I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 805: Tactics Suited to the United States

Pershing leaned forward towards Shire, thinking it would appear more friendly.

"I completely agree with what you've said, Vice Admiral." Pershing's tone was sincere: "But please believe, I am a professional soldier, unlike you..."

Pershing's hand flipped a few times in front of him:

"Sorry, I mean no offense."

"What I mean is, I am purely a soldier, without any identity as a businessman or cooperation with them."

"Therefore, what I consider is only the battlefield. In other words, achieving victory and bringing those poor kids home."

Pershing fixed his gaze on Shire, genuine emotion revealed in his eyes, even a hint of pleading:

"I am very clear on one point, only your tactics and equipment can achieve that."

"If you do not agree, my troops will undoubtedly suffer heavy casualties on future battlefields."

"Although they will eventually grow. But until then, they might have to exchange their blood and lives for lessons!"

Hubbard added from the side:

"We are allies, Vice Admiral. Think of those young lives, please accede to our request."

"Moreover, if you do this."

"The US Army's victory on the battlefield can also reduce the casualties of the French Army, which is in our common interest."

"Regarding business competition and technological issues, we guarantee not to pose a threat to France."

This was what Pershing and Hubbard had planned before coming.

To have Shire's equipment and tactics, learn them and then threaten Shire's interests, where in the world is such a good thing?

Furthermore, these pieces of equipment are Shire's cash cows, guarding these industrial patents can earn them for at least a decade.

Shire would be a fool to sell equipment to the United States, no matter how much money it is.

Therefore, to acquire equipment and tactics, they must show sincerity to guarantee Shire's interests.

Otherwise, no discussions at all!

Shire found talking to smart people very reassuring; they fully consider their own interests rather than just trying to lower prices: "You mean to say you will respect my 'industrial patents'?"

Pershing and Hubbard answered in unison:

"Yes, undoubtedly."

"Of course!"

Shire asked again: "How do you guarantee?"

Hubbard immediately presented another document: "This is the contract, Vice Admiral. If you are willing to sell this equipment, the United States Government guarantees only to procure similar equipment from Bernard Company in the next 5 years."

This means even if US military companies imitate Shire's equipment and sell it cheaper, they cannot get any orders, making imitation meaningless.

Shire hummed quietly, flipping through the contract.

The contract laid out detailed specifications, covering the shape, parts, and functions of each piece of equipment.

Pershing was impatient to obtain this equipment.

No wonder either.

Once acquiring Shire's equipment and tactics, the US Army might leap from inexperienced rookies to the second military power only behind the French Army.

At that time, even England, who claims to be the world's top power, would fall behind, even if they have combat experience.

Wait.

Shire suddenly thought Pershing's intention might also be to surpass England.

For America to knock England from its world-leading throne, besides defeating it on the battlefield, another approach is surpassing England in military and prestige.

Now is a perfect opportunity for them.

Excellent, let the US and England vie for first; Shire would fan the flames from the side.

This gives Shire another reason to sell equipment.

Yet, he still looked troubled:

"General, I admit your terms are quite generous, but we don't have enough production capacity."

"You know, our losses on the battlefield are significant."

"Almost all the equipment produced is deployed on the battlefield..."

Pershing promptly replied: "We can help France expand production capacity."

"This isn't a small problem," Shire said: "Equipment production involves many issues, such as coal mines, steel, power stations, and finally production lines."

Pershing didn't hesitate for a moment: "No problem, Vice Admiral. We will ship mining and smelting equipment from the United States to expand capacity at the raw material level. For these devices, we will only charge cost price, and can even provide low-interest loans to France."

Then he added: "Furthermore, we plan to equip one armored division and one mechanized division at twice the price."

Only by throwing out a big enough lure might Shire agree.

Pershing believes it's all worth it.

Merely the potential reduction in the US Army's casualties makes the expenses on compensation equate to this extra money spent.

Shire secretly delighted; such cooperation?

Without my asking for a higher price, you've already agreed to double it?

Pershing felt a sudden pang when Shire didn't respond; perhaps Shire wasn't satisfied yet?

Indeed, it's not just about equipment, but also tactics; Shire's tactics cannot be mastered just by watching battle examples.

Pershing hurriedly added:

"Certainly, I am well aware equipment alone is far from enough."

"Without correct training and guidance, inexperienced people like us might turn into another 'Second Specialized Artillery Division'."

Pershing knew "Second Specialized Artillery Division," a battalion mimicking Shire's armored army that faced a terrible defeat on the battlefield.

"Hence." Pershing said, "I am willing to pay additional fees for coordinated tactics and training."

The happiness came so suddenly.

Tactics and training should initially come free with the purchase of equipment, but Pershing was willing to pay for it.

Indeed, being the leading industrial nation, the wealth leads to audacity.

Yet, these are not the main points.

Shire deliberately hesitated before speaking quietly: "I have a suggestion, unsure if you agree, if I am mistaken..."

Pershing quickly nodded: "Please speak, Vice Admiral, no matter the matter, I will consider it seriously."

Shire placed his coffee cup on the table, glanced at both men: "I wonder if you have considered that each country's military tactics should reflect their country's unique nature."

Pershing and Hubbard exchanged a glance; they indeed hadn't considered this issue, they only wanted to replicate Shire's troops and tactics.

Shire continued explaining:

"Let's make comparisons. France had to develop risky maneuver tactics due to limited resources after many wartime minerals fell into Germans' hands. This approach gains maximum benefits with minimal costs."

"But the United States doesn't face this situation; the U.S. possesses the world's greatest industry and capacity."

"For you, bullets, shells, even equipment can create a crushing situation over enemies."

"Do you still need to learn France's risky maneuvers?"

Shire means:

Use equipment to overwhelm, as it suits your national conditions, and it's how you'll be fighting wars in the future.

Of course, using such tactics means you will need to purchase equipment not just for one armored army!