Early morning, at the training grounds of the 26th Armored Brigade (Military Region 7), groups of young soldiers hurriedly prepared for training.

The roar of the tank engine mixed with the loud command evokes the image of a disciplined unit. Few people know that behind that enthusiastic spirit is the influence of the models "Four Good - One Strict Youth Union" and "Five Good Youth".

Tank crews of the 26th Armored Brigade camouflaged before training.

Colonel Truong Van Lan, Political Commissar of the Brigade, started the conversation with us with a proud look in his eyes: "In the past, there was a time when the activities of the branches were still scattered, the content was not close to the practical tasks, but now it is different. Each activity content closely follows the criteria of a specific, practical model, attracting union members and young people to actively participate."

Implemented since 2020, the Party Committee and Brigade commander have directed the effective application of the model "Four good - one strict Youth Union" (Good solidarity, good study, good training, good work, strict discipline).

Along with that, the model "Good Youth of the Year" (Good political qualities; good ethics and lifestyle; good solidarity and discipline; good professional expertise; good health) is also deployed in parallel, as a set of criteria for comprehensive training of union members and youth.

Colonel Truong Van Lan emphasized: "We direct the branches to specify each criterion with specific targets for the task: Implementing daily routines; learning and working style, level of participation in activities; skills in handling situations in training, political knowledge... All are monitored and periodically evaluated by the branches."

The technical storage area of ​​Company 1, Storage Battalion 20 (Armored Brigade 26) is considered one of the bright spots of the movement. Captain Nong Thanh Tam, Political Commissar of Company 1, led us to visit the youth union's living area, where many signs, training criteria, weekly work diaries, skill corners and emulation tracking boards are hung. Captain Nong Thanh Tam shared: "Previously, youth union activities were usually just sitting and listening to plans. Now, each meeting has a topic. Some days it's communication skills, some days it's social media behavior, some days it's weapon storage skills. We incorporate discussions, make short videos , and tell stories with pictures, so the youth union members are excited to participate."

Not only in activities, the members of the Youth Union of Company 1 also proactively registered for specific jobs. In August 2025, the Youth Union undertook to renew the instruction boards in the garage. In September 2026, the organization organized "Saturday of the Strike" to maintain all equipment. Each small action demonstrates high responsibility in the model "Good Year of Youth".

According to the assessment of the Brigade Party Committee, in 2024 and the first 9 months of 2025, 30.8% of grassroots Youth Union branches completed their tasks excellently, 69.2% completed their tasks well, 90.4% of Youth Union members completed their tasks well, 6.2% were excellent and there were no Youth Union members or youths violating discipline.

Colonel Truong Van Lan commented: "By implementing this model well, the youth union branches have become a vanguard force in building a strong and comprehensive unit. Youth union members are clearly aware of their role in each task and assignment. There is no longer a situation of formal or coping activities like before."

After the training session, talking to us, Sergeant Nguyen Huynh Minh Hung, T54 tank driver, Company 6, Tank Battalion 21 (Armored Brigade 26) confided: "At first, I felt constrained and sometimes uncomfortable. But the more I practiced, the more my teammates instructed and helped me with each specific task. Now I am familiar with the routine and know how to identify what I lack, have measures to practice each month according to the target, from there I proactively study and practice and feel happy and no longer constrained."

Sergeant Nguyen Huynh Minh Hung is one of the members who achieved the title of “Good Youth of the Year” at the grassroots level. On October 5, 2025, Sergeant Nguyen Huynh Minh Hung was honored to be admitted to the Party.

Units of the 26th Armored Brigade in the " Ho Chi Minh Room" contest in 2025.

Officers and employees implement the model of building a green, clean and beautiful unit.

The highlight is that the model is closely linked to the training tasks, combat readiness and technical work. The logistics - technical unit with the models "Technical hours during the day, technical days during the week", takes the initiative to build a regular and safe technical area. The tank and armored vehicle units implement the models "Exemplary youth building a regular discipline", "Excellent training unit"... The models are all professional in nature, no longer competing in form.

To implement this, the cadres must closely monitor the model and not let it become a short-term movement. The Brigade must thoroughly disseminate it from the Party cell and Party committee, and combine it with the annual assessment of cadres, Party members, and Youth Union members.

The Brigade also implemented a series of solutions such as establishing a model handbook for each branch, organizing exchanges, discussions, and setting up zalo groups to share experiences and promptly commend and reward. Each month, the Brigade's Youth Union organizes cross-scoring between branches. Those who do well are commended; for weak units and individuals, the Party Committee and the branch assign people to support. The Brigade implements one activity each month, one movement each quarter, focusing on overcoming limitations and caring for comrades in difficulty; from there, each branch and youth union member voluntarily strives to practice.

Promoting the implementation of the model and building a strong youth union, the 26th Armored Brigade has built a strong and solid unit from the grassroots. As a result of the 2020-2025 period, the Brigade has been awarded the Emulation Flag by the Ministry of National Defense and Military Region 7 for 4 consecutive years.

Article and photos: DUY NGUYEN - PHAN HOAN

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/quoc-phong-an-ninh/xay-dung-quan-doi/lu-doan-tang-thiet-giap-26-quan-khu-7-suc-bat-tu-mo-hinh-chi-doan-bon-tot-mot-nghiem-850246