Chapter 337 The Combat Strength of the Second Guard Division
After reprimanding Meng Luyu, Liu Zhiye stopped talking. He then turned to the other military commanders of the armored regiment and had an in-depth conversation with them.

"Although our Second Guard Division is a garrison unit, your Armored Regiment is the backbone of our defense and counterattack, and can be regarded as the sharpest spear of our division..."

"This requires that the military construction philosophy of our armored regiment is to attack, and offense is the best defense..."

"Only heroes can drive away tigers and leopards, and even fewer heroes are afraid of bears. During the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, our People's Liberation Army's First Tank Division and the First Regiment won the glorious title of "Hitting the Target Every Time"..."

In the armored regiment, Liu Zhiye gained an in-depth understanding of the armored soldiers' training, watched their live-fire shooting drills, and had cordial exchanges with the officers and soldiers.

The arrival of the division chief of staff Liu Zhiye greatly inspired the officers and soldiers of the armored regiment and further stimulated their enthusiasm for training.

Afterwards, Liu Zhiye, accompanied by the armored regiment commander Meng Luyu and political commissar Xu Hongqi, reviewed the entire regiment.

The three of them sat together in a jeep, and walked along the way. The soldiers were in uniform, with a firm gaze, showing strong fighting power. Behind them were rows of Type 59 tanks and Type 63 armored vehicles, which were majestic and magnificent.

Liu Zhiye watched all this with great pride in his heart. He knew that this elite force would obey his command in the future.

The armored forces before us not only have firm beliefs, but also have outstanding combat skills.

In the future, under his leadership, the Armored Regiment will surely become an invincible iron army to safeguard the security of the country and the people.

After the inspection, Liu Zhiye spoke highly of the armored regiment's training results and expressed his earnest hopes for the officers and soldiers.

He believes that with the joint efforts of all officers and soldiers, the division's armored regiment will surely achieve even more brilliant achievements.

Amid the chorus of "Motorcycles rumble, tracks roll, the drivers and shooters are brave and determined. Cannons roar, machine guns swing, and the iron fortress rushes forward to clear the way and take the lead. Suddenly appearing, advancing bravely, climbing the hills and crossing the barriers as fast as the wind; breaking through obstacles, crushing bunkers, and sweeping down iron nets and barricades. The people's tank soldiers must make military exploits for the people, their revolutionary will must be tempered in steel, and everyone must be a hero." Liu Zhiye ended his inspection of the armored regiment and rushed to the next destination.

After leaving the armored regiment, Liu Zhiye did not choose to return directly to the division headquarters, but resolutely went to the division artillery regiment for inspection. He was in a hurry, and his heart was full of expectations and concerns for the soldiers of the artillery regiment.

The artillery regiment and the armored regiment of the 2nd Guard Division are both the division's elite heavy troops. When Liu Zhiye visited the troops for the first time, he decided to get to know these two troops in depth first.

The artillery regiment of the 2nd Guard Division of the Beijing Garrison District is stationed in Xishan. This land has witnessed the changes of history.

From the Xishan Camp in the Qing Dynasty, to the Republic of China, and then to the new China, this place has always been a military stronghold and its strategic position is self-evident.

Today, it remains one of the core defense lines in the capital area, guarding this ancient and story-filled land.

Xishan Camp, also known as Fengtai Camp, was an elite Eight Banners Army stationed in Fengtai, southwest of the capital during the Qing Dynasty. It got its name from the location of the camp.

It was one of the important troops guarding the capital, with the highest commander being the admiral. It was said that there were twelve battalions of troops stationed there, with about 500 men in each battalion, for a total of more than 6000 men. At its peak, the garrison numbered more than 4 men.

Moreover, the Xishan area is not only a military stronghold, but also the royal garden of the capital and a place with beautiful scenery.

There are many world-famous scenic spots and historical sites in Beijing, but the less famous Western Hills is a favorite place for many Beijingers.

Western Hills is the general name for the mountains surrounding the western part of Beijing. It is not as majestic as Mount Tai, nor as dangerous as Mount Hua, but its undulating and well-organized peaks are like a city wall, protecting the capital.

Xishan is very close to the city and has convenient transportation, so some people call it "the Western Garden of the Capital". Since his rebirth, Liu Zhiye has passed by this place every time he returns to Liujiazhuang.

