Chapter 003: First-Level Combat Readiness

I have spoken with the leaders of the Beikong Training Base, and this soldier has a talent for flying. He is the first to fly solo and is the only one among his cohort qualified to pilot an aircraft for missions. Last year, during a large formation's long-range strike exercise in the Beihai area, the escort formation he was part of performed excellently, able to keep pace with the veterans. Qi Hong smiled as he introduced this.

"Political Commissar! They have ascended. The command for the air defense drill issued by the Air Command indicated that an unidentified aerial situation was detected in Airspace No. 2, and he took two aircraft from the Fourth Regiment up. " The deputy commander of the Fourth Regiment, Yu Chenglin, quickly reported and handed the flight log to Qi Hong, who signed it. According to regulations, all duty personnel at the control tower must sign the flight log.

Meanwhile, the control tower was bustling with activity

Yu Chenglin grabbed the helmet and ran outside, with Li Zhan closely following behind

Qi Hong shook his head and said, "You alone are not enough."

The deputy commander smiled and said, "This new comrade has good skills"

Nan Batian truly lives up to his name, as the Air Force Command unexpectedly conducted a surprise inspection during a large-scale transfer, directly presenting simulated enemy situations. This is akin to delivering a forceful kick to the rear while the Second Division is caught off guard, leaving them astonished and uncomfortable without needing further elaboration. In the military, the harsher the superiors are with you, the more they value you. Many commanders in various units may not even be remembered by the Air Force Command leaders.

Therefore, early this morning, the division commander Zhang Sihai and the two deputy commanders responsible for training arrived at the control tower to make preparations. Qi Hong was originally stationed at the division headquarters, but suddenly the air command conducted a surprise inspection, simulating an enemy situation reporting an unidentified air situation in the southwest direction. The division commander personally piloted the aircraft for the mission, so it was necessary for a senior officer to be present at the control tower, prompting him to rush over to fill the position

Today, a large-scale transfer training is being conducted, involving 12 batches and 24 aircraft, which is the most important training of the year. Unexpectedly, the Air Force Command conducted a surprise check on the combat readiness status, resulting in numerous unclear air situations, likely due to insufficient personnel. I am not very clear about the specific circumstances. The staff at the regiment command only handle orders and do not have a thorough understanding of the specific situation.

The imagined scene of the commanding officer of the brigade warmly welcoming and encouraging, as well as being able to pilot the SU-27 to soar through the skies, never actually occurred

Qi Hong couldn't help but exclaim, "Beautiful!"

However, the current situation is quite awkward. It coincides with the time when veteran pilots are transitioning to retirement, and while there are aircraft available, there are not enough qualified pilots! It is not that there are no pilots, but rather that there are no pilots who meet the necessary qualifications. The newly arrived pilots must undergo training for six months to a year before they can independently operate the aircraft for missions

This time, the Air Force once again coordinated the simulated blue army units of the naval aviation troops, presenting two significant challenges to the 2nd Division consecutively. The purpose is self-evident—to test the 2nd Division's ability to respond to various situations that are highly likely to arise in the future under the conditions of large-scale troop movements

In recent years, the frequency of emergency inspections by the Air Force on frontline combat units has been increasing, along with the demands placed upon them. This is especially true for the units known as "Southern Overlord," which face particularly stringent requirements

Zhang Wei was momentarily taken aback and felt somewhat bewildered, "He, I have handed him over to the Fourth Regiment."

The preparation for the alternate airport alone took a week of work

This single apartment building appears quite dilapidated, yet the interior has been modernized, featuring a very tidy suite with a separate bedroom, a private bathroom, and a small living room that also serves as a study. He is merely a deputy company-level cadre, and this accommodation standard is undoubtedly excessive.

"It is!" He saluted Cheng Lin and hurriedly left. He did not know who Li Zhan was, but for now, it was sufficient to have someone available for duty.

Even upon arriving at the flight briefing room, Li Zhan's mind had not yet returned to clarity; his thoughts were clear, yet he was filled with confusion regarding the next course of action. This is a fundamental quality of a combatant, and he had developed a conditioned reflex. During his time at the training base, he had undergone similar emergency readiness drills countless times. Therefore, when he heard the words "combat readiness duty," his first reaction was to take off running, prioritizing getting to the flight briefing room.

"Dong San San, adjust the frequency to 328.5, contact Nan Zhi, accept its command, wishing you success, end of message." Qi Hong held the transmitter in his hand as he issued the final command to the Dong San San formation.

