The biggest ever military parade will be held for the National Day celebrations on Thursday, October 1. Soldiers took part in oath-taking ceremonies Tuesday to pledge their resolution before going to the parade ground.

1,400 soldiers serving the aircraft formation made their pledge loudly at the rally.

Only 78 will have a chance to fly over Tiananmen Square. As the force needing the most intensive support, a dozen-member crew works behind every pilot.

Yang Guohai, chief of staff of PLA Air Force, said, "The Air Force sent 15 types of 151 craft to join the parade. 95 percent are domestically developed new equipment. There will be 12 formations. All flights will take off from 7 different airports and gather near Tiananmen Square at a specific time. The organizing work is very complicated. But we have the confidence to carry out the mission successfully."

Meanwhile, soldiers in the equipment formations held their rally at a training camp.

Zhang Ming from Equipment Formations Command Headquarters said, "October 1, all members in the equipment formations will receive the review of the country and its people with their strict appearances and standard postures."

Soldiers in formations on foot looked best at their oath-taking ceremony.

They all put on uniforms which they will wear during the National Day parade.

The uniforms were handed out to them last night.

Wei Xiaolong from Honor Guard Formation, said, "This uniform is used for situations with highest level of etiquette. And they are tailored for each person."

With their new uniforms and weapons, all parade participants are fully prepared for the show.

(CCTV September 30, 2009)