As a specialized force, the unit strictly adheres to the training motto “secret, sudden, courageous, precise” and the familiar scout command of “moving without leaving traces, cooking without smoke, speaking without sound.”
Since the beginning of this year, the leadership and chain-of-command of the unit has identified training as the central task. Therefore, every training session is carried out in the spirit of “reviewing theory, practicing combat skills,” with an emphasis on hands-on drills closely aligned with real combat conditions. For them, physical fitness alone is not enough; a scout soldier must possess firm political resolve, know how to keep a cool head in danger, and calmly overcome every challenge posed by the mission.
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Training in enemy capture techniques |
On a morning in the final days of 2025, the grass on the training field was still wet with dew, but dozens of soldiers were already ready to begin the opening martial arts exercise of the day with 35-movements. Each punch and kick was sharp, each movement powerful and precise; shouts echoed across the field. Sweat streamed down young faces, but every pair of eyes remained focused and resolute.
Soaked in sweat after the martial arts session, soldier Kieu Tuan Anh shared, “To master these techniques like today, my comrades and I have gone through many days and months of training. There were days when we came back aching all over, limbs completely exhausted, feeling like we wouldn’t even be able to stand the next day. But training again and again became a habit, and before we knew it, we were hooked.”
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Warm-up with handspring vaulting over obstacles |
For a scout soldier, overcoming physical pain is only a small part of the journey to maturity. They must also push beyond personal limits, confront fear, and train courage and steel-like reflexes for every sudden situation.
After the martial arts exercise, the soldiers moved on to what is considered a true “test of mettle,” such as wall climbing and fire-ring crossing. The ring of fire burned fiercely, heat lashing their faces. One by one, each soldier took a run-up, grabbed the wall, pulled himself up, then hurled through the blazing ring amidst shouted commands. Every movement had to be compact, fast, and accurate, simulating real combat conditions as closely as possible.
Senior Captain Ho Thanh Luan, Head of Reconnaissance Company 20, said, “Exercises like capturing the enemy or crossing fire rings require soldiers to have flexible endurance, quick reflexes, and steel spirit. Only when they are proficient on the training ground, will they not be confused in real situations, ensuring safety for themselves and their comrades.”
To adapt to the high training intensity, the unit also organizes additional physical training to develop overall fitness, such as long-distance running, weightlifting, volleyball, and pull-ups. All of this aims to build resilient endurance and flexibility for soldiers in all conditions.
Corporal Doan Tuan Huy recalled his early days of uncertainty, “At first I was afraid of heights, my heart was pounding. But with dedicated guidance from the officers, I gradually got used to it and started to enjoy it. Every time I cross the ring of fire, I feel proud and more confident in what I have been trained to do.”
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Scout soldiers bravely crossing the ring of fire |
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To adapt to high training intensity, Reconnaissance Company 20 regularly organizes additional physical training sessions. |
Alongside physical training, Reconnaissance Company 20 places special emphasis on building political steadfastness among its troops. Officers and soldiers are regularly updated on current affairs and participate in thematic political education. For them, political stance is the compass that helps overcome all hardships and the foundation of combat strength.
At the same time, the spiritual life of officers and soldiers is also cared for. Cultural and artistic activities, sports, and collective gatherings are regularly organized to create a united and comfortable environment, helping troops grow more attached to the unit and more devoted to the training ground.
A day of training for the scout soldiers ends as evening shadows fall over the barracks. On sun-darkened faces, sweat has not yet dried, but their eyes shine with determination and pride. Each drill, each drop of sweat shed today is the preparation that enables them to stand firm in any future challenge.
Translated by Chung Anh