Dedicated leader a role model for brothers in arms

Leading the Red Outpost Company, a unit shaped by generations of heroes, is no easy task.

The company's current leader, Xie Zhixiong, acknowledges the weight of this legacy.

With a heavier sense of responsibility on his shoulders, Xie constantly hones his capability.

"Even though I'm familiar with the unit, I still worry that my abilities fall short," he said.

Xie enlisted in 2010 and joined the Red Outpost Company in 2016. After a temporary departure in 2020, he returned in January last year — this time, as its leader. "I told myself I had to start from scratch and come back stronger," he recalled.

"Xie is an outstanding soldier and a true representative of our unit," said one of his comrades. He can complete a 3-kilometer run in 11 minutes and 30 seconds and regularly places near the top in various military competitions.

Despite his achievements, Xie is candid about his weaknesses. "Our unit thrives on a healthy sense of competition," he said. "Everyone wants to perform well, and this pursuit of honor drives us to improve collectively."

One of his first major tests as the leader came in early 2024, during an emergency drill. Due to limited experience, Xie and his team did not perform well. But rather than being discouraged, he took it as a valuable learning moment.

As he settled into his new role, Xie realized just how complex the company's responsibilities had become with a wide range of tasks, equipment and vehicles under their command. Careful personnel assignments and thorough planning became essential, according to Xie.

To meet the challenge, he turned to his predecessor for advice. After lights-out, Xie would voluntarily head to the command training room to study combat readiness regulations and run scenario simulations. During that time, textbooks and notebooks became his closest companions.

His dedication paid off. In June, under his leadership, the unit placed first in a combat readiness drill.

"As a leader, I'm responsible for inspiring those around me to help the unit build on its proud legacy and take every soldier's growth to the next level," Xie said.

On his bed, a name tag bearing the number "1161" serves as a quiet reminder of the company's tradition. "Each soldier is assigned a number based on when they join. I am the 1,161st member of the unit," Xie explained. "Even after leaving the military, that number stays with us. It binds us to this family."

With a history spanning over 60 years, the unit has so far welcomed 1,407 soldiers, each assigned a unique number.

As the unit's leader, Xie said that he treats every soldier as a brother. "A strong sense of identity and collective honor can only flourish in a supportive, harmonious environment," he said.

Over the years, Xie has participated in many of the unit's major missions, including typhoon rescues, the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and several camp relocations. He has been awarded a third-class merit twice.

The Red Outpost Company has won remarkable honors: two individuals have received first-class merits, 22 have earned second-class merits, and the unit has been collectively awarded second-class merits three times and third-class merits 20 times.

"Today, the unit's spirit is embodied in details as we strive to fulfill our duties and complete each mission to the best of our ability," Xie said.