Special Forces: From the very beginning, I can upgrade the entry

Chapter 26: Submitting to the Military District Newspaper—A Vision for Integrated Combat Units

Lin Yi stood in front of Squad One, scanning the soldiers with a sharp gaze.

“You’ve all been studying high school-level subjects for some time now,” he announced.

“This exam will serve as a test to see how much effort you’ve actually put into it.”

The room fell silent as the soldiers straightened their backs, ready to take the test.

“Let’s begin.”

“Yes, sir!”

Apart from Chen Xiwa, the remaining ten soldiers were seasoned veterans, with Zheng Sanpao holding the highest rank as a sergeant first class, followed by a group of sergeants who had each served for at least six years. These men were the backbone of the reconnaissance company. Despite their combat experience, they approached the exam with utmost seriousness. There was no whispering or cheating, only the steady sound of pens scratching against paper. Their enrollment in the national high school proficiency exam required them to be tested in 13 subjects, including:

• • • • Chinese, Mathematics, and English

• • • • Political Science, History, and Geography

• • • • Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

• • • • Information Technology and General Technology

• • • • Art (Music or Fine Arts) and Physical Education

With only three months left before the official exams, Lin Yi had scheduled three practice tests to track their progress and tailor their study sessions accordingly.

After distributing the test papers, Lin Yi didn’t bother watching over the soldiers. Instead, he pulled out a book—”The Science of Victory”—and began reading.

Over the past few months, he had methodically studied the world’s top ten military strategy books, including: “The Art of War”, “On War”, “Command of the Air”, “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History”, “Armored Warfare”, “General Theory of Strategy”, “On Protracted War”, “Strategic Theory: The Indirect Approach”, and “Absolute Weapon.” These books had opened his eyes to new perspectives on modern warfare, deepening his understanding of integrated combat operations. Moreover, this month’s ability upgrade had been used to enhance his “Superior Memory (Blue)” trait, turning it into “Photographic Memory (Gold).”

Now, anything he read was etched into his mind permanently. His grasp of military theory had now reached a level that could rival career officers.

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As Lin Yi immersed himself in the book, a familiar voice broke his focus.

“Well, well! Look at you—playing the teacher like a true professional.”

Lin Yi glanced up to see Captain Miao, the company commander of the Night Tiger Reconnaissance Unit, grinning as he approached.

Even the toughest veterans in the company had turned into obedient students under Lin Yi’s guidance, and Miao couldn’t help but tease him about it.

Lin Yi rolled his eyes.@@novelbin@@

“Aren’t you supposed to be at the military district conference?” he asked.

“What are you doing here, inspecting my class?”

Over the past few months, he had grown comfortable around Miao, no longer feeling the same level of rigid formality. To him, Miao wasn’t just a superior officer—he was more like a mentor or even an older brother.

Miao smirked.

“Actually, I brought back some good news for you.” He paused deliberately, enjoying the anticipation. Lin Yi raised an eyebrow.

“Oh?”

Miao pulled a newspaper from his pocket and handed it over. Lin Yi unfolded it, his eyes scanning the headline. A slow smile spread across his face.

“So, it’s finally starting?”

This was the internal newspaper of the Eastern Military District, second only in authority to the General Staff’s official publication. The article detailed the evolution and future trends of integrated combat units, signalling that the restructuring of the armed forces was now officially underway.

Miao nodded.

“The top brass has decided to restructure the military.”

He explained, “The old system of Group Army → Army → Division → Regiment → Battalion is being phased out. Instead, the new structure will be Group Army → Division (or Brigade) → Regiment (or Battalion).”

“The current 24 Field Armies will be consolidated into 13 Integrated Group Armies. The specific details of the restructuring are still being debated.”

Miao then gave Lin Yi a knowing look.

“I know you’ve been studying integrated combat units for a while now,” he said.

“If you can put your ideas into an article and publish it in the Military District Newspaper, it would be a huge boost for your future promotion.”

Lin Yi’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

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The concept of integrated combat units wasn’t new.

China had already experimented with force integration as early as the 1970s.

In 1985, during the Million Troop Reduction, the number of Field Armies was reduced from 35 to 24, and they were restructured into Integrated Group Armies. Now, the transition to 13 Integrated Group Armies represented a new phase in military modernization.

However, this reform wasn’t just about downsizing—it was about reshaping the entire structure of the armed forces.

It aimed to transition from a regional-based military organization to a fully modernized, technology-driven force. The new integrated forces would combine traditional branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force with emerging fields like cyber warfare, electromagnetic warfare, and special operations. Instead of prioritizing sheer numbers, the focus was now on quality, efficiency, and adaptability.

Lin Yi quickly analyzed the three major challenges the military would face:

1. 1. 1. 1. The Core Doctrine Shift
            • • • • The main goal of integrated group armies was to improve multi-branch coordination and create a powerful, unified strike force.
            • • • • The success of this doctrine depended on seamless cooperation between mechanized, airborne, and special operations forces.

1. 1. 1. 1. Geographical Adaptation
            • • • • The structure of integrated units needed to match their deployment environments.
            • • • • Northeast regions, with their vast plains, would favor tank-heavy formations.
            • • • • Southwestern regions, with complex mountainous terrain, would require air-mobile infantry and special forces.
            • • • • The flexibility of these units would determine their effectiveness.

1. 1. 1. 1. The Debate Between Brigade and Division Structures
            • • • • An integrated division would have around 13,000 personnel, making it better suited for large-scale conflicts.
            • • • • An integrated brigade would have 5,000–7,000 personnel, designed for smaller, high-intensity engagements.
            • • • • Whether to prioritize brigades or divisions would be a key decision in the reform.

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Miao watched Lin Yi process all this information before clapping him on the shoulder.

“You’re making a name for yourself, kid.”

“First, you broke multiple training records and won the title of Outstanding New Soldier. Now, even the General Staff is reviewing your background from Yenching University.”

“This article?” Miao grinned. “Write whatever you want. Don’t hold back.”

Lin Yi nodded firmly. This wasn’t just an opportunity—it was a pivotal moment in his military career. If his ideas gained traction, they could shape the future of the armed forces. And if the General Staff noticed, his path to officer promotion would be unstoppable.