Chapter 226: Arriving at Qinglong Gorge and Arranging a Night Raid
Time: 20:45 on the evening of August 8, 1999.
Starting from Huanglongwanggou in Jincheng, the Blue Army Battalion detachment, which moved by land, finally arrived at the Qinglongxia No. 7 combat zone.
There must have been a heavy rain here during the day, and the muddy road caused the wheels of the transport convoy to slip constantly as it moved forward.
Maneuvering speed was severely disrupted.
The wind was howling all around, and the car body was almost shaken by the wind.
"It's a good thing it rained during the day. Otherwise, in this weather, the wind and sand would have been so strong that you wouldn't even be able to see the road clearly at night."
Chen Mo looked at the endless gray scenery outside the command car, and he was quite good at comforting himself.
The trucks moving forward often slipped, and the soldiers had to get off and use shovels to shovel sand from other places to level the road and move forward bit by bit.
People from the military region's logistics department came in advance to build the oil depot. Their land detachment, who were also from the logistics department, went to the national highway entrance to meet them in advance and lead the way, so that they could successfully reach the designated area.
After arriving at the location and meeting up with the logistics personnel.
Chen Mo had just gotten out of the car when he looked up and saw four or five logistics soldiers in their shorts running after the tent in the distance.
There were also countless soldiers sitting on the ground, holding on to the four corners of the tent tightly to prevent them from being blown away by the strong wind.
The environment is so bad that it is unbearable to watch.
Chen Mo had been lucky in the past and had basically never participated in field training. This was his first time experiencing this kind of environment.
But at least his physical fitness was there and he could still withstand it. Feng Guoqing, who served as the combat staff officer, was blown sideways by the wind as soon as he got out of the car and couldn't stop.
It was Wang Jianyong who ran a few steps quickly and pulled the person back.
"Captain Chen, this won't work. There's no way we can set up a tent in this environment."
Wang Jianbin suggested with a frown.
Chen Mo nodded. Before coming to Qinglong Gorge, he had heard rumors about the soldiers' hard training. They had to eat two taels of soil every day. If they didn't eat enough in the morning, they could make up for it in the afternoon.
He used to think it was just a common sight like the Gobi Desert and sandstorms, and the rumors might be exaggerated.
Only when it was my turn did I realize how sad this rumor was.
"Old Feng, go and tell all the teams to park all their vehicles together. We won't be setting up tents tonight, but sleeping in the carriages. Comrades, please bear with us for a while."
"Count the dry food and fresh water situation of each class, and replenish what is needed as soon as possible."
"Please ask Captain Cheng to come over and tell him I need something."
"By the way, regarding the 61st Division's stationing, don't mention it to any of the comrades in the battalion. We just arrived here, so don't put too much pressure on them."
"yes!"
Feng Guoqing responded, turned and walked towards the convoy in the distance to convey the battalion commander's order.
Lao Feng is a graduate of the Shicheng Staff College, majoring in data science and big data technology. He currently serves as the combat staff officer of the Blue Army Battalion.
The reason why Chen Mo did not let the people in the camp know about the 61st Division's garrison so quickly was because he was worried about causing panic.
He wasn't worrying too much.
It's just a private boast. After the 19th Army was disbanded in 1985, among the units under the 21st Army of the entire Jincheng Military Region, only the 61st Division was the leader.
The Northern Type A Motorized Infantry Division is much stronger than the Type B divisions such as the 62nd, 63rd, and 55th Divisions, not to mention the artillery brigade converted from the 57th Division, as well as the 12th Tank Division and the anti-aircraft artillery brigade.
Until we know who else is stationed in Area 7 and which unit is our strategic partner, it is best not to announce the enemy's situation.
After explaining the settlement matters, Chen Mo returned to the command vehicle, took out compressed biscuits from his bag, and was about to take a bite.
Cheng Dong's loud voice came from outside the car.
"Scholar?"
"Where are you? Come out quickly, someone is looking for you."
“Hey, here they come!!”
Hearing the sound, Chen Mo put down the biscuits and came out of the car. When he looked up, he saw a burly lieutenant colonel standing in front of Cheng Dong. The man was about thirty-six or thirty-seven years old, about the same age as Cheng Dong.
But his figure was not as short and sturdy as Captain Cheng's. He was nearly 1.8 meters tall and tanned like a charcoal.
There is a fierce aggressiveness in his bones.
However, although this lieutenant colonel looks intimidating, he has a very easy-going personality.
When he saw Chen Mo getting out of the car, he was stunned for a moment, as if he didn't expect that the battalion commander he was going to meet was such a young man.
Then he saluted and said, "Hello, Captain Chen, my name is Zhou Xiao, the commander of the 139th Division Reconnaissance Battalion."
