Newly-enrolled students were seen practicing under the instruction of a training officer at Jizhou Middle School in Hengshui City, north China's Hebei Province on Tuesday. /Xinhua Photo 

A one or two-week-long military training at the beginning of new students’ first semester has been considered as a tradition among middle schools, high schools and colleges in China. /Xinhua Photo

People always call it “The Very First Lesson” for teenagers to experience the hardship of previous generations before they go on to study for their degrees. Some also questioned if it’s too harsh and unnecessary. /Xinhua Photo