156: Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Five: Low-Key Training 156: Chapter One Hundred Fifty-Five: Low-Key Training The time spent waiting always seems to drag on.
On the third day after Gao Yang and his team returned to Johannesburg, Gao Yang finally received a call from Morgan, notifying him to prepare himself, as someone would come to pick them up the next morning.
It was on this day that the TAC50 sniper rifle was delivered.
Like Gao Yang, Cui Bo was able to take his own specialized weapon to Israel for training.
Of course, Gao Yang’s assumption about going to Israel was just a guess.
However, considering that Simon was Israeli, Gao Yang couldn’t think of any other military force or training program that Simon could be referring to as the best besides those in Israel.
Gao Yang and his teammates had long been ready.
Only after they had successfully boarded Morgan’s plane, did Gao Yang’s guess get confirmed because the first thing Morgan said upon seeing him was, “We’re going to Israel.”
Apart from Morgan and Simon, only Morgan’s flight crew came to pick up Gao Yang.
With no one else in the cabin, Gao Yang didn’t need to be too cautious when speaking.
After confirming their destination for training in Israel, Gao Yang expressed his amazement, “Morgan, you always bring me surprises.
Although I guessed we were going to Israel, I still want to ask, how did you manage to get us into one of the countries with the strictest entry requirements in the world?”
“Well, my father was a staunch supporter of Zionist restoration in Israel, as well as a donor.
Besides my regular donations to certain Israeli organizations, I also have good relations with the Israeli government.
So when I asked for help to send a few friends over for training, there were many people willing to speak for me.”
Gao Yang was very surprised by Morgan’s words, even more so than when he found out Morgan had served in the U.S.
Marines.
“Are you Jewish?”
“No, I’m not Jewish; I’m a devout Christian.
It’s just that my mother is Jewish, and she practices Judaism.
I’ve never understood how my father ended up marrying my mother, or rather how my mother could have married my father.
But since I was born into that kind of family, influenced by my father’s faith in God on one hand and by my mother’s efforts on behalf of certain Zionistic organizations in Israel on the other, I try to provide all the help I can.”
“I’m not very familiar with religion, so I’ll refrain from commenting.
However, I’m very pleased that you managed to send us to Israel for training.”
“If it can be of any help to you, I’m honored.”
At that moment, Simon spoke seriously, “Gao, I must remind you of one thing, no matter what, please ensure that you and your team keep everything about the training confidential, including the location.
Essentially, it’s best not to tell anyone anything.
You know, in Israel, there’s no such thing as a true retirement.
All able-bodied citizens are reservists when needed.
We never know what kind of danger it could bring to people who have helped you if something that should not be disclosed is leaked.
This risk might be small, but we still have to be as careful as possible.”
Gao Yang replied gravely, “Rest assured, we will keep our lips sealed and not leak a single thing.”
Simon nodded, “Good.
Now I can tell you, the place you’re going is a training base on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, the largest private training facility in Israel.
It’s owned by a friend of mine.
Though it’s operated for civilians, active military personnel train there too, and for them, it’s free.
You know, Israel is small; our land is precious, which is why basically all privately-owned training facilities are open to the military at no cost.”
Gao Yang, intrigued, asked, “Understood.
What’s the name of your friend’s training facility?”
“It doesn’t have a name, really, no name.”
Gao Yang shrugged helplessly, “Alright then.
Israel’s special forces, regular forces and even reservists are among the lowest-profile in the world compared to their combat records.
Their fame doesn’t quite match their achievements.
But even civilians who are always ready for war keep such a low profile; I hadn’t expected that.”
“Israeli troops have neither the time nor the opportunity to show off,” said Simon.
“Their training is not about looking cool or playing the hero; it’s about being prepared for combat that might happen at any time, or simply to better protect their own lives.
The level of seriousness and dedication to training doesn’t need to be forced by instructors because everyone understands that war is never far from us.”
Gao Yang nodded, “I understand.
Perhaps it’s precisely for these reasons that Israeli forces are able to achieve such astounding victories.”
Simon’s expression turned somber as he spoke gravely, “Other countries train their soldiers by creating an imaginary enemy and conducting frequent exercises, but we don’t need an imaginary enemy to prepare for war because we are always in a state of war.
No one knows whether a friend you chat with today might be called for a secret operation that night and never return.
Believe me, I’ve seen this scenario too many times.
So don’t treat war lightly, and don’t joke with your own life.
When you have the chance to train, make every effort to master more skills, because very often, a tactical move or a single opportunity to fire a shot decides whether you or your enemy survives.
I want to remind everyone about to undergo training, that the ultimate purpose of training is combat and survival.”
Hearing Simon speak so solemnly, Gao Yang knew this was a conclusion drawn from blood and life.
He turned to his team members, who were also listening, and said, “You all heard him.
I think there’s no need for me to elaborate, right?”
Cui Bo nodded and said, “I never slack off during any training.”
Lee Jinfang answered seriously, “Whenever it is, I’m always the most eager in training.”
“Boss, believe me, I will definitely work hard.
I want to become a qualified warrior.
Please trust my determination.”
Glolov shrugged, “I’m an old soldier.
Believe me, the reason I’m still alive is largely because I’ve never let down my guard.
Also, I value every opportunity that could save my life.”
While on the plane, after Simon detailed the things they should pay attention to after their arrival in Israel, Gao Yang and his four teammates also informally encouraged one another.
There wasn’t much need for words; they all knew what training meant, especially since they were destined to engage in many battles in the future.
Therefore, no motivation was necessary, as everyone would train with their utmost effort.