From the 7th Steel Company to the Synthetic Division

Chapter 546 The Tiger Emerges from the Mountain!
Everyone understood Hong Yi's strange behavior at this moment, so they did not interrupt him, but waited for him to continue.

"If we cannot identify the 909th Brigade's long-range artillery battalion, we can only wait until it begins to use long-range fire to intercept our surface ships, leaves its hiding place, and enters its deployment position before we can try to find its trace."

Hong Yi didn't want this outcome, but he had no choice.

“That won’t do. If we wait until then, it will probably be too late,” Gao Cheng objected.

……

909th Brigade Command.

Zhu Rongsheng fully performed his duties as chief of staff, a far cry from Ding Kai's role as chief of staff, and continued to speak eloquently about his tactics and strategies.

"Our first line of defense is impregnable. Even if some of their ships break through the 50-kilometer defense line, it will still be very difficult for them to advance into our coastal waters."

I will also set up a second line of defense 30 kilometers from the coast to launch another long-range strike.

The third line of defense, 15 kilometers from the coast, is a focal point of firepower. In addition to long-range artillery battalions striking it, shore-based defenses will also suppress it.

My coastal artillery group, deployed in tunnels, possesses powerful artillery suppression capabilities at close range.

In addition, I have land-based fortifications, bunker complexes, and permanent trenches along mountain ridges, which can form a crossfire network.

Even if the 7th Steel Brigade's infantry successfully lands on the beach, I'll make sure they can't get back.

Zhu Rongsheng was very confident in his strategy and tactics. After speaking, he proudly raised the corners of his mouth, as if to tell everyone, "Trust me and you'll win."

Ding Kai and the others also smiled, showing great confidence in the four consecutive lines of defense.

Chu Zhangang slammed his fist on the table excitedly and said, "Such a meticulous defensive deployment, I really can't figure out how Chen Jun's ships will break through such a defense, how his transport ships will get close, and where his amphibious tank groups will launch and form waves?"

Chu Zhangang fired off three questions in one breath, each one seemingly targeting the lifeline of the Steel Seventh Brigade, making it impossible for them to lose. His smile was exceptionally bright.

"Deputy Chief of Staff Chu, if you have no objections, then all units shall proceed to their positions according to this plan."

Ding Kai also offered a compliment, which would have been met with great satisfaction and approval from the arrogant Chu Zhangang of the past, who would have ignored everyone else's opinions.

This time, however, he deviated from his usual practice and unusually asked everyone first: "What are your thoughts? Feel free to share them. Any ideas, opinions, or suggestions you have are welcome to come forward."

Zhu Rongsheng had already explained things in such detail, and there really was nothing wrong with it, so naturally no one had any objections.

Chu Zhangang waited for about twenty seconds, and seeing that no one stood up to raise any objections, he decided to say, "Since everyone has no objections, it seems that this plan has reached a consensus."

"Alright then, Chief of Staff Zhu, I'm now handing this over to you for command. Focus on comprehensive and systematic reconnaissance of electromagnetic waves and networks over the sea, and don't overlook a single suspicious point."

We must be especially vigilant against the special forces soldiers trained by Hong Yi and their special reconnaissance missions against us.

In the last confrontation with the Steel Seventh Brigade, Hong Yi led his troops to lie in ambush under the noses of the Steel Seventh Brigade for six days without being found. He even proposed a decapitation operation, but Chu Zhangang did not agree to it in the end.

Although Chu Zhangang did not express his opinion at the time, he actually remembered it better than anyone else.

If Hong Yi were to use this tactic on the 909th Brigade, Chu Zhangang would be truly uneasy, fearing that a group of people might suddenly appear and behead him.

That's why he specifically reminded Chief of Staff Zhu to be on high alert against Hong Yi and his special forces.

"clear."

Zhu Rongsheng understood Chu Zhangang's concerns, and he was also aware of Hong Yi's special operations capabilities. He said seriously, "Hong Yi is indeed quite familiar with the situation in Dongping Mountain. He led troops to the mountain for training many times in the past."

In addition, he had previously served in our brigade and was very familiar with our deployment and planning.

To eliminate these adverse effects, we specifically adjusted and changed the entire previous defense system for this deployment.

"Okay, that's very thoughtful."

Chu Zhangang smiled with great pleasure, satisfied with Zhu Rongsheng's efficiency. He handed over the command post to Zhu Rongsheng without any further concerns.

He stood up and ordered, "Brigadier Ding, come with me to the front lines and the beach positions."