"Hello, Captain Zhou. Welcome, welcome."
After Chen Mo returned the gift, he hurriedly reached out and shook hands with the other party.
The moment he saw Zhou Xiao, Chen Mo understood everything.
No wonder.
No wonder the 61st Division mobilized so many troops and surrounded the No. 7 War Zone.
If he guessed correctly, the No. 7 War Zone should be stationed with the 139th Type A Infantry Division under the 47th Army of the Jincheng Military Region.
I'm afraid that any soldier in the Jincheng Military Region knows 139.
This is another heavyweight Type A division.
Hold!
After guessing what happened.
The black lines on Chen Mo's forehead began to rise. Let's just say that the information experiment is indeed a little more important.
But it wouldn't be necessary to throw the Blue Army Battalion onto the battlefield of two Type A divisions, right?
They often have tens of thousands of people participating in the war. What can the Blue Army Battalion use to challenge such a unit?
Seeing the change in Chen Mo's expression, Captain Zhou knew that the commander of the information battalion in front of him was already aware of the purpose of his visit.
Chen Mo didn't waste any time and went straight to the point: "Captain Zhou, have the main forces of the 139th arrived?"
"No."
Zhou Xiao shook his head. "Currently, only the Engineering Corps, the Engineering Support Unit, and part of the Reconnaissance Battalion have arrived. The rest of the units won't be here until at least tomorrow afternoon."
Chen Mo was not surprised by this.
After all, the 139th Division belongs to the 47th Army.
Most of its subordinate units are stationed in Chang'an. The 139th Division also has a six-regiment system. The 415th, 416th, 417th, and 422nd are all infantry regiments. In addition, there are anti-aircraft artillery and artillery regiments.
With such a large organization and long-distance maneuvers, it is impossible to arrive without a few days.
Invite Captain Cheng and Captain Zhou and their group into the command vehicle. There is no need to be particular when you are out in this kind of environment.
Each person was given a pack of compressed biscuits, and while listening to the howling wind outside, everyone filled their stomachs first.
While eating, Zhou Xiao also explained the purpose of his visit. The No. 7 War Zone was the main battlefield for the exercises of the two Type A divisions of the Jincheng Military Region. Chen Mo had already guessed this.
The reason why the other side came here was that after the war game simulation, the executive director of the General Staff temporarily notified the 139th Division Headquarters and asked the division to appropriately cooperate with the information battalion's operations.
As the 139th Division was a Red Army unit, it went without saying that the Blue Army Battalion led by Chen Mo was also classified into the Red Army sequence.
As the red team, in the red-blue confrontation, they often play the role of the attacking side, while the blue team is the defensive side.
Of course, this statement only applies to war game simulations, where the Red Army first comes up with tactics and strategic directions, and the Blue Army subsequently comes up with response plans, and the script evolves back and forth.
It doesn't mean that the Blue Army can only defend the camp and cannot take the initiative to attack. In small-scale conflicts, they are also allowed to dispatch troops to attack the Red Army.
Since both sides were Red Army units, Chen Mo did not hide anything. He took out all the information and intelligence he had received along the way and spread them on the table.
Pointing to the 61st Division's deployment above, he said, "Captain Zhou, take a look first."
"According to the intelligence we've received, the 61st Division's armored, antiaircraft, and artillery groups have formed a core combat group. They're dispersed across the eastern, northwest, and southern fronts of our No. 7 combat zone, forming a linear battlefield nearly 100 kilometers wide."
"On the southern front, the Tianshui 181st Regiment built tunnels and trenches to block the enemy's position."
"Therefore, I believe that the main battlefield of War Zone 7 will definitely break out near the southern front line."
Chen Mo's analysis tone was very firm.
After all, the Blue Army's main battle group was surrounded on all sides. The eastern and northwest fronts were heavily armed, and only the southern front had large numbers of infantry positions.
The 61st Division adopted a linear encirclement strategy against the Seventh War Zone, with its firepower concentrated in the east and northwest. If the Red Army wanted to wipe out the main force of the Blue Army, it would certainly not go to the place with the strongest firepower.
At least not in the early stages.
In fact, compared with the overall combat effectiveness of the 61st Division, the 139th Division is still at a disadvantage in terms of equipment.
Zhou Xiao was a little confused throughout Chen Mo's analysis.
His level is not enough to participate in war game simulations, so apart from knowing who the enemy is this time, he doesn't know anything else.
Even if they knew who the enemy was, it was because these two units were both Type A divisions and old rivals, and the division had not notified them in advance.
Damn, the battle hasn’t even started yet, where did the map of the information battalion come from?
It’s no wonder that Captain Zhou is weird.
