The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 319: Expansion of the Production and Construction Corps

"In addition, the Construction Corps, the Agricultural Reclamation Corps, and the Railway Corps must also be expanded. These troops usually focus on production, supplemented by training. If there is another major war, they can be quickly mobilized to supplement the field troops."

If Zhang Chi did not participate in the battlefield within the Republic of China, but instead focused on dealing with the remaining group in Southeast Asia, then there would be no need for second-line troops such as the Construction Corps and the Agricultural Reclamation Corps.

After all, apart from Pegu and Luzon Island, the Japanese only stationed one or two divisions or an army in each of the remaining South Pacific countries.

These devils were unable to support each other and were isolated in various places. For the elite field troops of the Anmin Army, they could be easily defeated one by one.

At most, there may be heavy casualties during the beach landing and subsequent in-depth clearing process.

But at least, the Japs had completely lost the ability to threaten the survival of the Anmin Army.

Therefore, all the generals present were surprised when they heard Zhang Chi's words.

"Commander, this isn't right. Even if these second-line corps are primarily focused on production, with so many people, the military expenditure required would be quite substantial, wouldn't it?"

"I suggest we follow the White Eagle reserve model. Young men of appropriate age should train for 15 days each year in peacetime, and be ready in case of war. As for agricultural reclamation, construction, and railway building, those things can be completely handed over to private enterprises."

These generals couldn't help but worry. Military expenditures were finite. Once the second-line corps got more money, wouldn't their elite field troops get less?

They have followed Zhang Chi for so long that they all know very well that modern warfare is no longer like the Beiyang era where just having soldiers, guns and some field artillery is enough.

Without funds to purchase new anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank guns, and logistics trucks, a simple "three-infantry and one-gun" infantry division is not even enough to be considered as cannon fodder in modern warfare. It can be blown apart by a few rounds of dive bombing by attack aircraft in the sky.

(The Volunteer Army also had artillery, Katyusha, anti-aircraft guns, MiG-15s, and rocket launchers, which was why they were able to fight the UN forces in the subsequent battles.)

"Don't worry about the money. What I mean is that with so many newly formed second-line corps, there will be a lot of vacancies. If you have any questions, you can talk to Chief of Staff Tan later."

Zhang Chi's implication was very clear. Some generals were old and could not keep up with the fast pace of future wars, but after all, they were old men who had been working there since the "start-up period". As long as they took the initiative to go to the second-line corps, their military ranks and treatment could be improved.

Now, with the graduation of short-term military academies, a large number of young and strong officers discovered in the war are waiting for positions after graduation.

The many generals present looked at each other, and all seemed to be hesitant to speak.

Some generals who felt that they were only at the level of regimental commanders or brigade commanders became more excited.

They also knew that if these "old men" kept blocking the way, they would one day be eliminated due to their poor command ability, which would be embarrassing for everyone.

Zhang Chi is giving them a way out.

So some people had this idea in their minds: since they can't keep up, why bother clinging to power? It would be better to go to the second line and enjoy life.

Zhang Chi saw everyone's expressions.

This is like starting a company. After the company goes public, the veterans have worked hard and made great contributions, and they still hold the original shares, but some veterans can no longer fight and start to be conservative.

If the company wants to continue to move forward, these veterans must step back and let the younger generation, who are more hardworking and competitive, take over.

After all, many of Zhang Chi’s plans are not only aimed at the current war, but more at the magnificent era after the war.

Throughout the Cold War, not only did technology develop rapidly, but countless new countries also emerged on the world stage.

National borders change frequently, so last year's globe may be out of date this year.

He put in so much effort and work, but it wasn't just about driving the Japanese away and calling it a day.

"Of course, there's also the police system." Zhang Chi tapped the table, bringing everyone back to the point of thinking. "Even with so much immigration, the population diversity under our jurisdiction remains complex, and police officers are indispensable."

Sending out the air force to mingle directly with the citizens of Gwangju, as Jeon did, is certainly not an option and is a Running Man move.

So Zhang Chi's plan is:

"I plan to establish two police forces. One will be responsible for daily patrols and maintaining public order, and the other will adopt a military-style management system and be equipped with heavier equipment such as high-pressure water cannons and anti-terrorist armored vehicles to deal with terrorists."

There is no doubt that in 44, terrorist was still a brand new term, and Zhang Chi had to explain it in a few extra words.

"In short, to deal with these terrorists, we must undoubtedly strike hard. So if you want to retreat while you can, this special forces unit is a good place to go."

Including border defense, special services, and various production and construction corps, Zhang Chi is ready to directly create a second-line military force of more than one million.

This is not because he suddenly went crazy, but because he had a sudden idea after reading several works by Keynes recently.

During the Great Depression, General Luo relied mainly on work-for-relief to increase employment opportunities, and gradually transferred the money extorted from the rich to the hands of ordinary people, thereby increasing market consumption power.

Then wouldn’t it be the same if he just paid the military salaries directly?

As for where this money comes from?

Of course, it’s those wealthy businessmen who are currently riding on his big ship and making a fortune.

Doing so not only solves the pressure on national defense, but also improves productivity and redistributes wealth.

Three wins, he won three times.

Thinking of this, Zhang Chi felt that after Bai Hongsheng had finalized the loan and monetary plans, he should call in more meetings with wealthy businessmen and local tyrants like Huan Borong and Meng Xingfa and give them some warnings.

Many generals in the office also had various thoughts in their minds. After all, the several new development directions proposed by Zhang Chi were all good.

Should I continue to stay in the field army and command elite troops to charge into battle, or simply change my way of life?

They knew that what Zhang Chi was talking about was preferential treatment for them, the "original shareholders".

Seeing that most of what had been said was almost complete, Zhang Chi prepared to adjourn the meeting and let the generals go back and think carefully.

Unexpectedly, Hao Yi suddenly appeared:

"Commander, I don't know anything else except fighting. When do you think it would be best for us to send troops to Siam?"

Border areas such as Myawaddy and the Golden Triangle are now included in the occupied areas of the People's Army of Security.

As long as Zhang Chi is around, those tragic things that happened in later generations will naturally not happen again.

However, what Hao Yi wanted was the honor of invading the enemy's capital, sealing the Wolf's Lair, and engraving the stone at Yanran.

For a pure soldier, such honor brings more pleasure than any other empty talk.

"You kid..." Zhang Chi looked at Hao Yi for a long time, but finally didn't say anything.