With a new semester approaching, the military training season has begun. Some think the experience is fun, while others really dread its harsh nature.

On August 29 2017, the freshmen of the Southern University of Science and Technology of China (SUSTech) took part in military training education at Shenzhen Municipal National Defense Education Base. Li Fengliang, vice-chairperson of the University Council, Han Wei, director of the Residential colleges, Cui Zhaokun, director of the Shenzhen Municipal National Defense Education Base and the heads of the relevant departments of the university, training officers, as well as college counselors and all the 2017 freshmen students attended the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony kicked off with the solemn national anthem ringing out, capturing the participants’ attention. After a whole night of training, the students still formed neat lines, stood straight, and gave a fantastic display of their high spirits and mental determination.

Freshmen representative Hu Yanxi spoke on behalf of the students at the ceremony, saying that: “three months ago, the University was the source of our determination. We have experienced an intensive summer, experienced the moment of our dreams when we were accepted, and we – as the new generation of SUSTech – accept the challenge awaiting us”.

Director of the Shenzhen Municipal National Defense Education Base Cui then followed with a speech. “The students military training is an important component of the comprehensive national defense strategy, and serves to promote national defense education as an important guarantee to ensure high-quality training. Participating in military training allows to enhance students’ awareness of national defense and improve the military quality and cultivate the spirit of selfless dedication” said Cui.

Li then followed on the stage to give a speech on behalf of all the teachers and students.He concluded saying that he hoped the students would be vigorous and resolute in their training, to meet the strict military standards, be prepared to overcome difficulties and be full of confidence.

During the training, college counselors and the freshmen will live together at the base. Freshman orientation will also be carried out during the training. In China, high school and undergraduate students often have mandatory military training in late summer or early autumn. After their training, the students would go on to study for their degrees.

Text: Student News Agency Zhou Xinyi

Photo: Wang Kaiqiang Li Chengkun Dong Xing

Translated by Jeremy Welburn

Proofread by Audrey Xia