After speaking, Chu Zhangang strode out of the command post, with Ding Kai quickly following behind. Xu Xiaocun also went to take care of his own business, leaving only Zhu Rongsheng to guard the command post.

……

Temporary command post of the 7th Steel Brigade.

The pre-war meeting is still ongoing.

“Once our fleet enters the waters within 50 to 100 kilometers, it is very likely to be attacked by the 909th Brigade’s long-range rocket artillery. The reason why Chu Zhangang believes that his Chenghai defense line is impregnable is precisely because he has this trump card,” Hong Yi made his prediction.

"It seems that only by destroying his long-range artillery units can we carry out a naval assault and amphibious landing operation; otherwise, it will be difficult to win this tough battle," Gao Cheng pondered.

"Given the current situation, even if we find it, it will be very difficult to completely eradicate it in one go, let alone not have found it yet."

Chen Jun's expression was serious as he said in a deep voice, "As long as he has one combat unit left, he could cause huge casualties to our surface ships."

The characteristics of vehicle-mounted long-range rocket artillery are mobility, flexibility, and speed.

"Our biggest challenge right now is that, even before we've analyzed the satellite reconnaissance data, its rocket artillery is already in place and ready to deploy."

Everyone agreed with Chen Jun's words, so they all frowned and began to think about how to break this deadlock.

The fleet commander attending the meeting stated directly: "Chief of Staff Chen, unless there is absolute certainty of containing the enemy's long-range artillery, the naval forces must not approach within 100 kilometers."

You can only intensify your reconnaissance efforts and find the Red Army's long-range artillery units first.

"As long as you can pinpoint the enemy's coordinates, we can call upon our air force to quickly deploy bombers for a precision strike."

The naval formation is not afraid of death, but it cannot blindly launch an attack.

If all the ships were destroyed by long-range artillery, the troops transported on board would also perish, and the 7th Steel Brigade would have to end the exercise before it even began.

of course.

This was in 2001, when my country's navy was just beginning to develop. It didn't have many ships, let alone top-notch weapons and equipment.

That's why we are so wary and afraid of long-range fire attacks from land.

If we look at China twenty years from now, our navy will have fully matured, with a dazzling array of offensive and defensive weapons on its ships.

With medium- and long-range missile interception combined with close-in weaponry, a mere long-range rocket battalion is no threat at all.

Science and technology are the primary productive forces, and even more so, the primary fighting force.

With the ships currently unable to defend against attacks from long-range rocket battalions, the strategy for the first phase of the battle had been clearly outlined and given to Chen Jun and his team. "That's right, we need precise coordinates now; we must locate the Red Army's long-range artillery units."

With a determined look in his eyes, Chen Jun gritted his teeth and made a decision: "We must immediately send drones to conduct reconnaissance. We cannot abandon the most effective means of reconnaissance just because we are afraid of them being shot down by the enemy."

Even if we lose all our drones, as long as we can locate the Red Army's long-range artillery units, it will be a worthwhile investment for this offensive.

"I agree, you can't catch a cat without risking your life." Chen Jun, from Gaocheng's First Action Team.

With the support of Deputy Brigade Commander Gao Cheng, and Chen Jun's own enormous influence in the Seventh Steel Brigade, the proposal was quickly approved.

With a death wish, the large drone, carrying its mission, soared into the sky.

……

Dongpingshan Beach Position.

Chu Zhangang, along with Ding Kai and several soldiers and guards, arrived at the forefront of the coastline.

Standing atop the high, rocky beach, gazing at the azure sea in the distance, Chu Zhangang put his hands on his hips and said, "I am confident that we can hold off Chen Jun's Blue Army group outside the Chenghai defense line in the first battle."

Your tactical plan is very detailed; no matter how many schemes and tricks Chen Jun employs, they cannot break through it.

With five consecutive lines of defense—50 km, 30 km, 15 km, forward bunkers, and artillery positions on the mountainside—it truly was an impregnable fortress.

Chu Zhangang's current confidence is not without reason.

"As long as the old leader is satisfied, that's fine. I also believe that under the old leader's command, we will not only win the first stage, but the second stage will be a piece of cake." Ding Kai quickly offered his flattery.

"Yes, Not Bad."

Chu Zhangang was very pleased to hear this, feeling completely relieved and even having some free time. He then gave Xu a special lecture: "In your work, you should respect Political Commissar Xu more and support his work. After all, he is the old political commissar of the brigade."

“I understand, I’ve always respected him,” Ding Kai said.

"The political commissar is currently facing a hurdle. If he can't be promoted to the rank of division commander, he may have to face the issue of being demobilized."

