Young women from Chaoyang District compete to join National Day parade

Those who were born in 1990's are not the "strawberry generation" any more

46.3 percent of the female militia group members are the only child in their families and many of them come from a comfortable background. They are called the "strawberry generation" because they live in a comfortable environment and cannot cope with setbacks.

At the beginning of their time at the parade village, some female militia members would cry just because they failed to adapt to the training, had not been praised in several days or had been away from home for one week. Several months later, however, they became qualified soldiers and 43 members joined the CPC.

At the age of 18, Liu Jiaxin is the youngest member of the female militia. She lived a carefree life before participating in the training. "When I stayed home, I hardly did housework including washing dishes." Liu smiled shyly. When she first joined the women militia group, she relied on others to fold up her quilt. Leaders urged every member to fold up their quilt neatly every day and she would ask others to do it for her. She even did not use her quit at night. After several months of training, Liu Jiaxin has changed completely. Now, she is very industrious, washing clothes, sweeping the floor and giving a helping hand to others.

On her birthday, other group members held an adulthood ceremony for her. Receiving congratulations from leaders and other group members, she said:"this is the most meaningful birthday in my life and what I have learnt in the training is the best birthday gift I could have received."

Chinese militia

Chinese militia members are civilians during peace time and soldiers during war time. During the war years, they launched a guerrilla war behind the enemy lines. They also played an important role in supporting the frontline and providing logistical support.

During peace time, militia members play a key role in dealing with emergencies and disasters, building water conservancy projects, planting trees and undertaking key projects.

It is important to learn more about military reforms and to keep pace with the times. The Chinese militia has set up an electronic countermeasure and computer network units, providing reliable support to the PLA to protect the country.

Translated by LOTO