Understood, you are Dong San San, I call you Dong San Guai!" Li Zhan repeated.

Yu Chenglin walked over, picked up a piece of chalk, and drew a circle on the map on the blackboard. "Time is of the essence, pay attention. Here, in Airspace No. 2, an unidentified aerial situation has been detected. The commander has already sent up two aircraft. It is now our turn to be on duty, and the order is to take off immediately to Airspace No. 2. You will be my wingman. I heard you have carried out similar missions at the training base, flying the Xiao Qi as well. Is there any problem?"

Li Zhan was positioned at the right rear of Cheng Lin, sliding into the takeoff position. Clearly, they were to adopt a dual aircraft formation for takeoff

With a forceful push, the door of 203 opened, and Li Zhan's resentment somewhat subsided

Yu Chenglin was already preparing in the flight briefing room. When Li Zhan saw that there was only one colonel inside and no one else, he found it even more strange

"Li Zhan! Hurry up and come with me!" A staff officer rushed over, banging on the door and shouting, "Combat readiness duty, quickly!"

On the speeding warrior vehicle, Li Zhancai came to his senses and asked the officer, "Senior brother, what is the situation?"

Two J-7E aircraft on duty have been fully prepared, with engines in the running state, stationed at their designated positions. Li Zhan took the folder handed over by the ground crew, swiftly signed his name, and then climbed up the boarding ladder into the cockpit. Upon seeing the ground crew signal confirmation, he began to check the instruments

At this moment, the deputy commander took a brief break and turned to ask, "Political Commissar, is that newcomer capable?"

In fact, Li Zhan mistakenly blamed the leaders of the Second Division. According to regulations, to ensure such training, there must be two to three personnel in command positions for this exercise

Without saying a word, Zhang Wei quickly called the Fourth Regiment, urging them to promptly notify Li Zhan to make preparations

The commander, political commissar, and deputy commander of the 4th Regiment all led their teams to participate in the transition training, leaving only one deputy commander at the control tower to assist in command. The key point is that all the pilots of the 4th Regiment are undertaking training tasks and are currently in the process of transitioning.

If the leaders do not grasp his detailed situation, it would be impossible for them to dare to bring him into the fray. It is precisely because he flies the E model at the training base, which is the same type as the duty fighter, that Qi Hong dares to let him participate; otherwise, no one would dare to take this risk

The commander in charge of responding to the air situation, Qi Hongdao, said, "Dong San San, you may proceed to glide in, over."

Qi Hong is certainly aware of various contingency plans

The key issue is that Qi Hong cannot muster the strength in a short period of time. After the SU-27SK of the 6th Regiment lands at this location, it must undergo inspection and maintenance before it can take off again, which causes delays. Moreover, if this is done, the extensive transfer training that has been prepared for such a long time will be wasted, resulting in losses calculated in the millions.

Go

Five billion RMB flying in the sky; one can imagine the scale of training this represents

Since he is already here, he should make himself comfortable. From a tactical perspective, he is still a rookie; however, in terms of years of service, he is already a veteran with five years of experience. He possesses awareness and understands the fundamental principle of unconditional obedience. Li Zhan chose not to dwell on the trivial matters anymore. He set down his backpack and began to organize his personal belongings.

"That person, is it Li Zhan? Where is he?" Qi Hong suddenly turned around and asked Zhang Wei, who was the staff officer assigned to Qi Hong by the command.

The J-7 is a second-generation fighter jet that has been in service since the late 1960s, with over 1,600 units produced to date, making it a truly iconic aircraft. Li Zhansong is relieved that his aircraft is of the same model as the one he flies at the training base—both are of the E variant. There are numerous variants of the J-7, and it is quite common for some models to have a technological gap of over ten to twenty years. At the very least, if Li Zhan were given a G variant now, he would not be able to operate it without undergoing specialized training. There are numerous variants of the J-7, and it is quite common for some models to have a technological gap of over ten to twenty years. At the very least, if Li Zhan were given a G variant now, he would not be able to operate it without undergoing specialized training

Is this how you treat me?