Whenever you get tired of staying in the noisy, bustling and crowded city, you can get up and drive to the mountains in half an hour to feel the breath of the mountains.

You can go hiking in spring, escape the heat in summer, enjoy the leaves in autumn, and appreciate the snow in winter. If you are in the mood, you can also climb to the top of the mountain and look at the capital under the clouds.

The more times Liu Zhiye went to Xishan, the more he loved it. The closer he got to it, the more he felt its heaviness.

Because throughout history, Xishan has been favored by people, and the royal family, nobles, monks and guests all visited it. They even built gardens, mausoleums and temples.

Countless people have left their marks on it. As time goes by, the cultural heritage of Xishan is like a huge book that people cannot hold up. It contains endless history, politics, culture, and military of the capital...

There is a Xiangshan Temple in the Xishan area, located on the southern foot of Xiangshan Mountain. Xiangshan Temple has been a royal garden since the Jin Dynasty. Through the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, emperors of several dynasties called it "Yong'an" or "Ganlu". However, this garden built on the mountain suffered misfortune twice in 1860 and 1900 and was burned down by the British and French forces and the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Next to the ruins of Xiangshan Temple is the famous Shuangqing Villa. "Shuangqing" refers to the two clear springs under the Xiangshan Temple. Jin Zhangzong called it Menggan Spring, while Qianlong called it "Shuangqing".

…………

At the gate of the Artillery Regiment of the Second Guard Division of the Beijing Garrison District, the sentry stood straight like a pine tree, fully armed, carrying a Type 56 automatic rifle on his back, wearing a classic Type 62 military uniform, with a firm gaze and not even a sideways glance.

His waist was as straight as a spear, as if he was an indestructible sculpture, quietly guarding this land.

The doorplate behind him with black letters on a white background reads "Second Guard Division of the Beijing Garrison District".

Not long after, several jeeps rushed out of the regiment headquarters compound like arrows, raising dust and with great momentum.

As the vehicle stopped, and then the door closed with a "bang!", "bang!", "bang!", several major leading cadres of the regiment got out of the jeep.

The sentry's eyes narrowed. Judging from the situation, a higher-up leader might be here to inspect.

The artillery regiment commander, Wang Jie, rubbed his wrist and quickly scanned the dial of his watch. He frowned slightly and whispered to himself, "The chief of staff should be here soon, right?"

The regiment political commissar Yue Jun said, "It's almost there. We have contacted Staff Officer Liu. They have successfully passed the Xiangshan outpost."

Deputy regiment commander Hu Yongping had just returned from training. He took off his military cap, revealing his slightly damp short hair, and his scalp was a little itchy due to sweat.

He scratched his head, his face showing a trace of fatigue, but he said with some curiosity: "Hey, leaders, who is this Chief of Staff Liu? I saw him from afar during our division's founding meeting. He looks a little too young!"

"Hehe... Is he thirty years old? He became the chief of staff at such a young age. He must be a bitch..." Hu Yongping held his mouth and said indignantly.

Think about Old Hu, he is almost forty years old and has participated in the revolution for twenty years. During this period, he has made countless contributions, but he is still only a deputy regiment commander. What makes Liu, who is so young, so successful?
He couldn't stand people like this the most.

When the regiment political commissar Yue Jun heard this, his eyes widened and he scolded him rudely: "Old Hu, you guy, I asked you to find out the detailed information of several division leaders, why did you ignore it?"

"If you had known Chief of Staff Liu's information, you wouldn't have said such nonsense..."

Hu Yongping was dumbfounded. "What? Does he have a chance to start?"

The group leader Wang Jie also smiled and shook his head and said, "Old Hu! You need to change your temper and stop complaining about everything all day long..."

"Oh! Only you, Old Hu, have made great contributions? Others are just sitting there doing nothing?"

Hu Yongping said hurriedly: "No, no, what we meant was that we thought he was too young. We don't think we can find someone like him in the whole army."

Wang Jie said, "That's because you are ignorant. Although Chief of Staff Liu is young, his ability is not something you and I can underestimate."

"As the old saying goes, a man of ambition is not too old. Although Chief of Staff Liu joined the revolution later than us and just turned 30 this year, his achievements cannot be underestimated. He has experienced countless dangers and life-and-death situations, and the blood and sweat he has devoted to the revolution is no less than ours."

