Introduction to the new Long March: In August 1977, Nie Rongzhen was reinstated as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and re-engaged in the revolutionization and modernization of the army. At the National Militia Work Conference in August 1978, he emphasized the need to adhere to the idea of people's war. In 1979, he proposed that the modernization of weapons and equipment should rely on the ideas of self-reliance and vigorous coordination. He also advocated streamlining and reorganization and taking the road of strengthening the country with elite troops. In 1987, Nie Rongzhen retired from his job due to illness. In 1988, he was awarded the first-class Red Star Medal of Merit.