Chapter 132: Revered leader
Akado had just arrived at the frontline military airport used by the German army on the northern line when he spotted his old acquaintance, Studen. The commander of the German paratroopers was visibly anxious. He didn't wait for several northern frontline leaders to salute the head of state; instead, he rushed forward and stood before Arkad.
"Long live the head of state!" Studen saluted stiffly, his demeanor less than pleasant, but his eyes were filled with an urgent plea as he looked at the head of state who had once praised him. Arkad, sensing the tension, attempted to lighten the mood with a jest, "It seems our paratrooper commander has been having a rough time lately. Is it because the frontline food isn't to your liking, or perhaps the army canteen forgot to serve you soup?"
A few army generals chuckled behind their hands at Arkad's joke, but several senior generals appeared uncomfortable, a reaction that did not escape Arkad's notice. He didn't press further but simply turned his attention back to Studen.
"My head of state, I have very important matters to report to you. Please, may we speak privately? I believe with your understanding of paratroopers, you will grasp my concerns," pleaded Studen, his gaze intense.
"Seems our paratrooper commander indeed has something crucial to discuss," Arkad responded, gesturing for everyone to proceed. "Let's first visit the pilot quarters at the airport, and find a room to discuss Studen's concerns. I hope our paratrooper commander hasn't stirred up any trouble."
As the group made their way to the pilot quarters, Arkad paused to admire an FW-190D fighter jet on the runway and engaged in brief conversation with the pilot. After taking a few photos to satisfy propaganda needs, he located a room for a private meeting with General Studen, the anxious paratrooper commander.
"My head of state, if we continue to use paratroopers in this manner, we will lose this powerful unit that you personally forged," Studen began abruptly, his statement catching Arkad off guard.
"Isn't it normal for all troops to be utilized from the moment of their creation? Did we not agree on this plan for using paratroopers in the war against Poland?" Arkad responded, his brow furrowing.
"I've told you extensively about the paratroopers, equipped them with the most suitable weapons, and ensured they receive the highest supply... Isn't this to enable them to undertake the most challenging missions under the worst conditions? We should not fear losses but rather build this team with resolute confidence!" Arkad asserted.
"My head of state," Studen interjected, "you know the original combat plan: paratroopers were to be deployed behind Polish defense lines to seize control of bridges and key traffic routes, starting an hour before ground forces. This operation was meant to gather extensive operational data on the use of paratroopers on a large scale."
"If you understand the plan, why such urgency in meeting me? Even if the paratroopers suffer losses, it shouldn't cause you such distress," Arkad remarked, looking at Studen with a hint of discomfort.
"My head of state, the National Defense Force is now deploying the paratroopers you painstakingly developed as mere super infantry. I believe this is a grave misuse," Studen explained.
"Super infantry?" Arkad echoed, puzzled, then urged, "Explain what happened."
"My head, it started with the good news that our ground assault into Poland was progressing smoothly," Studen began, sensing Arkad's growing irritation yet also his support. "Our forces advanced rapidly, penetrating Poland's border defenses quicker than ever before."
"And then?" Arkad prompted, his expression stern.
"Then the problem arose," Studen continued. "The Army found that traditional infantry could not keep pace with the advancing armored forces, which felt understaffed for tank support."
"At first, they mobilized trucks and armored vehicles alongside tanks and later even commandeered civilian cars and utilized Polish trains and rail systems," Studen explained, referencing a map laid out by an adjacent air force officer. "This innovation in our offensive turned the land attack into a mere race for speed. The cavalry was treasured by the army as they could keep pace with the tanks and secure prisoners."
"Go on," Arkad urged, adjusting his demeanor with a sigh.
"Then they turned to my paratroopers," Studen said. "They argued that infantry couldn't keep up with the frontline tank units, some of which advanced so swiftly they lost infantry cover. They asked if I could deploy paratroopers to fill gaps and support the tanks."
His voice grew agitated as he recounted, "I thought coordinating such an attack wasn't a significant issue, so I agreed. But as the tanks pushed forward more recklessly, gaps widened, and my paratroopers were deployed en masse, essentially becoming rapid-response infantry."
Arkad realized he had underestimated the adaptability of these German tacticians. In his previous life, paratroopers had been used as elite infantry, but now they were being pushed to another extreme. He felt a deep sense of powerlessness as memories of past failures flooded his mind, overwhelming him with frustration.
Despite his efforts to bring advanced wartime strategies to Germany in this world, Arkad recognized the inherent challenges of managing a vast empire's centrifugal forces. Even with historically proven ideas and regulations, perfect implementation remained elusive, disrupted by unforeseen circumstances and altered into something unrecognizable.
Reflecting on how ancient emperors managed vast empires, where bad news took days to reach the capital and corruption seemed to thrive despite oversight, Arkad felt the stark contrast with the idealized stories of the past. In reality, the navy and army clashed over petty disputes, inter-service rivalries threatened to dissolve critical military units, and the air force's premature actions against Poland had thrown carefully laid plans into disarray.
"Call them in," Arkad instructed Studen, deciding against blaming the commanders of the entire German Wehrmacht. He knew change had to be gradual, starting with himself and those willing to follow his lead.
As the generals filed into the small hut, Arkad waited before announcing, "I have another use for the paratroopers. From now on, their deployment must be approved by the National Defense Army's headquarters after consultation with the General Staff. Do you understand?"
"Yes, my head!" the officers responded in unison, visibly relieved that Arkad had not expressed anger. Several glanced gratefully at Studen, appreciating his timely intervention.
"Resolve the Pomerania Legion within two days, then encircle Poland. I want the international community to see our army's capability," Arkad directed the army generals. When his gaze met Rommel's, it softened slightly: "Additionally, I plan to expand by 10 armored divisions, reallocating one-third of our current armored forces and supplementing them with new recruits. We'll discuss the specifics of the armaments later."
"Head of state, if we reallocate one-third of the tanks and crews immediately, it could weaken the combat effectiveness of the existing divisions, potentially impacting future operations," Rommel interjected, looking at his superior with concern.
"Don't worry. After two days, more than half of the Eastern Armored Forces will receive a week's vacation before being redeployed to the Western Front for rest and resupply," Arkad reassured, placing a comforting hand on Rommel's shoulder. "Your performance in Poland has been outstanding, and I expect it to continue."
"Under your command, my head!" Romel saluted sharply.
"Remember, you are fighting here for the future of Germany—for a better life for our children. Focus on the nation and avoid petty power struggles," Arkad implored. "Recall how you boasted about advancing tens of kilometers daily. Who advocated for these weapons? Who finalized these tactics? Just half a month ago, some of you lacked confidence in this blitz strategy, and there were even suggestions to abandon our offensive plans against Poland."
"Follow my lead! Do not disappoint me!" With those final words, Arkad exited the room, leaving a lasting impression on the gathered officers.
"Long live Arkad! Rudolf!" Rommel and Studen stood at attention, saluting in the most impeccable German fashion, deeply moved by their leader's words and resolved to meet his expectations.
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