latelenovela Chapter 1103 Pilot Becomes Instructor
Chapter 1103 Pilot Becomes Instructor
Regarding the future of the elite pilots, Li Shaoyi decided to follow the US's development model: bring back the top pilots and use them all as instructors.
In today's world, there are two ways to use ace pilots: one is to bring them back to serve as instructors, and the other is to let them be active on the battlefield, like the Germans. In the end, the number of enemy aircraft destroyed by the pilots is around several hundred, and the most outstanding ace pilots can destroy hundreds of tanks.
This approach may seem to yield significant results, but in the long run, especially for a team like ours with a weak foundation, this method is not very effective. If an ace pilot is killed, it will be very difficult for subsequent pilots to catch up, and reaching that level is also very challenging.
"Then can't you leave a few for us? I know that the Pujiang battlefield is a tough place to train people. I thought my men were good enough, but these past few days, a few ace pilots who came back from the Pujiang battlefield have completely convinced my pilots. There are always people better than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding. They've finally learned that."
Ma Leizi looked a little anxious. Even if they were to become flight instructors, we still had a flight school by the sea. Leaving a few behind would be better than having nothing at all. This was a valuable asset in the war effort. We shouldn't just stand by and watch, only to end up leaving nothing behind.
"Don't even think about giving me special treatment. If I leave a few for you, those guys from the north will come looking for me later. Right now, we must treat everyone equally. No one can have special treatment. We're about to be upgraded to the 72nd Army. This is no amateur team."
When Ma Leizi heard the chief of staff say this, he knew that the matter was basically settled. He turned to his older brother next to him, hoping that he could put in a good word for him. "Our 4th Infantry Division was established relatively late. Compared with the previous infantry divisions, its foundation is very weak. So we should keep as many of the elite troops who returned from Pujiang as possible. This is the only opportunity for rapid growth."
In the future, when the 72nd Army is upgraded to a group army, there will be a need for personnel everywhere. A large number of soldiers will definitely be promoted to officers. Otherwise, how will so many officer positions be filled? If you want to keep them at that time, do you think there's gold buried under the feet of your 4th Division? Why should they stay in your place?
"The Chief of Staff is our steward, and many things involve weighing the pros and cons. You don't need to keep giving me those meaningful glances. I can't help you with this either. Without rules, there can be no order. Since I left the authority to the Chief of Staff regarding military reforms and personnel transfers back then, and we've developed very well over the years, it proves that my decision back then was correct, and the Chief of Staff is very competent in this job. We can't let the 72nd Army change drastically because of you, can we?"
Chief of Staff Cui was initially worried, knowing that Li Shaoyi valued loyalty and would definitely ask him for help. Since the commander-in-chief had already spoken, he couldn't stick to principles. If he opened a back door like that, there would be endless trouble in the future. If everyone thought there was a back door, his job would be very difficult.
Unexpectedly, Li Shaoyi's principles were demonstrated at this moment. Even his sworn brothers were of little use at this time. Did you think you could keep as many as you wanted? If everyone was like you, then the policies formulated by our General Staff Headquarters would be like waste paper, and we might as well not do anything at all.
Upon hearing Li Shaoyi's tone, Ma Leizi immediately knew that the plan was impossible. He was quite familiar with Li Shaoyi's temperament. Since that was the case, they could only train their own. The months of fighting in Pujiang had transformed their brothers into elites. Could it be that the fighting in Ludong would not work?
"Reporting to the Nanjing Military and Political Ministry's telegram..."
Just as the group was arguing about the pilot, a telegram arrived from the Nanjing Military and Political Department. When Li Shaoyi retreated from Pujiang, he was still very worried about the situation in the capital, after all, such a big thing had happened in history.
But there are some things I can't control. My individual strength is too insignificant. But I've been given a second chance at life, and there are some things I still have to do. I can't let a falling out with the higher-ups make me disregard the lives of ordinary people. I'm not that kind of person.
When the chief of staff was not present, Li Shaoyi would simply take the telegram and read it. However, when the chief of staff was present, he would take it first, read it, and then summarize it, which saved Li Shaoyi time.
"The battle to defend the capital is about to begin, and we have a number of troops on the combat roster..."
Upon hearing the chief of staff's words, Li Shaoyi was both angry and amused. When I was retreating from Pujiang, you told me that I didn't need to worry about Nanjing and that you were all prepared. Now that most of my troops have retreated and the rest are on their way, you're telling me that there are still my men in the Nanjing battle order? Are you kidding me?
“The army doesn’t have many people; most of them are air force and artillery. I looked at the map, and the air force is fine; we can go there anytime. The artillery has already retreated to northern Jiangsu. We can give them orders to go back now. But once we get to Nanjing, you won’t be in the south, so it’s not necessarily up to us.”
The chief of staff came to the map and found that the Nationalist government had requisitioned four artillery regiments: the Third, Fourth, Seventh, and Ninth Artillery Regiments.
“I am very familiar with their artillery situation. A Japanese first-class division is almost equivalent to several standard infantry divisions of the Central Army. Without the cover of artillery, there is no natural defense around Nanjing and it will fall soon. I will not bother with them, but I cannot just go like this this time. Call the Ministry of Military Affairs and tell them that I resigned from my position as commander of the Pujiang War Zone, but the 72nd Army was promoted to the 72nd Group Army.”
Li Shaoyi's attitude towards Jinling is different now than before. He's tough when he needs to be, otherwise these guys won't take him seriously. Now they're begging him, otherwise these artillery regiments wouldn't be able to get through.
After seeing the chief of staff nod, the communications officer immediately went back to relay the telegram. He was afraid of saying this while Li Shaoyi was angry, so he had to consider the chief of staff's opinion.
"The capital is probably indefensible, but if we don't defend it, we'll have no way to explain ourselves to the world. The troops participating in the defense of the capital are all elite, judging by their unit numbers, but they suffered heavy losses on the Huangpu River battlefield. If we only send artillery, we'll probably not fare well in the end either..."
Chief of Staff Cui said with deep concern.