He gasped in surprise, his eyes filled with envy. Twenty-four fighter jets, organized at the regiment level. Simply looking at the quantity did not bring a visual impact. However, if converted to Renminbi, the shock was overwhelming—twenty-four fighter jets are conservatively valued at fifty billion Renminbi

A swift and decisive takeoff of the dual aircraft formation

Li Zhan was secretly taken aback

After going through a series of procedures such as organizational relationships, personnel relationships, and meal arrangements, the section chief instructed Li Zhan to take the slip himself to the logistics department to collect the key to the single apartment. Then, a private first class drove Li Zhan in a shuttle vehicle to the living area, which is two kilometers away from the flight zone, and dropped him off at the foot of the apartment building

Hehe. The deputy commander smiled and no longer continued the conversation. The new political commissar is bold and energetic, frequently intervening in military affairs after taking office, which has given people a completely new understanding of the role of political commissars

Zhang Wei handed over Li Zhan to the cadre section of the Fourth Regiment and then left without looking back

From beginning to end, after reporting to the political commissar, there was only one company-level cadre, the section chief, handling the formalities. The deputy political commissar of the regiment didn't even glance at him. Originally, Li Zhan was already filled with resentment because he was flying the J-7, but at this moment, he was so furious that his face turned ashen.

"Let him go!" Qi Hong decisively said, pointing at Yu Chenglin, "Deputy Commander Yu, you go, and Li Zhan will be your wingman!"

Understood! Adjust the course to 240!" Yu Chenglin confirmed the instruction

As Li Zhan was folding the quilt, he suddenly dropped what he was doing, as if he had been electrocuted, and immediately followed the officer outside. Downstairs, a warrior vehicle was already waiting. The two jumped into the vehicle, and the driver floored the accelerator, speeding towards the flight area

Qi Hong did not feel that there was any problem, saying, "How many people are looking forward to the modification of the new model? It is not just him who harbors resentment. So what if there is resentment? If one has the ability, they can still extract new combat capabilities from the old model."

At this time, the deputy division commander was in the command position, with Yu Chenglin serving in the role of assistant

"Among the short ones, it is not certain that one must go up." Qi Hong did not have much confidence in his heart

According to regulations, there must be at least two duty fighter jets

Li Zhan replied: "Report, Chief! No problem!"

Therefore, Qi Hong places great importance on Li Zhan. It is not as Li Zhan believes, that the leaders of the Second Division do not care much about him as an outsider

To ensure the security of such large-scale troop movements, approval from the Military Commission is required, along with a plan approved by the headquarters. Furthermore, guidance must be provided from the top down by the Air Force Command, with specific command from military command posts. This necessitates support from all command institutions, more than four alternate landing sites, as well as military meteorological units, radar early warning forces, and dozens of other units in the respective regions.

The deputy commander is about ten years older than Qi Hong, and he is an experienced pilot with nearly 4,000 flight hours. With some gray hair already, he will reach the end of his service term in two years. At this stage in life, many things are viewed with greater clarity, and his mindset has become much more tranquil.

"Has the commander gone up?" The political commissar Qi Hong hurriedly arrived.

Yu Chenglin nodded slightly and was about to say something when a staff officer rushed over, shouting: "The tower has issued orders!"

Am I not the outstanding talent that you have unearthed?

Yu Chenglin said, "Political Commissar, Deputy Division Commander, I will go."

Li Zhan wasted no time and quickly changed into his outfit. He donned a blue flight suit, a flight helmet, a leather holster without a pistol, and white "safety gloves." Once dressed, he conducted a thorough inspection from top to bottom to ensure everything was in order. The clothing fit well, indicating that the previous owner had a physique similar to Li Zhan's. He sat down in front of the blackboard, his back straight and upright.

The situation reported by the Air Command is somewhat serious. Two batches of unidentified aerial activity have been detected in Airspace No. 2, with one batch lingering near the territorial airspace, potentially intruding at any moment. Yu Chenglin said with a furrowed brow, "It is our old adversary, the simulated blue army of Hainan Airlines."

On that side, Li Zhan, holding his breath, was busy organizing the internal affairs while contemplating whether to take a leave this weekend to go home for a visit, which lifted his spirits considerably. After all, being so close to home, the joy of being able to visit frequently alleviated some of his grievances.

