In late 1944, implementing the policy of the Central Committee and the Northern Regional Party Committee, the first communist soldiers went to the Van-Hien Luong area (bordering Phu Tho - Yen Bai) to build a revolutionary base. In that mountainous and forested area, on June 14, 1945, the Au Co Guerrilla Team - the predecessor of the Yen Bai Provincial Armed Forces was born with 23 members, equipped with only one machine gun, 11 rifles, and rudimentary knives and sticks. From here, the revolutionary fire flared up, spreading throughout the Northwest, fostering the indomitable fighting spirit of the people of all ethnic groups in Yen Bai province.

Yen Bai provincial leaders visit the teaching aid model at the 2025 training launch ceremony of the Yen Bai Provincial Military Command. Photo: DUC LUU

On July 6, 1945, the attacking forces joined forces at Ba Khe (Cat Thinh commune, Van Chan district) to liberate Nghia Lo, established the Van Chan District Provisional Committee - the first district-level government of the entire Northwest region, and started the August General Uprising in the entire province. With that historical significance, the Command of Military Region 2 decided to recognize July 6, 1945 as the Traditional Day of the Armed Forces of Yen Bai province.

During the resistance war against French colonialism, from the initial small guerrilla team, the provincial armed forces developed into companies, battalions, regiments, and achieved many feats at the battles of Din Pass, Dong Me, Bo Lum... In total, the provincial armed forces participated in more than 200 large and small battles, destroyed more than 10,000 enemies, shot down 2 planes, and mobilized more than 3.6 million workdays to serve the Dien Bien Phu Campaign.

During the resistance war against the US to save the country, the locality sent more than 25,000 young men to join the army. The provincial armed forces both participated in production and fought bravely, shooting down 115 planes and capturing 8 commando groups. Thousands of frontline laborers crossed Truong Son, contributing to the Great Victory of Spring 1975, liberating the South and reunifying the country.

Entering the period of innovation, the Yen Bai provincial armed forces proactively consolidated their organization, improved the quality of training, combat readiness and political and ideological work. The standing force, militia and reserve forces have been constantly improved. National defense and security education and training of national defense knowledge for cadres and party members have been focused on. Many effective models such as "Safe residential groups in terms of security and order", "Hamlets and villages without law violators", "Absolutely safe units in terms of internal politics" have been and are being widely deployed, contributing to building a solid position of people's hearts.

Officers and soldiers of the Yen Bai Provincial Military help people harvest rice. Photo: DUC LUU
Yen Bai Provincial Military Forces participate in clearing post-war bombs and mines in the province. Photo: DUC LUU

During natural disasters and floods, the provincial armed forces are always the shock force, pioneering in helping people overcome the consequences, rebuild houses, clear traffic, and restore production. The image of soldiers attached to and sharing with the people has left a deep impression, further enhancing the qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers in the hearts of people of all ethnic groups.

The provincial armed forces have also actively participated in building new rural areas, eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, protecting the environment and preserving local cultural identity. With these great achievements, the Yen Bai provincial armed forces have been awarded the title of People's Armed Forces Hero, the First Class Fatherland Protection Medal and many other orders and medals by the Party and State.

Presently, in response to the requirements of the new situation, the provincial armed forces continue to improve their combat readiness, actively advise the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee on building a solid defense zone, linking the national defense posture with the people's security posture. Units proactively and synchronously deploy solutions to protect the Party's ideological battlefield, avoiding being passive or surprised. The emulation movement is promoted with many typical models such as: "80 days and nights of decisive action", "Excellent training, strict discipline, high combat readiness", "The army joins hands to build new rural areas"...

The spirit of innovation and creativity is clearly demonstrated through the application of information technology in management, operation, and the development of digital transformation models in local defense. Many training and exercise models at commune and district levels have been implemented methodically and effectively, leaving a deep impression, contributing to improving the overall quality and combat strength of the force.

Through the revolutionary periods, the Yen Bai Provincial Armed Forces have always been the core force in fighting, building and defending the Fatherland. The maturity of the Provincial Armed Forces is not only marked by achievements but also demonstrated through steadfast political will, the spirit of "serving the people", becoming a reliable support for local Party committees, authorities and people.

The 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day (July 6, 1945 / July 6, 2025) is an opportunity for cadres and soldiers of the provincial armed forces and people of all ethnic groups in Yen Bai to review the glorious journey, arouse pride, add strength and determination to strive to build a strong armed force, excellently complete all tasks, and contribute to building Yen Bai to develop well in the midland and mountainous region of the North.

Colonel PHAM VIET KHANH, Political Commissar of Yen Bai Provincial Military Command

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    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/khoi-niem-tu-hao-tiep-them-suc-manh-834311