A Certain Base of the Southern Theater Command Air Force Explores and Implements a New Model for Trainee Soldier Assignment
A Certain Base of the Southern Theater Command Air Force Explores and Implements a New Model for Trainee Soldier Assignment—— Select Posts by Performance, Promote Specialty Alignment
■ PLA Daily Reporter Chen Dianhong, Special Correspondent Xu Qiushi
"I have long had my heart set on the meteorology specialty—today I have finally gotten my wish!"
In midsummer, a certain training base of the Southern Theater Command Air Force organized a trainee soldier (学兵) assignment. Trainee soldier Chen Zhanyu, ranked first overall, stepped forward under the gaze of all officers and soldiers present and solemnly checked the meteorology specialty position on the assignment preference form, his joy impossible to conceal.
Stepping down from the post-selection platform, Chen Zhanyu could not hide his excitement: "I will definitely keep up the effort and strive to achieve new results in my new post!"
As this reporter learned, unlike the previous approach of "unified assignment, directive-based posting," this year's trainee soldier assignment saw the base adopt a method combining self-selected posting with organizational assignment. On the premise of subordinating to the needs of the force, trainee soldiers with outstanding overall performance are given priority selection rights, genuinely realizing "the excellent go first, the capable have a place" (优秀者优先、有为者有位).
"Priority based on ability, post selection based on performance—this is both a full affirmation of individual trainee soldier effort and an inevitable requirement for cultivating talent oriented toward and for combat (向战为战)." A relevant official from the Southern Theater Command Air Force organ introduced that, as the accelerated advancement of force transformation and development continues, the demand from various units for specialized technical talent has become increasingly refined. In the past, trainee soldier assignment was arranged primarily according to unit establishment vacancies, which, while ensuring personnel were replenished on time, easily produced the phenomenon of "studying one thing but doing another, doing a job that does not play to one's strengths" (学非所用、用非所长). Some trainee soldiers' professional specialties did not match post requirements, resulting in low training motivation; some units urgently needed specialized talent that could not be replenished in a timely manner, affecting the cycle of combat capability generation.
To resolve this problem, relevant departments of the Southern Theater Command Air Force organ conducted in-depth research at various training bases and frontline units, and on the basis of extensively soliciting opinions and suggestions from officers and soldiers, explored and implemented a new assignment model of "quantitative evaluation + self-selected posting + tiered matching" (量化评定+自主选岗+梯次搭配): in accordance with a quantitative evaluation system, cultural baseline examination scores, military training assessment scores, and daily performance are comprehensively considered and calculated through weighted scoring. Trainee soldiers ranked at the top select their specialty posts through a centralized and open self-selection process; the remaining personnel are matched in tiered order corresponding to their ranked scores and specialty sequence, with each individual's assignment destination determined in combination with personal preference. Trainee soldier scores and the post-selection process are made fully public, ensuring that assignment is fair and impartial.
"The key to activating the pool of talent cultivation lies in putting the right people in the right combat positions (战位)." The base leadership introduced that, to ensure trainee soldiers have a clearer understanding of each specialty post, they organized specialty backbone personnel in advance to enter the trainee soldier units and, through video demonstrations, on-site explanations, and interactive exchanges, introduced in detail the post responsibilities, development prospects, and capability requirements of different specialties. At the same time, trainee soldiers were arranged to visit equipment exhibitions and observe hands-on operational training, giving them a more direct and genuine understanding of each specialty post.
"Selecting a post is not the end point, but a new starting point." Trainee soldier Zhang Junqiao, who studied aviation maintenance engineering at university, successfully obtained priority self-selection rights by virtue of his solid academic foundation and strong military qualities. Faced with multiple post options, he unhesitatingly checked the aviation materials (航材) specialty, which closely matched his background.
"Precise and efficient aviation materials support is an important foundation for ensuring that combat aircraft safely take to the air." Speaking of his choice, Zhang Junqiao said with a resolute gaze: "Being able to apply what I learned at university to frontline support, helping the war eagles soar high and fly far, I find it a great honor."
Trainee soldier Chen Shunuo, though not within the scope of self-selected posting, said with heartfelt feeling: "The trainee soldier assignment is open and transparent—every step is laid out in the open, and everyone is genuinely convinced. Whatever post I end up in, I will adapt to the environment as quickly as possible, train hard, and strive to become a qualified specialty backbone."
"Strengthening and revitalizing the military depends critically on talent. After the new assignment model was implemented, trainee soldiers' training motivation has been higher and the cycle for adapting to their posts has been noticeably shortened." The base leadership stated that in the next step, they will continuously optimize and refine the quantitative evaluation system for trainee soldier assignment, truly putting "good steel on the cutting edge" (把好钢用在刀刃上), and providing solid talent support for force development.