youth and Children Center informed: "The program "Semester in the Army" in Ninh Binh province in 2024 is implemented by the Provincial Youth Union in coordination with the 202nd Armored Brigade, assigned to the Provincial Youth and Children Center to be in charge and organize. Through the program, children are educated in patriotism, national pride, and are trained to be independent, confident, strong, brave, disciplined, responsible, determined, and love their family. The life skills equipped in the semester such as collective living skills, self-care skills, etc. will help children develop comprehensively in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, and aesthetics".

Ms. Dinh Thi Thuy (Tam Diep city) registered her son Dinh Xuan Duc to participate in "Semester in the Army" with the hope that he would be more confident, brave, and independent. Ms. Thuy clearly felt the change in her son after participating in the program.

"Returning from the semester, Duc excitedly shared with his family his memories of his time in the military environment. I noticed that he was more active and dynamic, he voluntarily helped his parents with housework and was proactive in his personal activities. The program is very meaningful and I will continue to let my child participate next year," said Ms. Thuy.

The 2024 "Military Semester" ended with hugs, regrets and tears from 84 "young soldiers". The days of studying and training in the Military environment were a meaningful journey of maturity and self-discovery, bringing a breath of fresh air and positively impacting the thinking and perception of young people.

Hong Minh-Truong Giang