Chapter 0828: Military Reforms

The Chief of Staff of the German Army swiftly drafted an offensive plan for the British colonies. According to the plan, two to three army corps would be dispatched to launch an assault on Britain's colonial possessions.

The 3rd Army Corps, with naval assistance, would land in South Africa and then advance northward, sweeping across the entire African continent. The British military in Africa had already been severely weakened; although there were still some native forces, their combat effectiveness was minimal. With the support of the navy, defeating the British forces in Africa would pose little challenge.

The 8th Army Corps would land in Egypt and push eastward, advancing through the Middle East and ultimately reaching India. If necessary, the 4th Army Corps would also join the campaign to ensure the complete capture of Britain's colonies in this region.

In addition, the Imperial Navy's Marine Corps would launch an attack on the British Channel colonies.

QinTian approved the operational plan, confident that the assault on the British colonies would not present significant difficulties. Although Britain had retreated to Canada to survive, their military had been almost completely lost. Even if they hastily assembled forces in the colonies to resist the German advance, it was unlikely that these scattered and disorganized forces could withstand the mighty German army. The formidable strength of the German military would easily crush them.

However, QinTian did not order an immediate attack. Despite the recent end of the European war, the army needed time to recuperate, reunite with families, and regain its strength. Therefore, QinTian instructed the military to prepare for an offensive in February or March of the following year.

Next, QinTian focused his energy on military reforms. Although the German military was currently the strongest in the world, he did not allow himself or his nation to become complacent. He was well aware that the next few decades would be marked by rapid technological advancements, which would have a profound impact on the military and warfare. If Germany failed to capitalize on this opportunity to grow even stronger, winning the next war would be uncertain. A defeat in the next conflict would render all past efforts meaningless.

The senior military leaders of the Imperial Army and Navy fully understood this point and had anticipated such a need for reform. It was clear that after the war, the size of the military would need to be reduced, or else the strain on the national finances would become unsustainable.

Historically, Germany's military structure had always been this way. In peacetime, only a small standing army was maintained, while a highly efficient mobilization system could quickly assemble a powerful force in the event of war. The German military was well-versed in this process.

The generals were accustomed to such practices, and thus, they had no objections to potential downsizing. However, they all agreed that, with the Empire's territorial expansion and the addition of numerous overseas colonies, the military should be somewhat stronger than before the war, to safeguard these newfound assets.

On November 24th, Emperor QinTian convened a military reform meeting at the General Staff Headquarters.

"Gentlemen," he began solemnly, "in the past war, the Imperial Army, Navy, and Army Air Corps made tremendous efforts and sacrifices for the Empire to secure victory. Without the relentless fighting of our military forces, we could never have won this war!"

The generals in attendance responded with expressions of pride. It was clear to them that the Emperor fully acknowledged their achievements, which was a great honor.

"However," QinTian continued, "although the Empire has emerged victorious and its military strength is considered the greatest in the world, we must not allow ourselves to become arrogant. If we do, we will fall into the same trap that the British Empire did—this is a cautionary tale for us all!" QinTian reminded them, not wishing to see his generals become overconfident. Such an attitude would endanger Germany's prospects in future wars.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" all present replied in unison.

Seeing their expressions, QinTian nodded approvingly and continued, "The ultimate goal of military reform is to further enhance the Empire's military strength. Only then can we ensure our victory in future wars and safeguard our position as the world's preeminent power!"

"Your Majesty, the Army fully supports your military reforms. Whatever your requirements may be, we shall comply!" Marshal von Falkenhayn, representing the Army, declared.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Navy is in full agreement as well!" Marshal von Tirpitz added.

The Army Air Corps, now under the command of General von Zeckert, had no objections either. After all, the Air Corps was about to be restructured into the Imperial Air Force, and its size was certain to expand rather than contract. So, there was no fear of downsizing in their case.

QinTian nodded. With his current prestige, no one in Germany could question his decisions. Even these military leaders had no choice but to comply with his orders.

"It is excellent that everyone understands this," QinTian said, pleased with the consensus. This demonstrated his firm control over the Imperial military.

"Now, let us proceed to announce the reform plans for each branch of the military!" QinTian declared.

First, of course, was the reform of the Imperial Army. Regardless of the circumstances, the Army was the largest and most powerful branch of the German military, undeniably the elder brother among the armed forces. After all, Germany—and before it, the Kingdom of Prussia—had been built on the strength of its army. Without a powerful army, Prussia might have been destroyed long ago, let alone unified Germany and now dominated the world.

Next, the Imperial Navy's reform would be addressed. Though the Navy was founded later than the Army, after defeating the Royal Navy, which had dominated the seas for centuries, it had now become the undisputed global leader on the oceans. Thus, naval reform was equally crucial. The primary focus here was that the strength of the Imperial Navy should not be diminished in any way, ensuring that the Empire's overseas interests were secured.

Lastly, the reform of the Imperial Army Air Corps would be announced. The Army Air Corps would formally be renamed and become an independent branch, the Imperial Air Force, the third independent service of the German Empire.