In terms of the current level of reconnaissance in warfare, in most cases, after the war begins, the commander will judge the possible location of the enemy based on the terrain map, and then arrange for a large number of reconnaissance teams to be dispatched.
Once reconnaissance is completed, the reconnaissance information and the firepower organization of the own side will be sent to the directorate, which will determine the enemy's combat losses.
No one is so arrogant. Before the battle even started, the enemy's garrison and strategic intentions were exposed in advance.
Zhou Xiao was stunned for a moment, and it took him a long time to catch up with Chen Mo's train of thought.
With a hint of inquiry in his tone, he asked: "Captain Chen, even if the main battlefield is on the southern front, so what?"
"Our main force hasn't arrived yet, so there's no point in judging these things."
"No, no, no, it's not useless."
Chen Mo waved his hand, pulled a cigarette from his pocket, and passed one to everyone: "Captain Zhou, according to the intelligence, the Blue Army's firepower deployment is already 80% complete, and they are the host country."
"We're waiting for you with ease. As a motorized infantry unit, the 61st Division is a highly mobile force. We're best at breaking up the enemy's deep deployment, dividing the battlefield, and then concentrating our superior forces to encircle and annihilate small enemy units."
"To put it bluntly, once our main force arrives, if intelligence runs low and the battle line is forced to the south, with heavy artillery and heavy assaults behind us, and high-speed mobile firepower interspersed from both sides, how long can you hold out?"
"this"
When Zhou Xiao heard this, he scratched his head and was at a loss for words.
Cheng Dong, who was sitting next to him, glanced at Chen Mo sideways, curled his lips and said nothing.
With his understanding of the scholar, he could guess it with his toes.
This damn scholar is definitely going to cause trouble again, and he wants to drag the 139th Division Reconnaissance Battalion into it.
Otherwise, Cheng Dong had never seen a scholar so proactive in providing information.
You know.
The intelligence obtained by the Blue Army Camp seems detailed, but if you look into it in depth, it is not of much use in fighting the war.
It's useless to only know the Blue Army's deployment and approximate strategic goals.
If you want to achieve results, you still need to conduct close reconnaissance and obtain detailed firepower distribution.
No one would be so blind as to station a regiment in such a place during a war.
Without detailed information, it would be redundant to say more.
Cheng Dong couldn't understand why Xiucai had laid so much groundwork, including giving out cigarettes and sharing intelligence. What was he trying to do?
Company Commander Cheng didn't understand, and Battalion Commander Zhou was naturally also confused.
He took a deep breath and said, "Well, Captain Chen, I came here to ask if there is anything we can help you with."
"I'm talking about helping now."
Chen Mo smiled. He was still thinking about the decapitation plan on the way here, but the weather here was too bad and he was not familiar with the terrain, so he couldn't carry it out.
Unexpectedly, the commander of the 139th Division Reconnaissance Battalion came over just when I was sleepy.
"Look, the Blue Army's main battle groups are on the eastern and northwest fronts. It's not difficult to see from the map that these two directions have the most main roads."
"The transportation is convenient and well-connected, and there are also heavily armed troops stationed nearby. Therefore, I conclude that the Blue Army Division's fuel supply base must be in this area."
After listening to Chen Mo's analysis, Cheng Dong, Feng Guoqing, Zhou Xiao, and Wang Jianbin were all stunned.
If we talk about the Blue Army Division's strategic plan, few people present are really interested, because matters of that level are not something that grassroots unit cadres should consider at all.
Any issue that the grassroots can consider will only be known in more detail by the higher-ups.
After all, no Type A division commander is given the position for free.
But when it comes to fuel, it's a different story. This kind of intelligence is what the reconnaissance battalion is most interested in.
"Captain Chen, please continue."
Zhou Xiao rubbed his hands, and his expression became noticeably more expressive.
Chen Mo nodded, picked up a pencil and circled several places outside the No. 7 battle zone.
"Comrades, I just mentioned the Blue Army's strategic intentions. The final decisive battle is likely to take place on the southern front."
"According to this line of thought, since the eastern and northwest fronts are where the heavy equipment is assembled and they also have the task of protecting fuel and supplies, once they start fighting, they will inevitably have to adjust their southward route based on factors such as distance, terrain, and firepower deployment."
"Whether pursuing or rallying, this route requires speed. After all, the Blue Army Division is a motorized infantry division, and Commander Wang is best at hiding troops and rapid maneuvering."
"So, the place I just marked, Mark 1, is temporarily designated as Line 1. This is likely the armored regiment's mobile assembly point. So, around the mark, there must be the main battalion of the armored regiment stationed here."
