Binjiang Police Affairs-Chapter 1146 - 29: Binjiang Naval Reserve Camp!_2

Master Han was filled with emotions and asked, "Political Commissioner Chen, how did you know about this? Did San'er call and inform you?"

Political Commissioner Chen hesitated for a moment and explained, "The joyous news that your camp was awarded an honorary title was informed to us by the Provincial Military District. Salted Fish didn't call us."

"He should be back at the hotel by now, but he hasn't called home. We tried calling his cell, but couldn't get through."

"He… he… he's drunk again."

"He drank again!!"

"We just got the news. Tonight's situation is different from last night's; he truly couldn't avoid it."

Han Xiangning heard clearly and grabbed the phone, asking, "Political Commissioner Chen, how did he get drunk again? How come he couldn't avoid it?"

Out for three days, getting dead drunk every day, truly peculiar!

Political Commissioner Chen couldn't help but laugh and said, "Tonight, Military Commission was hosting a celebration banquet. Knowing he couldn't drink, the delegation chief specially had his wine replaced with mineral water. Unexpectedly, the Navy Chief came to toast him. Normally, just a symbolic sip would suffice, but after the first toast, which was a congratulatory one, the Navy Chief offered a second toast, which was one of thanks, and it was with alcohol..."

Understanding the ins and outs, Han Xiangning didn't quite know what to say for a moment.

If he's drunk, he's drunk; a young lad in his twenties, what's the harm in getting drunk a few times?

Master Han didn't think much of it and took the phone, laughing, "Who would've thought that with just a bit of work from San'er, even the Navy Chief would know and personally toast him."

"Master Han, your son-in-law hasn't just done a little for the Navy; he's done quite a bit! Not only did they take it to heart, but they also plan to form a Navy Reserve Camp and even had a discussion about it with the Nanjing Military Region delegation chief tonight."

Political Commissioner Chen, in high spirits due to the joyous occasion, looked up at Commander Wang across from him, holding the phone, and laughed, "Just half an hour ago, the delegation chief personally called the Provincial Military District chief, who then personally called our Military District, showing great importance to the establishment of the Navy Reserve Camp."

Master Han asked instinctively, "Does our Jiangnan Province have a Navy Reserve Camp?"

"No, not only does our Jiangnan Provincial Military District not have one, but the entire nation doesn't. Although the Reserve Officer Law and related documents mention forming one, and even though there are ranks for Navy Reserve Officers, in reality, no place has the conditions to establish one."

"Political Commissioner Chen, are you saying that if this Navy Reserve Camp is established, it'll be the first Navy Reserve Force in the entire military?"

"That's why the Provincial Military District is giving it serious attention; our superiors allowing Binjiang to form it shows their trust in us!"

Political Commissioner Chen smiled and added, "Secretary Lu takes this matter just as seriously. Xuzhou, because of its many garrisons, was awarded the National Model City of Mutual Support for the military and civilians early on. Though Binjiang's work in this area is good, due to fewer garrisons, it hasn't yet earned that award.

Secretary Lu and Mayor Qin came to our Military District today to watch the news broadcast with us. They know the higher-ups hope we'll establish a Navy Reserve Camp and expect us to take this opportunity to form it. By 2000, we can apply with full confidence for the title of 'Model City for Supporting the Army and the People.'"

Master Han curiously asked, "Why wait until 2000?"

"It's reviewed every four years. We missed it last year, so we have to wait until 2000. If it were this year, we'd surely be recognized, but unfortunately, it's just bad timing."

"But the issue is that forming a Navy Reserve Camp is not the same as an Army Reserve Battalion; without a superior command, how do we form it?"

Salted Fish hasn't served in the military and doesn't understand the situation.

Political Commissioner Chen knew well that Master Han is Salted Fish's "senior advisor" and said meaningfully, "Precisely because there's no superior, it must be formed!"

Although the Nanjing Military Region is a large region, it can actually only command the Army.

Even though there's a Military District Air Force, there's no strict subordinate relationship with the Military District, at least no clear indication that the Air Force is under the Military District's jurisdiction. As for the Navy, its relation is even more distant, as the Military District hasn't even established a governing body for the Navy.

To facilitate coordination, the chief officers of the three major naval fleets hold concurrent posts as Deputy Commanders and Deputy Political Commissars of the military districts in the regions alongside the coast, for instance, the Commander and Political Commissioner of the East Sea Fleet also serve as Deputy Commander and Deputy Political Commissioner of the Nanjing Military Region.

Fleet chief officers taking concurrent posts as deputy positions in the Military District headquarters reflect primarily work coordination, akin to honorary positions. It doesn't represent any subordinate relationship; in fact, the Military District cannot govern any fleet.

Master Han was stunned and asked in astonishment, "So if the Navy Reserve Camp is formed, the direct superior will be the fleet?"

"The fleet is responsible for combat, not national defense reserve force construction."

"Directly subordinate to the Navy Headquarters?"

"You can think of it that way."

The more Political Commissioner Chen thought about it, the more excited he got and couldn't help but laugh, "Master Han, just imagine, once our Navy Reserve Camp is formed and the inauguration ceremony is held, we'll certainly invite superiors to review it and to unveil plaques and flags; by then, we'd have no option but to invite a Chief of Navy Headquarters!"

"Understood, this camp has to be formed."

"This time it's different from the last; last time, there was Xia Jianqiang and others assisting, but now there's no precedent, and we have to feel our way through it step by step. Master Han, as a veteran and senior, you'll have to give Salted Fish some advice then."

"No problem, I might not manage much else, but I can certainly be an advisor for San'er."

...

After hanging up, Master Han grew happier, raising his glass and lamenting, "What a pity, what a pity."

"Pity about what?" Liang Xiaojun asked, puzzled.