Modern army needs highly educated soldiers

• Source: Global Times
• [21:44 March 18 2010]
• Comments

GT: Some people argue that these soldiers are unnecessary or even overquali-fied. What do you think?

Liu: This is a shortsighted view. These people don't have a proper idea of national defense. They may even wonder why we need the army in an era of peace, and spend so many social resources on military equipment. They think the whole society could be run without the armed forces.

This lacks an understanding of the big picture. "Be prepared for danger in times of peace" needs to be understood by all citizens all the time. Having more university students in the army is a good way to spread awareness of the need for national defense.

GT: Was the recent intake of university-educated soldiers a result of the employment crisis for graduates?

Liu: This understanding is not accurate. To serve in the army is not a job, but a duty. Recruiting students for the army is not aiming to lower the unemployment rate.

Recruiting soldiers from university students is common in many countries. In some countries, this is done before they go to college, or they go to the army after university.

The time of service ranges from six months to a year and a half, or longer. But in countries with conscription, everyone has to do this duty.

All this is regulated by law. Having more graduates in the army should be enforced by law, with mandatory quotas each year.

Whether they serve the army before or after university, they are all good for China's national security. I hope one day I could see all our soldiers coming from universities.

We have too large a population of university students at the moment. The army cannot provide enough positions for all of them.

GT: Does the demand for higher education reflect the technological advance-ments of the modern Chinese army?

Liu: Serving in the army always needs more education. In any period, more education is needed to master the weapons more quickly. Even something as simple as a gun requires profound knowledge.

For instance, if you can shoot precisely at 100 meters, can you do so at 200 meters? How can you deal with bad weather if you've only been trained in good weather? All of this requires more education to understand.

When it comes to the public image of soldiers and officers, there is a common misunderstanding in society. In movies or TV series, the commanders are always portrayed as bad tempered, rude, impolite to everybody, and reprimanding others at every turn. But in reality, they're not like this.

In the real military environment, all-round knowledge is important. Military operations need not only military science, but also knowledge of psychology, meteorology, and many other disciplines. You also need an understanding of new technology and weaponry.

To be a good commander, you have to be well-educated in all these fields.

GT: What are your suggestions for young people who want to serve in the army?

Liu: I think aspiring to join the army is a good goal for young people. It doesn't mean simply firing a machine gun. It is valuable physical and mental training.

Whether you remain in the army as an officer, or leave to find a job, military service provides important character-building experience and a good education.

It can also provide you with skills you will use throughout the rest of your life or career.