A Journey Through the Flames of War in the Republican Era

The most troublesome thing for the newly appointed regimental commander, Song Hongfei, is the shortage of personnel. Managing a large regiment with a full strength of more than 3000 people is different from when he was a battalion commander.

When he was battalion commander, whenever various tactical training was carried out, he would go down to the training grounds of each company, lead by example, and teach by word and deed. His teaching and training were effective, and the grassroots officers and soldiers quickly learned from him. He could even recognize the names of almost all 800-plus men in the battalion.

Once you become a regimental commander, you can no longer personally command the grassroots units directly; otherwise, it would be difficult for the officers at the battalion and company levels to carry out their work. Commanding above one's station is a major taboo in the military. However, aside from the officers and soldiers of the sergeant battalion, there is a severe shortage of personnel who have received comprehensive training in a series of modern advanced infantry tactics under his leadership.

"Even a clever cook can't cook without rice," Song Hongfei lamented, feeling utterly troubled.

Song Hongfei could only set his sights on the sergeant battalion. With the commander's special permission, he unscrupulously poached soldiers from the sergeant battalion. The newly appointed sergeant battalion commander, Zhang Yi, was extremely helpless about Song Hongfei's actions. It wasn't just an order from the commander; Zhang Yi had always respected, admired, and supported his former superior, so he had no objections.

However, Zhang Yi was really heartbroken about the large number of key personnel being transferred away, so he closed his eyes and adopted the strategy of not seeing it so as not to feel the pain.

Song Hongfei said casually, "The sergeant battalion is originally the training battalion of the training brigade. The talents it cultivates will naturally go to other units to spread their influence! Besides, there should be enough positions for talented people to shine. We can't block their promotion."

Zhang Yi suddenly said to Song Hongfei, "That makes sense! Commander Song, your place is so big, why don't you just take our whole battalion over there?"

Zhang Yi looked utterly sincere, and Song Hongfei couldn't tell if he was being genuine.

"I'd like to, but it depends on whether the commander-in-chief is willing!" Song Hongfei chuckled a little sheepishly, patting Zhang Yi on the shoulder. "The new batch of trainees is coming down soon, so you don't have to worry about not having fresh blood to fill the gaps!"

Zhang Yi was utterly heartbroken: "Damn it, in the end you got to eat it all! I'm afraid that by the time I finally get the crops ripe, this bear will be here to steal the corn!"

After saying that, the two of them burst into laughter again.

Other units of the Training Corps also came to Song Hongfei seeking his services, and he welcomed anyone who had real talent and ability.

One important reason why others came to join Song Hongfei's army was that they all knew that it was strictly forbidden to withhold rations or pay, or to take bribes or exploit soldiers. It was real money that could be eaten and taken directly into their hands. When soldiers eat rations, who would turn down money?

The news spread quickly, and many people in other units stationed near Nanjing also had similar ideas, with all sorts of people coming to their door one after another.

Even some people from non-Central Army direct-line units stationed in provinces, whose information was provided by fellow villagers or classmates, came forward to volunteer themselves. Some company and platoon officers even said they didn't care if they were demoted one or two ranks.

Song Hongfei didn't care about the various Central Army units or miscellaneous troops. He established a recruitment standard that included education, physical fitness, and basic tactical skills. He told the regimental staff responsible for reception and recruitment, "We're all National Army soldiers, welcome to all! Just meet the recruitment requirements! But let me make this clear: we don't accept freeloaders here. Those who don't meet the requirements will have to go back to where they came from! And those who don't pass the training after coming in won't be accepted!"

He knew that many of the basic backbone personnel in the troops were not favored by their superiors for various reasons and were frustrated. However, since they dared to take the risk, many of them had been through many years of battlefield experience and had unique skills. With appropriate tactical training, they would be a group of elite soldiers.

For a time, the commanders of the various units stationed near Nanjing were all on edge. During that period, they guarded against the Training Corps as if they were thieves. Commander Gui Shuaizhen was often verbally abused by other unit commanders behind his back.

Gui Yongqing felt incredibly wronged. It wasn't his doing; the real culprit was Song Hongfei, who was riding high and had a great reputation! But Gui Yongqing couldn't explain the situation to the other units. Besides, you can't just turn away talented people who come to join you, can you?

