African Entrepreneurship Record-Chapter 680 - 368: Expanding the Military and Preparing for War

Heixinggen Province, Otto City (formerly Pretoria, Transvaal Republic).

"According to the government's requirements, veterans are to re-register and be ready to be summoned by the military anytime. Non-military or retired adult males must also undergo government-arranged paramilitary training in their spare time, with the training scheduled for August in surrounding rural areas this year."

In the South African region, July to October is the dry season, also a farming off-season. Combined with the limited agricultural scale of Heixinggen Province, it won't significantly impact agriculture.

"Director Helder, are we going to war? Or is this a requirement from Otto City's government?"

"The order comes from the central government. The southern five provinces are all resuming normal militia training, not just our Otto City. Also, taking militia training has always been a tradition in East Africa, unfamiliar to many new immigrants. You can verify this with many of the older immigrants. As for whether there will be war, we haven't received any notifications. However, as a border province, Heixinggen should always emphasize frontier defense."

Early war readiness in southern East Africa has indeed caused some panic, especially within Matebel Province, where many immigrants accustomed to peaceful lives might be reminded of memories from Europe and the Far East.

"What's there to fear! When we first came to East Africa, wars were continuous. Back then, Africa was full of native tribes, with dangerous wild animals on the grasslands, also threatened by diseases. We've only had a few good years now, but we shouldn't forget how recently we escaped war."

"Old Peter is right. We all know that no matter where we are, war is inevitable. That's the way of the world, whether wealthy or poor, it has nothing to do with us common people. Europe is the most civilized and affluent place, yet wars there are terrifying, easily involving hundreds of thousands, and the Prussian war years ago even broke a million. How many people were there in Germany then?"

"America doesn't go to war!" A well-wisher remarked.

"America doesn't go to war, but it has many societal issues, especially gang conflicts and the like. I've been to the western US, it's chaotic there, with all sorts of robberies and murders, and if you lack skills, life is far worse than in East Africa."

"Haha, we also have brothers here from America who never made a name for themselves there. Besides, does that country have such good security as East Africa? East Africa may not be excellent but is decent; we don't ask for too much. At least the government treats us as people. In East Africa, there's no money, but as long as you're hardworking, you can eat and dress well, without worries, with complete access to healthcare and education."

"Actually, East Africa compared to Germany isn't much different. In Germany, there aren't as many job opportunities, not enough farmland, and constant wars. That's why many leave."

"Mainly because the scale of war is too high, European wars are unbearable for ordinary people."

"Hans, when it comes to war, your Europe isn't better than our Far East. Even without wars, many of us can't survive."

"Same for you. Now, Germany isn't what the former German was. It's said that Germany has developed well in recent years, but each region had different levels of development. For example, Kueller's family fled to East Africa from the south because of famine, and back then, conscription could happen anytime, suddenly sending you to the battlefield."

Before German unification, Germany had its share of troubles, fought many wars, with varying efficiency and administration among the states. Some were heavenly perfect while others were quite poor.

Comparing countries is a passion for everyone, especially those who've been in Germany, America, and East Africa. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

After comparing these three countries, they usually conclude that overall, America and East Africa are stronger than Germany, with less life pressure. Germany and America are more prosperous than East Africa, but East Africa is not too bad now either. America's social order is worse than Germany and East Africa, and social order has never been a strong point for English-speaking countries, as seen in London's notorious reputation as both the most prosperous and infamous city in the world.

Whichever country one chooses, some things must be sacrificed. However, this comparison applies to normal countries; abnormal ones like Haiti and the Philippines fall short in every aspect.

East African locals' discussions are unheard by Ernst, who is now too busy, especially with military expansion issues.

In fact, as a monarch in an autocratic state, it's impossible for things to reach his ears. Exaggeratingly speaking, even if Ernst pretends to farm with a golden hoe, it's considered acceptable.

After all, ancient monarchs understood it was merely a gesture to show they valued agriculture; the tools farmers use aren't their concern.

Of course, it's just a joke. East Africa actually prioritizes improving agricultural production efficiency, transitioning from pure manual agriculture to semi-animal power, and now preparing for mechanized agriculture.

...

"Regarding military expansion, it's best to focus on the east because most of the population resides there. Matebel Province's population isn't small, but many are industrial workers. Therefore, to avoid disrupting industrial production, we plan to recruit soldiers from the eastern rural areas. But Your Highness, what is the appropriate range for this expansion?" Felix spoke to Ernst.

The central and southern regions, the most populous province is Matebel. However, Matebel Province's high industrial ratio means most are employed in factories and mines, hence are unsuitable for drawing troops.

"Let's start with fifty thousand! This will ensure a dynamic balance with British, Portuguese, and Transvaal forces. Our forces are constructed as high-standard regular troops, if they can't handle the military threat from South Africa, it would be idiotic." Ernst replied.

The treatment in the East African army has always been favorable, especially in recent years. Ernst constantly limits army expansion, allocating more military funds towards weaponry and logistical enhancements.

Furthermore, many excellent military talents from Germany and Austria have joined the army in recent years, enhancing the comprehensive capabilities of East African forces, ensuring the combat proficiency of elite troops.

The Southern Military District, being at the forefront of defense, has always placed emphasis on military training. Though East Africa's prolonged peace might have caused some complacency, a few months of focus should restore the troops' mental state to a good level.

Therefore, this expansion doesn't require many soldiers. Crucially, even if the British wish to surprise East Africa, it requires lengthy mobilization. Though Britain has sufficient soldiers, they need to dispatch troops from the homeland and India. As for Cape Town locals, the population base is too small. However, if Cape Town's population was large, Britain wouldn't wait so long to act against East Africa.

When Britain mobilizes troops from the homeland or India, East Africa can respond tailoredly, so now merely reinforcing a small number of troops secures East Africa's military advantage.