Special Forces: From the very beginning, I can upgrade the entry

“Vice Squad Leader.”
Chen Xiwa’s gaze was firm, his face filled with determination.
“I don’t want to leave the army.”
Lin Yi regarded him calmly.
“Xiwa.”
“In our military system, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are career soldiers.”
“While some are selected from active-duty soldiers, others are directly recruited from civilians with specialist skills.”
“Unlike commissioned officers, NCOs are not part of the officer ranks.”
“Depending on their duties, NCOs are classified into four categories:  Command and Management NCOs, Technical Specialists, Command and Technical NCOs, and General Duty NCOs”
“NCO ranks are divided into three tiers and seven levels: Junior NCOs → Corporal (E-4), Sergeant (E-5); Intermediate NCOs → Staff Sergeant (E-6), Warrant Officer IV (E-7); Senior NCOs → Warrant Officer III (E-8), Warrant Officer II (E-9), Warrant Officer I (E-10)”
“For infantry soldiers, the highest attainable rank is Warrant Officer IV.”
“Our squad leader, Sergeant Zheng, is an E-6. His next step would be Warrant Officer IV.”
“Technical specialists, on the other hand, can rise all the way to Warrant Officer I.”
“That is the difference between the two career paths.”
Lin Yi’s tone was steady yet authoritative.
“If you want to stay in the military, you need to continuously improve yourself.”
“At the very least, you must obtain a high school diploma through self-study.”
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Over the past few weeks, Lin Yi had observed Chen Xiwa closely.
He was a natural soldier, devoted and hardworking—but he lacked leadership qualities.
Rather than an officer, his best path was to become a career NCO.
However, his education was a major barrier.
Middle school qualifications were sufficient for junior NCO ranks—
But to reach intermediate and senior NCO levels, a high school diploma was necessary.
If Chen Xiwa could improve his education, he had a chance of being selected for NCO school—ensuring a stable and honourable military career.
Chen Xiwa, though struggling to grasp every detail, still nodded firmly.
“Vice Squad Leader, I’ll do whatever you say!”
In his eyes, Lin Yi was undisputedly the best soldier in the recruit camp.
And following the best was never a mistake.
“No more talking. Lights out!”
The patrolling squad leader barked from the corridor.
Lin Yi shot a glance at Chen Xiwa, signalling for him to rest.
“Sleep. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”
Chen Xiwa quickly lay down.
Only Zhuang Yan, still wrestling with his thoughts, remained awake—his mind clouded with uncertainty. He barely slept a wink that night.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
At the crack of dawn, the bugle call rang out across the base. Boots hit the floor; blankets were folded; uniforms were donned with precision. Within minutes, the recruits were assembled on the parade ground, awaiting orders.
“Align to the right!”
“Look forward!”
The first rays of sunlight bathed the formation in a golden glow.
“One, two, three, four!”
“One, two, three, four!”
The recruits’ chanting filled the air, But suddenly, another group’s chant caught their attention. A squad of muscular soldiers, dressed in full combat gear, marched with perfect discipline. Their leader carried a red flag, emblazoned with a tiger insignia and bold Chinese characters.
“One, two, one!”
“One, two, three, four!”
The entire training ground fell into a hushed silence, mesmerised by the aura of these warriors. For the first time ever, a rare expression crossed Zheng Sanpao’s weathered face— A smile. His gaze lingered on the passing unit, filled with nostalgia and respect.
“Sergeant!”
Chen Xiwa, unable to contain his curiosity, shouted.
“Speak.”
Zheng Sanpao’s attention remained fixed on the marching soldiers.
“Sergeant, which unit is that?”
The other recruits leaned in, their curiosity mirroring his own. These were the soldiers they had always imagined— Disciplined. Battle-hardened. Unyielding.
“That is the legendary Night Tiger Recon Unit.”
Zheng Sanpao’s voice was laced with pride.
“During the Jinggangshan Campaign, they were the most feared ‘spearhead’ battalion.”
“In every major battle in our nation’s history, their name has been carved in blood and glory.”
Chen Xiwa’s eyes shone with admiration.
“Now THAT is what a real soldier looks like!”
His excitement was palpable.
“If you get assigned there, you’re dead meat.”
Zhuang Yan interrupted, shaking his head.
“A recon unit? I’d rather die than join.”
Zheng Sanpao’s sharp ears caught everything.
He strode over, looming over them.
“What are you two whispering about?”
Chen Xiwa stiffened.
“Nothing, Sergeant!”
Zheng Sanpao’s eyes narrowed.
“So you want to join that unit?”
“Listen up.”
“Only the best recruits make it to Recon.”
“Only the best recon soldiers remain in Night Tiger.”
His gaze swept across the squad.
“And right now—only ONE of you has a chance.”
Instantly, all eyes turned toward Lin Yi. Without question, he was the best among them, but Lin Yi’s mind was elsewhere. Joining the Night Tiger Recon Unit was inevitable: it was the next step in his journey. However, today marked something more important— A new opportunity for an upgrade.
Recruit training followed three main phases: Phase One involved drill formations, physical endurance, and discipline; Phase Two, involved tactical training, survival skills, and first aid; and finally, Phase Three, involved weapons training, field exercises, and live-fire tests.
With hand-to-hand combat scheduled for the next phase, Lin Yi made his decision.
For a brief moment, an aura of danger radiated from him. The recruits felt it—a fleeting sense of standing on a battlefield drenched in blood. It vanished as quickly as it came.
But Lin Yi knew— He had just become something far more dangerous. He had become a true warrior.