Other unit commanders only knew that their own soldiers had deserted to the Training Corps. Commander Gui naturally faced hostility and concentrated attacks. Other commanders reported to higher authorities, and some local warlords even reported to the Ministry of Military Affairs, angrily accusing the Central Army of incorporating and annexing local faction armies.

In fact, Commander Gui also had his own wishful thinking. The Ministry of Military Affairs had expanded the Training Corps with a supplementary regiment, which was exactly the time when they needed to recruit soldiers. It was easy to find soldiers who would receive a salary, but good soldiers were not! Now that people from all sides were coming to him on their own initiative, he could do it without lifting a finger, so why not?

Even if the people who come don't meet Song Hongfei's recruitment standards, as long as they aren't rejected on the spot by Song Hongfei, they are all elites from other units. The replenishment regiment is just opening its doors and accepting them all! Let them be given the cold shoulder, let them be cursed. It's not like they're going to lose anything. Shouldn't they be secretly happy?

Therefore, Chief Gui tacitly approved of all of this!

The matter escalated, eventually attracting the attention of even Minister He and Principal Jiang. However, the highest levels, understanding the situation, turned a blind eye, intentionally or unintentionally. By the time the Ministry of Military Affairs issued its official notification, the recruitment for the Training Corps was almost complete, and the poaching operation came to an end. Of course, there were still people coming to them on their own, and they couldn't be turned away, could they?

Song Hongfei and Gui Shuaizhen knew that this would offend a lot of people, but if they wanted the Third Regiment and the Supplementary Regiment to become an elite force in a short period of time, which was the latest to be formed by the Training Corps, they had no other choice but to do this.

Commander Ma Weilong of the replenishment regiment felt as happy as if he were in a dream, as if a pie had fallen from the sky! Many people came one after another, and in the end, other regiments could not accommodate them all, so they were all assigned to his replenishment regiment. Not only were there new recruits, but many of them were veterans who had fought for many years. Where else could you find such a good thing!

During that time, Ma Weilong was so happy that he would wake up laughing in his sleep. Whenever he saw Song Hongfei, he would smile broadly and quickly offer him a cigarette, saying, "Oh, Commander Song, I am truly grateful to you and have taken advantage of your kindness. Here, please have a cigarette."

Song Hongfei laughed and said, "Alright, alright, you know I don't smoke! If you don't forget to give me priority when my regiment needs recruits in the future, I will be extremely grateful."

Ma Weilong laughed and joked, "Sure, sure! But if you smoke, I won't offer to buy you a cigarette."

During this period, people kept coming to the recruitment office of the training brigade, and the two regimental commanders were overjoyed.

Commander Gui looked at the staff report, shook his head and sighed, "Your regiment is strong and well-equipped, but I'm the one who gets scolded!"

Song Hongfei quickly offered a flattering compliment: "Commander-in-Chief, look at what you're saying! The entire brigade is strong and well-equipped, and they're all under your command!"

"Come on, don't give me that!" Commander Gui laughed heartily. "Now that we have the manpower, we can't let up on the training! Chief of Staff Fu and Hongfei, you'll have to put in a lot of work on the tactical and technical training of the various units in the brigade!"

Fu Zhaoqian and Song Hongfei nodded and replied, "Yes!"

For a period of time afterward, Gui Shuaizhen only cared about running around to the Ministry of Military Affairs to secure personnel, finances, materials, and various equipment. He was only in charge of major organizational structures and personnel appointments, and grasped the overall situation. The training and reorganization of the troops were naturally the responsibility of his subordinates.

Fu Zhaoqian and Song Hongfei, who were specifically in charge of organizing the training, were extremely busy. They couldn't help but secretly complain about Commander Gui, who had just formed the unit and was already acting as a hands-off manager.

Song Hongfei felt extremely fortunate that Chief Gui had given them ample room to maneuver. Song Hongfei was also very grateful that the Chief Gui truly trusted him, possessed magnanimity and courage, and was willing to delegate authority.

However, Song Hongfei was unaware that Commander Gui was also self-aware. He realized that things he didn't understand should be left to professionals, and that troop training should be handled by experts like Song Hongfei. His interference would only have the opposite effect.