(December 6, 1952)
Comrades Nie Rongzhen and Zhang Zongsun:  The inspection method adopted in the Northwest is very good. Are all military regions currently conducting such inspections? Thereafter, inspections should be carried out once or twice a year as a regular practice.
Mao Zedong
December 6
Chuan
At that time, Nie Rongzhen served as Acting Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, while Zhang Zongsun was Deputy Chief of the General Staff.
[2]
Inspection involves taking stock and examining the personnel, equipment, supplies, and other resources of a unit. Its purpose is to ascertain the unit’s strength and its compliance with regulations, thereby promoting improved administrative management and more effective war preparedness. In a report dated December 1, 1952, from the Northwest Military Region on troop inspection work, numerous serious problems were identified: First, there was a pervasive sense of complacency and lax vigilance among the troops; some cadres focused exclusively on cultural education while neglecting administrative management, leading to low morale and weak combat readiness. Second, discipline was poorly enforced, resulting in instances of superiors abusing subordinates, insubordination, and frequent quarrels and brawls. Third, there were severe cases of damage, loss, and careless handling of weapons, ammunition, and public property. Fourth, shortcomings existed in medical care for personnel and in the maintenance of horses. Fifth, certain units failed to properly register, record, and safeguard documents, leading to document losses. Sixth, many personnel lacked familiarity with military regulations, had poor professional training, and unclear responsibilities. The report also noted that several units and individuals performed well during this inspection.