Soldiers are 'eyes of the snowy land' on Shergyla Mountain

Four soldiers with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force are posted on Shergyla Mountain at an altitude of 5,134 meters. They are: Luo Yongyan, Li Shunping, Ma Deng and Liu Shuai, all of who were born in the 1990s. The soldiers are known as the “eyes of the snowy land.”

Shergyla Mountain is situated in the tough natural environment of southeastern Tibet, where the lowest temperature is -30 degrees Celsius; oxygen levels are only 50 percent of those in inland plains. Shergyla Mountain is capped with snow for about eight months of the year.

Luo Yongyan

As a radar technician, Luo is responsible for troubleshooting radars. During Spring Festival, when radar failure occurred, Luo investigated the problem despite experiencing altitude sickness, and finally repaired the issue using an aerial truck.

“It is not easy to be the eyes of the snowy land. It tests not only stamina and endurance, but also intelligence,” he explained.

Li is a command platoon leader. He lead the mission to clear the snow-covered road to prepare for combat readiness last March. As a soldier, he has made great sacrifices many times.

Ma Deng (first from right)

Ma is the youngest platoon leader among the four. Most of his tasks are related to positions patrol. Based on his own admission, he still has a great deal to learn.

Liu serves as the chief watcher, a position he has held for half a year. He patrols important positions like the radar shelter, engine room and command post every day before reveille, and prepares a log on air conditions as well as a work plan for the next day after lights out.