Life of Being a Crown Prince in France - Chapter 1103 - 1009: Conscription System

Chapter 1103: Chapter 1009: Conscription System

One hour later.

With his left arm suspended in front of his chest, Scharnhorst said to William III, “Your Majesty, while promoting civilian officers, we must also dismiss noble officers who lack capability.

“In the wars I’ve personally experienced, I’ve seen countless times where the incompetence of mid-level officers led to the collapse of localized battlefronts.

“The nation needs officers who are capable of command, brave and fearless, and literate—preferably also proficient in mathematics. Not those who only flaunt their lineage and whip soldiers all day…”

Scharnhorst fractured his wrist during the retreat in Glogau and was forced to recuperate in Potsdam. This incident provided him an opportunity to present his ideas on military reform to Prince Henry.

The latter had indeed fought wars alongside Frederick the Great, and immediately realized that this was exactly what the Prussian Army needed.

The only way to save Prussia.

William III quietly shook his head upon hearing this:

“The nobles are the foundation of the army. They have shed blood and given lives for the country. How could they be dismissed solely because they are illiterate?

“Furthermore, allowing commoners to rise above them? Besides, how could those commoners have the ability to command an army?”

The young staff officer immediately replied:

“Your Majesty is wise. We cannot casually dismiss noble officers who have contributed, but indeed, illiteracy considerably hampers command during battles—their inability to understand written orders.

“Therefore, we must provide pathways for nobles lacking in ability to improve—by sending them to military academies for study, requiring them to pass graduation evaluations before continuing their roles.”

William III frowned slightly: “We have many military academies, but they are not meant for teaching officers to read.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Scharnhorst bowed, “We can learn from France’s model. Their military academies include the ’Royal Military University,’ ’Army Officer Academy,’ and ’Military Technical School,’ which respectively train senior officers, mid-to-junior officers, and ordinary soldiers.

“In fact, many of our officers can only study at their lowest-tier Military Technical School—where one of the courses teaches literacy.

“Yes, ordinary soldiers in France are literate.”

William III muttered, “How does being literate help in fighting?”

Before Scharnhorst could speak, Prince Henry had already interjected: “Your Majesty, this does indeed enhance the combat capabilities of the army.

“Literate soldiers can better comprehend the combat intentions of their officers, independently consult manuals, and understand signposts and weapon markings.

“In fact, literate soldiers even form ranks more orderly.”

William III waved his hand: “Alright, we can discuss establishing military academies later. I’m more interested now in this Major’s ’universal conscription system.’”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the young staff officer quickly said, “We will conduct basic military training for all adult males nationwide, integrating them into the ’National Army’ system.

“Then, we will draw a portion proportionately into the ’Reserve Army,’ enhancing their training, ready for supplementing the standing army at any moment.

“Ordinary soldiers within the standing army can retire after three years of service, replaced by the reserve force.

“These retired soldiers can be immediately summoned and deployed in emergencies.

“This model will enable our nation to possess an almost inexhaustible supply of personnel. As long as finances allow, it could even support 200,000 to 300,000 standing troops.”

His vision was indeed excellent, containing the seed of the universal conscription system of later generations.

Napoleon later also adopted a similar conscription model, mobilizing over 600,000 troops for France, forming his military foundation to sweep through Europe.

However, Scharnhorst overlooked one issue—the universal conscription system was fundamentally implementable in a serfdom-based state.

Serfs belonged to the nobles; if the government conscripted them, who would cultivate the nobles’ lands? Would the government compensate the losses to the nobles?

Compensation is certainly unaffordable. Without it, the nobles will undoubtedly resist, reporting fewer serfs, while serious cases could spark outright revolts.

In a certain sense, the price for serfs gaining freedom was to undertake greater national obligations.

However, at the time, none of the three in the room considered such a profound aspect.

William III nodded gladly: “Your idea is excellent. I will resolve the funding issue and you shall immediately implement this recruitment system.”

He had already conceived a preliminary plan—first selling part of the Royal Family’s assets to enable Scharnhorst to initiate the conscription, then rely on funding from England.

He looked towards the young staff officer: “I need you to conscript at least 30,000 soldiers within a month.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

…

Constantinople.

French envoy Baron Darsen walked dejectedly out of Hali Beiyi’s residence.

He had embarked on this mission believing it to be an incredibly straightforward task, yet he never imagined that the obstinacy, cowardice, and complacency of the Ottoman Imperial Guard would reach such astounding levels.

Indeed, even with extremely tempting conditions presented by him, the top echelons of the Ottoman Imperial Guard did not dare take the risk to harass Austria.

Despite the fact that this could severely diminish the influence of their biggest competitor—the National Army, which was wiped out entirely in Wallachia—the Imperial Guard still dared not initiate any attacks against Austria, proving the immense resource drain for the National Army was worthless.

Nonetheless, the decaying Imperial Guard refused Darsen’s suggestion for deployment.

The French envoy returned to his residence, so anxious that he couldn’t even eat—only three days remained until the deadline set by Talleyrand.

He dropped his utensils, preparing to try his luck again at Yunus Bey’s place, when he saw an attendant leading a tall, slightly chubby officer into the room: “Sir, a certain Muhammad Ali Agha wishes to meet you. He says he’s a friend of Baron Meimark.”

Darsen squinted; he knew Baron Meimark was the highest authority in Ottoman maritime trade, so this Agha certainly belonged to his own party.

He hurriedly instructed the attendant to invite Muhammad Ali in and ordered the servants to serve the finest coffee.

The two exchanged pleasantries in French, after which Muhammad Ali suddenly smiled: “Baron, I hear you are currently persuading several dignitaries to launch another attack on Wallachia?”

Darsen nodded: “You know that Austria is currently embroiled in fierce combat with Prussia in Silesia, leaving no room to attend to Wallachia. If you could persuade a dignitary to advocate with the Sultan for military action, I assure you a satisfactory reward.”

Muhammad Ali laughed and pointed to himself: “Why trouble other dignitaries? I can help you harass Bucharest.”