The soldiers of the subway

• Source: Global Times
• [09:58 September 08 2010]
• Comments

Ties to the military

Recruiting veterans is in accordance with the military-like management of the Shanghai No.2 Metro Operation Company. "We always aim to standardize our customer service. However, their safety is important and we want to train our drivers to be completely focused during work whatever the circumstances, and to cope with emergencies," Chen said.

Every new employee will undergo military training for three months before they start working and all staff are required to do two weeks of military training each year. Also, the company conducts exchange programs with local armies now and then. "In the military, there are lots of rules to obey. For instance, everyone is required to face their toothbrushes in the same direction as their roommates'," Chen said. "But what they practice there is not important. It is the sense of discipline and attention to detail that counts."

For a company where the passengers' security is paramount, the importance of attention to detail is highlighted. Drivers are required to follow strict procedures: Every time the train comes to a stop, they have to step out of the control cabin and check the doors, monitors and signal lamp before they restart the train. They raise their right hand pointing to the door which confirms all the doors have been safely closed.  They then raise their left hand to the signal lamp to make sure it is green so they can start the train. 

"We repeat these movements over 300 times," Jin said. "They are regulated by our company to guarantee the safety of the passengers. A little negligence can cost a life." Now that more and more ex-military personnel are being recruited and acting as good examples for other employees, the security of commuters is stronger than ever.  "I feel a bit safer when I know there are ex-soldiers working around us," a passenger surnamed Wang said.

Military Service in China

The military system of China is a combination of compulsory military service and voluntary military service. For compulsory military service, all citizens aged 18 to 22 are required to serve for 24 months in the military. However, the law has never been enforced as the People's Liberation Army has always been able to recruit enough volunteers, mostly from rural parts of China.

During military service, soldiers are supported by the government and have a 200 yuan ($29) monthly allowance. Young people seeking to enter tertiary education are exempt from military service.

After compulsory military service is finished, a certain proportion of soldiers who pass selection are eligible to continue in the military under voluntary military service. There are six terms offered with the maximum length being 30 years. At the end of each term, the soldiers selected can continue their service in the next term.