Li Zhan was unaware that, including himself, there were two new pilots in the Second Division who had been recruited from elsewhere, while the other two were pilots who had just completed their new training and had been forcibly taken from the Hainan Airlines Ninth Division by Qi Hong. The naval aviation's own flight academy is still in its infancy, and for many years, it has been the Air Force that has been providing support to the naval aviation, with very few personnel being transferred back from the naval aviation. This demonstrates that Qi Hong is a person of great determination. The naval aviation's own flight academy is still in its infancy, and for many years, it has been the Air Force that has been providing support to the naval aviation, with very few personnel being transferred back from the naval aviation. This demonstrates that Qi Hong is a person of great determination

In fact, he is overthinking it

Not far away, three J-7E fighter jets took off in quick succession, with very short intervals between them. They climbed, formed a formation, and then swiftly turned to the southwest and sped away

Both individuals simultaneously engage the afterburner, deploy the flaps, and release the brakes. The two J-7E fighter jets begin their takeoff roll, accelerating rapidly, with the WP-13F turbojet engines roaring. After 500 meters, they simultaneously pull up, taking off at a steep angle, allowing for a quick altitude gain and reduced takeoff time. However, if the technique for this emergency takeoff method is not mastered properly, there is a risk of losing lift.

He laughed and said, "I heard that if he stays in Beikong, he will be able to fly the J-10 next year. Once he comes to our Second Division, he can only fly the J-7, so he must be feeling quite resentful about it."

Quickly, Nan responded, "Deng San San, adjust the course to 240 degrees, and ascertain the air situation as soon as possible"

Before reaching cruising altitude, Yu Chenglin activated the afterburner, propelling the J-7E past the speed of sound. Li Zhan was not far behind, maintaining formation with Yu Chenglin as they raced at supersonic speeds towards Area 2.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Chenglin's voice also echoed in the channel, "Tower, Dong 33 is ready, over"

Xixian Airport is located on the border of the mainland of our motherland, with just a press of the accelerator, one can reach the South China Sea. Like the southeastern coastal areas, it is indeed a genuine frontline, with heavy combat readiness tasks and even more frequent inspections by the Air Force.

Li Zhan communicated with the control tower: "Control tower, Dong San Guai is ready, requesting to taxi to the takeoff position, over."

Li Zhan gasped in surprise, and the resentment in his heart dissipated significantly, replaced by a strong desire to fight

It is ! ''

What should be done when the empty seat is given to the empty feeling again

Four groups, six batches, and twelve J-7E aircraft are to relocate to eastern Guangdong, while six groups, six batches, and twelve SU-27SK aircraft are to transfer from northern Guangxi to this location, all to be completed today. Such a large-scale training operation has drawn the attention of all command institutions, including the Air Force Command of the Military Region and the military command post

The control tower has just reported the air situation, with an unidentified aircraft in each batch. This is already the second batch of air situations. This clearly indicates that the air command's inspection during the large-scale transfer training of the Second Division has been "premeditated" for a long time, and the timing chosen is extremely sensitive, placing very high demands on the Second Division's combat readiness.

He truly regrets going to Guangkong; if he had stayed in Beikong, he definitely would not have received such treatment. At most, he could strive to return home for a family visit once a year

Due to the important flight day, there is only one deputy political commissar at the headquarters. The deputy political commissar is busy preparing the work of the agency today to provide support for the training at the front, and thus gestures for the head of the cadre section to handle the procedures for Li Zhan.

Li Zhan's mood grew increasingly worse as he looked at the dilapidated two-story apartment building, which was filled with the vibrant red atmosphere of the era, and in his heart, he cursed the leaders of the Second Division repeatedly

"Alright." At this moment, Yu Chenglin introduced himself, "My name is Yu Chenglin, Deputy Commander of the 4th Regiment, call sign Dong 33. You will take the call sign Dong 33 for this operation."

As Chenglin put on his flight suit, he pointed to the wardrobe with his finger and said, "There's no time, use the equipment in cabinet number 37, hurry up."

A large-scale transfer training. It belongs to the highest level of routine training and is intended to elevate to a state of first-level combat readiness. This is also the reason why Li Zhan observed that the staff members were walking with a sense of purpose, creating a strong atmosphere of readiness throughout the entire office building.

Understood, adjusting the frequency to 328.5, completed. Yu Chenglin concluded communication with the control tower, adjusted the communication frequency accordingly, and called South Command, "South Command, Dong 33 reporting, ready to receive your orders."

Large-scale transfer training is important, but responding to "unknown air situations" is even more crucial

The deputy commander is constantly monitoring the situation of the SU-27 aircraft group that is about to land at this location, while he remains responsible for directing the transition training

Everything is ready

Report! Li Zhan from the 7th Squad of the 3rd Team of the 4th Regiment has reported in! Li Zhan stands at attention and salutes

It is the 37th again

The technology is evident from a single takeoff and landing

"Dong San San, you may take off, over." The control tower issued the instruction