Chu Zhangang spoke very seriously in the first half of his sentence, but then abruptly changed his tone in the second half, saying, "However, only if we win this battle well can the issue of his promotion to division commander be resolved, and the position of director of the political department of the group army will be rightfully his."

"That's definitely no problem, we can't possibly lose," Ding Kai said confidently.

"Hahaha."

Chu Zhangang laughed heartily, his mood becoming increasingly wonderful, and his craving for fishing intensified. He waved his hand behind him, and the sensible civil servant knew that his leader wanted to go fishing again.

They quickly ran up.

He was holding the fishing rod that Chu Zhangang wanted. Without being told what to do, he started opening the fish tank and filling it with fish food. Only after everything was done did he hand the fish tank over to Chu Zhangang.

"Whoosh~"

Chu Zhangang skillfully cast his fishing rod, waiting for a fish to bite, and said, "Once my long-range rocket launcher goes into action, this hundred-kilometer stretch of sea will be turned into a sea of ​​fire."

This is a naval firepower wall that the Blue Army cannot cross; anyone who touches it will be annihilated.

The long-range rocket artillery battalion was not only a trump card, capable of destroying reckless attacking naval forces, but it was also the most critical weakness; once destroyed, the Red Army would surely be defeated.

It is a classic double-edged sword!

"Old boss, I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate or not," Ding Kai said hesitantly.

"What's appropriate or inappropriate? As long as it's for winning the battle, you can speak up and offer any opinions or suggestions. You're a brigade commander, how come you don't have any opinions of your own?" Chu Zhangang criticized with dissatisfaction.

"That's it..."

Ding Kai gave an awkward laugh and continued, "These past few days, I've had some private conversations with a few people from the General Staff, and we feel that our long-range artillery positions... are set up a bit too far away."

"Then where do you think would be a better place to put it?" Chu Zhangang asked casually.

“We believe it would be best to push forward another ten to twenty kilometers,” Ding Kai said.

"Why?" Chu Zhangang asked, puzzled.

"Because it extends forward by ten to twenty kilometers, the depth strike capability at sea can be extended accordingly, allowing attacks to be launched during the Blue Army's transit and keeping the Blue Army at least 100 kilometers away."

Ding Kai got more and more excited as he spoke, and after a pause, he added: "In addition, this arrangement is closer to the main position on Dongping Mountain, which is conducive to mutual support and concealment, and the anti-aircraft firepower will not be as dispersed as it is now."

What you said makes sense, but it's too risky.

Chu Zhangang offered his opinion: "The biggest advantage of deploying long-range artillery in the hilly area north of the Dongping Mountain position, far away from the Dongping Mountain defense line, is its concealment."

Moreover, the first line of defense reaches 50 kilometers. Isn't that enough for you?
Secondly, deploying the long-range artillery battalion in the hilly area has another advantage: it can prepare for the upcoming second phase of the mission.

If the 708th Brigade wants to attack Chenghai, where should they come from? They must come from the north.

When dealing with Wang Kezheng's attack, our long-range artillery won't need to be redeployed; simply adjusting the direction of the gun barrels will suffice, allowing us to quickly launch a long-range strike.

Chu Zhangang's tactics sound reasonable; this deployment can take into account both the first and second phases.

However, multitasking is ultimately not as good as focusing on one thing at a time. What seems perfect actually highlights a major drawback, a problem that Wang Kezheng and Chu Zhangang both made before.

underestimate the enemy!!!

Before the two sides have even officially clashed, Chu Zhangang has already diverted his attention to consider the second phase of the battle.

This clearly shows that they did not regard the 7th Steel Brigade as a formidable opponent, a powerful adversary that they needed to fight with all their might to defeat.

If Iron Woman were truly weak, she'd be nothing more than an easy target, but is the Seventh Steel Brigade an easy target? Obviously not.

The newly formed Steel 7th Brigade, which hadn't even started training yet, easily defeated the 708th and 909th Brigades in succession.

Now, the 7th Steel Brigade has undergone a year of training, including an exercise, and its equipment has been updated and upgraded once again.

If the previous Steel 7th Brigade was just a kitten, then the current Steel 7th Brigade has evolved into a fierce tiger.

Facing a heavy combined arms brigade that is more than ten times stronger and has essentially become a complete force, underestimating them would be tantamount to suicide.

Chu Zhangang hadn't realized this yet, and neither had Ding Kai.

He then flattered her, saying, "As expected of our old leader, your thinking is much more far-reaching than ours. Your strategic vision is something we should seriously learn from."

(End of this chapter)