Commitment key to HK garrison's success(2)

Special: 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to The Motherland

Meeting the people

To provide a channel for communication between Hong Kong residents and the military, the garrison's soldiers can not only be seen outside of the camp, but they have also opened their home to teenagers in the city.

Since 1997, the armored infantry company has held dozens of military summer camps for Hong Kong's younger generation, where visitors can sample a range of training activities including marching, laser shooting simulations and military-style boxing.

The teenagers can even board armored vehicles and warships to experience anti-terrorism drills and other training routines. When the summer camps conclude, the teenagers put away the military uniforms they have worn during the activities and leave plenty of postcards bearing their best wishes.

Nowadays, the summer camps attract thousands of applications from Hong Kong's teenagers every year, according to the company.

The soldiers have also thrown themselves into promoting communications between the people and the military through voluntary blood donations and tree-planting activities, and by helping respond to emergencies when necessary, Fan Jingsen, the company commander, said.

In autumn 2018, the company was urgently mobilized to clear mountain roads that were blocked by broken trees and small landslides after Typhoon Mangkhut hit Hong Kong heavily.