Editor's note: In the beginning of July, the Communication University of China sent their sophomores to a training base in Shunyi District in Beijing for military training. There, students were drilled physically, technically and psychologically.

Military education is a compulsory duty for Chinese university students. It is considered an opportunity for the students to discipline their will, toughen their bodies, as well as learn some basic military information.

Military training is a common experience for nearly every Chinese college student. Although very short, the distinctive army life leaves them with long-lasting memories. Photo: Youth.cn

 

The military training mission of the Communication University of China arrives at Shunyi District on July 2. It is the 29th time for the school to organize military training since 1986. Photo: Youth.cn

 

The 15-day military training constitutes a new challenge for sophomores. Photo: Youth.cn

 

During the opening ceremony, the garrison troop presents all kinds of training courses, making the students gasp in amazement from time to time. Photo: Youth.cn

 

The students reside in 10-people dormitories equipped with a separate toilet and cooling facilities. School teachers make regular sanitation inspections in the dorms. Photo: Youth.cn

 

Military theory is also an important part of the military training and of equal importance as other school courses. Photo: Youth.cn

 

Most of the students get along well with their drill master who is almost the same age as them. But there are also complaints and rumors spreading among the students about them. Photo: Youth.cn

 

Watermelons have been distributed to the students in order to help them relieve summer heat. Students were provided with fruits three times during the training course. Photo: Youth.cn

 

This year, students are allowed to take showers every two days rather than once a week as in the past. The solar electric system in the training base can provide sufficient hot water so students can take turns for showers. Photo: Youth.cn

 

Students perform on the sideline of the training, inserting laughter into the training field. Photo: Youth.cn

 

Students gain new understanding about how to deal with others, and how to participate in a team as the 15-day training comes to an end. Photo: Youth.cn

 

Students display all the lessons they have learned, such as marching and military boxing, during the closing ceremony of the training. The 15-day-training ends with a group singing of the school song. Photo: Youth.cn

 

One and a half months later, university freshmen will come here for military training. It might be a totally different experience for those who are yet uninvolved in campus life. Photo: Youth.cn