Crossing Mountains and Ridges, Marching Toward the Border Markers — A Glimpse of Patrol Operations by Officers and Soldiers of a Border Defense Company of the Southern Theater Command Army
Crossing Mountains and Ridges, Marching Toward the Border Markers — A Glimpse of Patrol Operations by Officers and Soldiers of a Border Defense Company of the Southern Theater Command Army
■ Li Peng, Cao Jike, Wang Jinwan — Photo Report
Officers and soldiers press forward with difficulty along a complex mountain road.
Repainting the border markers in red.
Officers and soldiers explain border laws and regulations to local residents during the patrol.
In early summer, patrol officers and soldiers of a border defense company of the Southern Theater Command Army, dressed in camouflage and fully armed, set out on the front-line border patrol route.
Shortly after departing by vehicle, thick mountain fog surged in like a tide, causing visibility to plummet sharply. As altitude increased, the fog grew ever denser, and the winding, rugged mountain road disappeared into the mist — driving felt like navigating a labyrinth, with every turn concealing hidden danger. First-Class Staff Sergeant Wang Jiangtao, his expression resolute, gripped the steering wheel with both hands and, drawing on years of driving experience, steered the vehicle steadily through the sea of fog.
Upon reaching the first checkpoint, the patrol detachment proceeded on foot into the depths of the mountains, as road conditions made vehicle travel impossible. Along the way, mountain winds carrying fine rain soaked the officers' and soldiers' clothing. After an arduous trek, they arrived at the location of the border marker. Everyone's expression was solemn as they wiped the dust from the marker and carefully repainted its characters in red — each brushstroke a heartfelt declaration of devotion to the motherland. Against the backdrop of green mountains, the bright red characters on the border marker gleamed brilliantly.
As the clouds and fog gradually dispersed and the weather improved, the trials of the patrol route were far from over. The mountain paths, muddy and slippery after the rain, were treacherous to traverse; on some particularly difficult stretches, jagged rocks jutted out, and a single moment of inattention while climbing could send a person slipping and falling. The officers and soldiers cheered each other on, climbing with all their strength, and finally reached another patrol checkpoint.
The final leg was a patrol to the national gateway port of entry. Along the way, the officers and soldiers suddenly discovered a tourist by the roadside photographing military installations. They stepped forward, identified themselves, and explained the laws and regulations on military secrecy. Under their patient persuasion, the tourist deleted the videos and photographs taken.
Upon arriving at the national gateway port of entry, the patrol officers and soldiers, immaculate in appearance and full of vigor, carefully inspected every potential security risk.
"We stand guard at the frontier — the motherland can rest assured!" After completing the patrol mission, the officers and soldiers lined up in formation before the national gateway and solemnly swore an oath facing the bright five-starred red flag. In the glow of the setting sun, every resolute face was written with loyalty and pride.