"He is not only capable and has made great contributions, but also well-educated. He has already graduated with a master's degree and will soon go to the National Defense University for advanced studies and pursue a doctorate."

"He's in this position, but he's still persisting in learning and making continuous progress. Can you do the same in his situation? I asked you to look at some information, but you were too lazy to even glance at it. And you still have the nerve to speak nonsense here..."

The regiment political commissar Yue Jun was also present. He said to Lao Hu bluntly: "The three of us joined the army almost at the same time. In fact, the regiment commander and I joined the army two years later than you. But why are you not progressing as fast as us? Have you ever thought about this problem seriously?" "I think you need to reflect on yourself. You are not old anymore. If you keep wasting time like this, the issue of demobilization will probably be on the horizon. The three of us have fought side by side for so many years. I sincerely hope that you can keep up with our pace and don't fall behind..."

After being criticized by the two military and political leaders and old comrades, Hu Yongping finally realized that his jealousy was at work and an expression of shame appeared on his face.

He stammered, "I...I...Alas, I was too impatient. Lao Wang, Lao Yue, I really don't want to retire and go back. I...I can't leave you..."

Wang Jie patted Hu Yongping on the shoulder and said firmly: "We have no choice. If you don't want to change your career in the future, you must catch up and keep improving!"

Hu Yongping asked anxiously: "How can I make progress..."

Wang Jie hesitated for a moment and said, "Perhaps, the arrival of Chief of Staff Liu is your turning point. I have studied him..."

Upon hearing this, Hu Yongping was somewhat dumbfounded and murmured, "Him?"

Yue Jun on the side suddenly said: "Here it comes..."

Everyone looked up and saw a military green jeep speeding along the winding mountain road in front of the military camp, with a cloud of yellow smoke rising from the rear of the car.

……

Staff Officer Liu Yuan was sitting in the co-pilot's seat and turned back to report to Liu Zhiye: "Chief of Staff! We have arrived at the artillery regiment's base."

After hearing the news, Liu Zhiye immediately put down the artillery regiment information in his hand and gently rubbed his tired eyes.

He turned to Peng Guoan, the chief of the Zuozuo section, and said in a firm and decisive voice: "Old Peng, get ready, it's time for us to get off the bus."

Peng Guoan, the chief of the training section, immediately responded: "Yes, Chief of Staff, I am ready..."

The Second Division's Training Department is under the jurisdiction of the General Staff. In addition, the General Staff also has departments such as the Communications Department, Military Affairs Department, Arms Department, Confidential Department, and Management Department.

Peng Guoan is a lieutenant colonel, with a rank of deputy regimental battalion commander. His salary is comparable to that of a 15th-level government cadre.

As the division chief of staff, Liu Zhiye is a deputy division-level cadre and enjoys the 12th-level treatment of a government cadre.

However, due to the special nature of the Guard Division, its status is half a level higher than that of the general field division, so Liu Zhiye actually enjoys the treatment of a full division, that is, level 11 treatment.

Although the salary is one level higher, the difference is not that big. The monthly salary of administrative level one cadres is 594 yuan, and the lowest administrative level 45 cadres, clerks, are yuan per month.

It can be seen that from level one cadres to level twenty-four cadres, the difference between each level is between 50-60 yuan.

Of course, Liu Zhiye doesn't expect this salary now, it's mainly a symbol of status. Level 13 and above are senior cadres.

As soon as Liu Zhiye and others got off the car, the regiment commander Wang Jie led the leadership team of the artillery regiment, quickly tidied their appearance, and strode forward to greet them.

Wang Jie and others trotted forward, stopped and saluted:
"Report to Comrade Chief of Staff! Wang Jie, commander of the Second Guard Division Artillery Regiment, on behalf of all officers and soldiers, warmly welcomes you to come and guide our work. Please give us your instructions!"

Liu Zhiye solemnly returned the most standard military salute to them, "Hello, comrades. I am here on behalf of the division headquarters to express my condolences to you comrades..." Then, he looked at the artillery commander Wang Jie and thought, "This is another acquaintance!"

Wang Jie is also an old acquaintance of Liu Zhiye, but the two are not close friends and have only dealt with each other a few times.

