Zhongshan's 245 recruits started a week-long pre-service training on March 13 at the Zhongshan Training Base for National Defense Education. At the training facility, they soaked themselves with sweat. Their childlike faces showed a youthful perseverance and determination.

Orders must be obeyed in all actions, including drinking water.

Practicing over and over again to perfect their salute.

Strict instructors give guidance.

The daily

training begins.

After several days of training, recruits have taken on a new look.

Instructors teach recruits to fold up sheets in the dormitory.

Recruits visit the weapons exhibition hall. [Photos by Miao Xiaojian]