46 Chapter 46

That evening, Wilhelm called a high-level military meeting.

"Everyone, before his departure, Emperor Wilhelm issued a 'Directive on the Leadership of the Defense Forces,' one of which states that 'from this moment on, Crown Prince Wilhelm shall personally exercise command over the entire military.' According to this directive, I command the dissolution of the Imperial Military Department and the establishment of the Defense Forces Command, with myself as the highest military commander in the nation. The former Army, Navy, and oh, my apologies, we don't have an Air Force Command yet. The Army and Navy General Headquarters will be downgraded to operational staff departments."

As soon as the words fell, a clamor erupted below. This statement directly invalidated the legitimacy of the Supreme Command and stripped them of all authority. The Army Commander-in-Chief and Chief of the General Staff became mere figureheads. The once mighty commanders now had the responsibility of developing operational plans within the staff departments. Operational plans from the Operations Department would have to be reviewed and approved by the Command.

The Army Commander-in-Chief, Weiler von Fritsch, was the first to stand up in opposition. "I disagree, Your Highness. This goes against tradition!"

Wilhelm sneered, mocking without mercy. "What tradition? The tradition of losing wars? The last war showed us that certain traditions no longer fit the rhythm of the new era. New wars require new approaches. This order cannot be changed, and all you can do is obey."

The Army Commander-in-Chief was choked by these words, his face turning red. He vehemently retorted, "No, Your Highness, I can resign."

Using this move again? Thinking he would compromise like Wilhelm II? Wilhelm nodded without hesitation. "I approve your resignation. Weiler von Fritsch, from this moment on, you are no longer a German soldier. Now, leave this military meeting. Also, anyone here who wishes to resign, I grant your request. You may all leave."

Weiler von Fritsch couldn't anticipate Wilhelm's resolute response. His facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, and with a face full of resentment, he glared fiercely at Wilhelm before turning and walking towards the door.

Navy Commander Hans Zengel also stood up.

With a short silence, one-fourth of the people in the meeting room stood up. The Army followed Weiler von Fritsch, and the Navy followed behind Navy Commander Hans Zengel.

However, these people were merely minor figures who didn't contribute much in the original timeline of World War II. Some of them were unheard of. Even if they all left, Wilhelm wouldn't feel sorry.

Except for one person.

Seeing that General Brauchitsch also stood up, Wilhelm spoke. "General Brauchitsch, do you remember the question I asked you years ago? It seems this is your answer." What a waste, truly a weak gentleman.

Brauchitsch looked at him with a complex expression, silently saluted, and left.

After these people left the meeting room, Wilhelm signaled to Reinhard, instructing him to put all these people on the surveillance list.

Their departure was within his expectations. If he had more time, perhaps he could persuade more people to stay, but unfortunately, there was truly no time. If no action was taken, Germany could descend into chaos.

The meeting room doors closed once again, and Wilhelm smiled at the remaining people. "Alright, everyone, why so serious? Any further objections?"

Reinhard was the first to stand up, saluting him. "I pledge my unwavering loyalty to Your Highness! Long live Germany!"

With him leading the way, the others stood up one after another, saluting Wilhelm. "I pledge my unwavering loyalty to Your Highness! Long live Germany! I pledge my unwavering loyalty to Your Highness! Long live Germany!"

"Long live Germany!" After returning the salute, Wilhelm gestured for everyone to sit down. "Before announcing the new personnel appointments, I have something even more important to address. It is about the soon-to-be-rebuilt German Air Force. I have decided to divide it into the Air Force Aviation Corps, Army Aviation Corps, and Navy Aviation Corps.

The Air Force Aviation Corps will consist of fighter jets and strategic bombers, with the main task of homeland defense, air superiority, and strategic deep bombing."

"As for the Army Aviation Corps, it will mainly be equipped with attack aircraft, tactical bombers, transport aircraft, and other flying equipment. Their mission is to coordinate with ground assault forces, providing timely and powerful firepower support and aerial transportation."

"The Navy Aviation Corps is mainly equipped with fighter jets and attack aircraft. Their mission is to annihilate enemy naval forces, cover and support our own naval operations, protect our maritime traffic lines, disrupt enemy maritime traffic lines, destroy important military targets such as coastal airfields, bases, and ports, protect our naval bases and ports' security, conduct maritime reconnaissance, patrols, anti-submarine operations, early warning, mine-laying, mine-sweeping, communications, guidance, rescue, and transportation."

Since Germany did not previously possess a Navy Aviation Corps, Wilhelm took the opportunity to carefully explain their responsibilities.

"The Air Force Aviation Corps will be temporarily led by Albert Kesselring." Although Ehrhardt Milch was competent, that guy was too petty and vengeful, always mixing personal and public matters.

"The Army Aviation Corps will be temporarily led by Wolfram von Richthofen. The Navy Aviation Corps will be temporarily led by Hans Jürgen Stumpff." Damn, Germany has quite a lot of talented people. With so many departures and these appointments, there is still an abundance of positions.

"The Army Chief of Staff will be temporarily assumed by Gerd von Rundstedt." This position was originally intended for Brauchitsch, but he missed his chance.

"The Navy Chief of Staff will be temporarily assumed by Erich Raeder. The aircraft carrier formation will be temporarily commanded by Ludwing, and the submarine fleet will be temporarily commanded by Dönitz."

"Starting today, all intelligence departments will be consolidated into the German Intelligence Center, with Reinhard Heydrich as the overall director."

Continuing with other appointments, due to the departures, almost everyone present was promoted. It was truly a joyous occasion.

After announcing the personnel appointments, Wilhelm had the four secretaries begin distributing small handbooks. "These are the new military uniforms that I designed."

There is no exaggeration in saying that the German military uniforms during World War II were the most handsome in the world. Light blue-green color, wide-brimmed officer's cap, stylish military overcoat, perfectly fitting steel helmet, complemented by the tall stature and refined faces of the Germans. They were like pieces of art.

Wilhelm believed that military uniforms had to be handsome. That way, young people would willingly join the military!

Young people were the main force of the army, and those who joined the military all admired vanity. To display their masculinity, strength, and excellence, if combined with handsomeness, it would be the dream of all men and the fantasy of all women. In contrast, the British army's bear fur hats or the black mourning uniforms, the French army's dull green uniforms, and the Soviet Union's khaki-colored ones were nothing but garbage. Who would want to wear such ugly uniforms to die?

The back of the booklet contained the new oath of the Defense Forces.

"I solemnly swear, before the Imperial Constitution and the pledge, to honorably serve as a brave and loyal German warrior for life. I will wholeheartedly pledge my allegiance to His Imperial Majesty, faithfully serve my people and homeland, and uphold the oath as a courageous soldier, even to the point of sacrifice.

Every comrade is my brother or sister, regardless of their background, status, gender, or skin color. I will demonstrate unwavering unity and solidarity, like a family forever together. I will respect the armed forces, honor my superiors, discipline and friendship are strength, and courage and loyalty are virtues."