They also met on the battlefield of the Northern Dynasty. Wang Jie was also an excellent artillery commander. The artillery regiment he led was originally part of the 3X Regiment of the th Artillery Division.

The regiment was first established on May 1947, 5 as a mortar battalion and later changed to a mortar regiment.

It was directly under the leadership of the Northeast Artillery Command. It participated in the Liberation Campaign of Jinzhou in September 1948 and the Battle of Pingjin in January 9. It was then ordered to be reorganized into the 1949th Artillery Regiment (converted into a Howitzer Artillery Regiment) and was incorporated into the 1nd Artillery Division. On May 7, it was renamed the 2st Artillery Regiment.

1951年3月改归炮兵第8师建制，改装为122榴弹炮兵团。1953年10月改隶炮兵第10师建制。

During the War to Resist M and Aid Korea, the 1st Company of the regiment, under the leadership of Company Commander Wang Jie, was awarded the first-class collective merit by the Volunteer Army Headquarters and Political Department.

Although Liu Zhiye and Wang Jie met only a few times, their cooperation was extremely close.

The reconnaissance team led by Liu Zhiye is like the eyes of the artillery, providing them with vital intelligence and vision. On the battlefield, their cooperation is seamless, and they work together for victory.

Gold will shine wherever it is. I haven’t seen him for ten years, and the young company commander back then is now a regiment commander.

"Old Wang, we meet again!" Liu Zhiye smiled and shook hands with Wang Jie.

Wang Jie also showed a relieved look and responded: "Yes, Chief of Staff, when I heard that you had retired, I felt sorry for you for a long time. Fortunately, you are back."

Liu Zhiye was speechless after hearing this and could only laugh, "Yeah, I didn't expect that either. Can you introduce these comrades to me?"

Wang Jie nodded slightly, pointed to Yue Jun and others beside him, and introduced them concisely: "Chief of Staff, this is Comrade Yue Jun, the political commissar of our regiment, and this is the deputy commander..."

Yue Jun and others immediately stepped forward to shake hands with Liu Zhiye and greet him, "Hello, Chief! I am..."

After everyone exchanged greetings, Liu Zhiye said directly: "Comrade Wang Jie, now take me to see your artillery regiment."

Then, everyone got in the car together, and Liu Zhiye invited Wang Jie to ride in the same car.

路上经过王杰介绍道：炮兵团编制4个炮兵营，即122榴弹炮营3个连队（12门炮）、八五加农炮营3个连队（18门炮）、59式130加农炮营3个连队（12门炮）、59式130火箭炮营3个连队（18门炮）。

特别是三营装备的59式130毫米加农炮，是原兵器工业部第127厂，在20世纪50年代末，按原“老毛子”M-46加农炮仿制而成。

The caliber of the gun is 130 mm, the total weight in marching state is 8450 kg, the total length of the gun barrel is 6850 mm, the initial velocity is 930/second, the projectile is 33.4 kg, and the ammunition is packaged in cartridges and powder bags.

The gun is equipped with a Type 60 medium tracked tractor, which has a vehicle weight of 13 tons, a combat weight of 17 tons, a length of 6.1 meters, a maximum speed of 48 kilometers per hour, and a diesel engine that burns aviation diesel.

The crawler tractor's onboard weapon is equipped with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun installed on the top of the cockpit. Both the driver and co-pilot can open the skylight to shoot outside, with a maximum range of 7000 meters.

In later generations, with the rapid development of military science and technology, the Type 59 130mm cannon and the Type 60 medium tracked tractor have been retired from service.

But these days, they are an important weapon for our military's defensive operations and have made immeasurable contributions to our country's national defense.

Therefore, the 3rd Artillery Battalion has strong firepower and strong mobility, and is the main battalion of the artillery regiment.

另外，炮团还有一个机械化运输营，装备解放ca10运输车60辆，以及4门53式37mm高射炮，4门59式57mm高射炮。

The regiment has 2500 officers and soldiers, and it is a reinforced artillery regiment.

Liu Zhiye quickly calculated in his mind that the combat effectiveness of the 2nd Guard Division should not be underestimated. The firepower of the armored regiment and artillery regiment alone was enough to compete with a Type A division.

This does not include the other three reinforced mechanized infantry regiments, the biological and chemical air defense regiment and other troops, whose combat effectiveness can definitely compete with that of an infantry army.

(End of this chapter)