"Marker 2, 60 kilometers northwest of the armored regiment's garrison, is the anti-aircraft artillery regiment's territory. Judging by the terrain, the marked location is most likely the anti-aircraft artillery regiment's assembly area. The enemy's main battalion and company must be nearby."
"Look at Mark 3 again"
Based on the deployment of the 61st Division, Chen Mo drew eight marking points just by looking at the map.
These marked points are either the Blue Army Division’s re-equipment assembly points or the necessary places for maneuvering southward.
This kind of important terrain may not necessarily have a fuel depot, but there must be a main force battalion stationed there.
After his analysis, more detailed information than before appeared clearly in everyone's mind through the marked points on the map.
Eight marked points are used to comprehensively predict the main force deployment of the Blue Army Division based on the situation. Of course, the results may not be 100% accurate.
But in war, there is no such thing as 100% accuracy. Unexpected changes are part of strategy, as are analysis and prediction.
There are eight marked points, and as long as the accuracy rate is 50%, you will make a profit.
Don’t think that a 50% prediction rate is low.
You have to know that Chen Mo had just arrived at the battlefield and had not done any work. He only made an assessment of the enemy's tactical actions based on a map and some intelligence.
"Captain Chen, you have a point, but the drill hasn't even started yet. What are we supposed to do even if we knew?"
Zhou Xiao swallowed his saliva. He already had a vague urge to confirm it.
The enemy's fuel depots, assembly points, and main camps are all located within these marked points.
This information was too tempting to the division reconnaissance battalion.
Chen Mo didn't respond to Zhou Xiao's words, but looked up at Cheng Dong: "Captain, how many people in our reconnaissance company are going by land this time?"
"28." Cheng Dong turned his head and glanced at Wang Jianyong: "If we take him, that would be 30."
Well, the company commander knew there was an action, and when he turned around, he included himself in it.
"Captain Zhou, what about you?"
"I can send out more than a hundred people, and there are six rows of people coming here now." Zhou Xiao said truthfully.
“It won’t take that much.”
Chen Mo shook his head, and then looked outside the car. Qinglong Gorge was still windy and muddy everywhere.
Due to the weather, there was almost no light at night and it was dark everywhere.
"Company Commander, Captain Zhou, select a few comrades familiar with the terrain of Qinglong Gorge. Form groups of six, for a total of forty-eight people, and proceed to scout these eight marked points."
"Remember, you don't need to get too close for reconnaissance. Just see the garrison and roughly estimate the troop strength. If that doesn't work, you can even go and see how big the dry toilets are. As long as you don't expose yourself and confirm that there are people at these marked points, it's fine."
"You must be back before dawn."
Several people looked at each other and exchanged glances. Finally, Cheng Dong spoke up: "Scholar, reconnaissance is no problem. What are you going to do?"
"Scout tonight, raid tomorrow night."
"Raid, how to raid?" Zhou Xiao was full of confusion.
"It's very simple." Chen Mo smiled and rolled up the map. "These eight marked points are the necessary routes for the Blue Army Division to regroup and maneuver. It's no exaggeration to say that they are the lifeline of the enemy army."
"We'll get a clear picture of the situation tonight. If a fight breaks out tomorrow night, we'll use helicopters to deploy a large number of scouts. We'll place booby traps, anti-tank mines, and communication jammers in designated areas. We'll also lie in wait and attack enemy communications equipment and reconnaissance radar."
"In the first half of the night, the main focus was on beheading."
"In the second half of the night, our information battalion will be on the battlefield for the first time, so it's time to get some movement."
Chen Mo spoke with considerable confidence, but he did not disclose the detailed plan for beheading the grassroots officers, as the specific situation of this marked point was still unknown.
Tactics must constantly change based on intelligence.
"I'll go prepare." Cheng Dong didn't hesitate for even a second. He took off his hat, rubbed his head, and left with excitement on his face.
"I'll go gather people too. Give me an hour."
Zhou Xiao hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to participate in this operation.
Looking into the command cabin, half of the people had left in the blink of an eye.
Chen Mo got out of the car with a smile on his face and looked towards the southern line. He guessed that Wang Songhe, the commander of the 61st Division, should be there.
Because that is the main battlefield designed by the Blues.
Chen Mo had never led troops or fought in a war, but he had participated in so many review meetings and witnessed too many exercises.
Even if you haven’t eaten pork, have you seen a pig run?
Since I have met an old acquaintance again, I must first say hello to Commander Wang and destroy a few of his main battalions as a big gift.
Disrupt the opponent's strategic deployment.
I just don’t know.
Will Commander Wang hide his troops this time?
Chen Mo stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance with a cocky expression, his face full of anticipation.
The game between tactics can sometimes be really addictive.
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