Soldiers say goodbye to military life

In early September, a number of Armed Police Force soldiers finished their military service and left the army where they lived for two years or more.

"This is the outfit that I have been in for the most times in my life so far. Every time I stand guard, I put it on. Every time after I wash it, I iron it till I see no wrinkles. Because in my heart, it represents the image of a soldier.This is the last time I will wear it," said Nie Weimin, 20, from Muyang, Jiangsu province, one of the retiring soldiers this year.

The military days become the most unforgettable part of their lives, which will always have a positive impact on the future, Nie said.

Zhang Xuecheng, 22, from Handan, Hebei province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"The locker has accompanied me for two years, from when I first came to the army, till now when I’m retiring as a private first class. Spring, summer, autum and then winter, time flies.

"I’m leaving the army. I’ll remember and respect everything that I experienced.

Chen Kailong, 20, from Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"It’s been two years. Maybe it’s the last time I'll put the army cap on. I never paid attention to the details like this before I came here. I never knew what they meant when people said it’s a great honor to be a soldier. But during my days here, details are what fulfill my life. To take the cap as an example, the emblem on it reminds me every minute that I’m a soldier, and that I have responsibilities on my shoulders."

Li Yongkang, 20, from Xuzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Two shifts a day, two hours a shift, I spent 731 days in the army in the past two years. My youth is worth it. Everytime I stand here, I’m proud, because I’ma soldier, and I keep guard for people."

Zhang Weisen, 19, from Guantao, Hebei province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"In my military life, I laughed and cried, suffered and had been sad. Every time when I encounter difficulties, I come here in front of the 'wall of smiles'. I look at my bros, who give me confidence and courage, and get me through.

"The wall is what I’ll miss the most. It records our smiles and memories. I appreciate you all, my brothers."

Zhao Kaiyu, 22, from Baoding, Hebei province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"When I get some free time, I dive into the study room, where there are many books that I like. I learned much from the books, which also relax me from the exhausting training. It feels great."

Zhao Peihu, 20, from Siyang, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"I used to throw away the worn shoes, even if I don’t, my parents used to clean them for me. After I came to the army, I was not the spoiled boy anymore. I learned to be diligent and thrifty. I have been wearing the black military shoes for two years, but I’m reluctant to throw them away, although they are truly worn out."

Xu Yuandong, 25, from Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Before I came to the army, housework was tiring and dirty to me, and I never helped my parents with it, even when they were exhausted. Things changed when I became a soldier. I have mopped the hallways in the camp for the two whole years."

Guo Mengwu, 20, from Peixian, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"I thought soldiers were great before I joined the army. But I never thought about what made them great. Now I have experienced the military life of training and standing guard. Soldiers throw themselves into the difficulties, which deserves applause. I’m determined to be such a great person in my life."

Wang Ruijie, 19, from Huairen, Shanxi province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Study makes me happy. I used to fall asleep in classes when I was back in school. But after I joined the army, our political instructor gives vivid lectures, which inspires me a lot. I realized that it’s not true that I couldn’t listen to the teacher carefully and take notes. It’s the interest."

Sun Zhen, 22, from Muyang, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"I used to be spoiled and rebellious. In the army, I learned to get up early, depend on myself, and understand it’s not easy to be parents. I’ll keep that in mind. Even now that I'vetaken off the uniform, I’m always a soldier."

Zhou Hang, 22, from Siyang, Jiangsu province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"This is our study room. We spent much time here during classes in the past two years. I get to sit in the soft chairs when meeting, learning, reading and during free time. To lean on the desk for a short while is relaxing and enjoyable."

Cheng Shuaiqiang, 23, from Dengfeng, Henan province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"Every day we leave the washing stuff nicely placed after use. We have strict rules about how we should take care of personal belongings, which always keep us principled. As you can see, all the washbasins are placed the same, and even the towels are folded as required."

Shi Xindian, 20, from Baoding, Hebei province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"I used to be weak, weighing less than 50 kilograms. I couldn’t really help with any work at home asI was not strong at all. In the two years in the army, I got much stronger and well built."

Xia Guangfa, 20, from Baoding, Hebei province. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

"The saying goes in the army: 'How you stand in a line shows your dignity when you are outside, and how you arrange your room when you are indoors.' The blanket is the most important part in the room and is the first thing we take care of in the morning. The most unforgettable memory should be missing the breakfast for the blanket."