Chapter 149: Building Our Own Air Force
“Expansion?”
As soon as the officers heard this term, everyone’s eyes began to sparkle with excitement.
For soldiers, expansion means promotion, means an increase in the number of troops under their command, which is something every soldier loves to see.
The impatient Hou Tianyou quickly asked Su Yaoyang: “Regiment commander… how many battalions are we expanding to?”
Su Yaoyang just smiled slightly without speaking, but Pi Ruoyu scolded: “Hou battalion commander, I must remind you that Commander Su was appointed by the Military Affairs Commission as the SX Province Militia General Commander more than two months ago.
It’s just that everyone has been rushing on the road and fighting these days, so there has been no time to hold a meeting to announce this appointment. Now we finally have time to formally announce it to everyone, so everyone should change the form of address.”
Hou Tianyou scratched the back of his head, somewhat puzzled, and asked: “Chief of staff, what does this militia general commander manage? What’s the difference from the previous security regiment commander?”
Pi Ruoyu smiled faintly: “Still managing the militia.”
“Ah…”
Hou Tianyou was a bit unhappy, “Aren’t those officials just playing with us? Previously it was security regiment commander, now it’s still militia regiment commander, isn’t it all the same?”
“Old Hou, you’re wrong, this is very different.” Li Gaoyuan explained from the side: “Previously, the regiment commander at most was just a security regiment commander, now he is the militia general commander.
In other words, nominally, all militia in Shanxi are under our regiment commander’s control, how could it be the same?”
“Oh… now I get it.” Hou Tianyou suddenly realized, “But isn’t it still just the head of the militia?”
“Hahaha…”
Everyone burst into laughter, and Pi Ruoyu, who was drinking tea, even spat out the tea in his mouth.
Su Yaoyang couldn’t help but say: “Hou battalion commander, what you said is not wrong, I am indeed just a militia head.
However, since the Military and Political Department has given us this title, we cannot disappoint their good intentions.
Starting today, our security regiment is officially renamed Shanxi Militia.
Moreover, our troops will expand from one regiment to three infantry regiments, one artillery regiment, one anti-aircraft regiment, one logistics battalion, one armored battalion, one motor transport battalion, one communications company.
The above troops are expected to be completed in three months, so gentlemen, our cause is arduous and long!”
“Hiss…”
After hearing Su Yaoyang’s words, everyone present couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath.
If they really expanded according to Su Yaoyang’s plan, their troop strength would multiply several times, which would already be equivalent to the scale of an A-class division. But does Su Yaoyang really have the ability to sustain so many troops?
Seeing the puzzled looks in everyone’s eyes, Su Yaoyang said calmly: “I know what you’re all worried about. Whether we can support so many people is my business. What you need to do is take this opportunity to recruit and train the army, and make sure to develop and strengthen our team before the Japanese react.
Alright, now let the chief of staff announce the personnel selections for the commanders after the expansion of each unit.”
Hearing this, everyone’s spirits lifted instantly, and they all sat upright, staring intently at Pi Ruoyu.
Pi Ruoyu took a document from the folder and read: “Upon the proposal of Shanxi Militia General Commander Su Yaoyang, approved by the Military and Political Department, the personnel list for the reorganization of Shanxi Militia is as follows.
Li Gaoyuan appointed as commander of Shanxi Militia 1st Regiment, Huang Guantao as commander of 2nd Regiment, Lu Shaobin as commander of 3rd Regiment, Zhang Zhihao as commander of Artillery Regiment 1st Battalion, Xiong Junfeng as commander of Artillery Regiment 2nd Battalion, John as commander of tank battalion, Wei Dayan as commander of anti-aircraft regiment, Xu Dapeng as commander of guard battalion…”
One name after another was read out, and those whose names were called all showed smiles, after all, who doesn’t like a promotion?
Seeing everyone beaming with joy, Su Yaoyang also smiled, “Gentlemen, don’t get too happy too soon. Your tasks ahead are very heavy.
Since time waits for no one, and the Japanese could attack at any time, I require the recruitment work to be completed within half a month. Half a month later, intensive training must begin, and in three months, I want to see results.
If anyone dares to slack off and fool around without completing the task, don’t blame me for not showing any mercy. If a company commander fails to complete the training task, I’ll remove him from his company commander position; if a battalion commander fails, I’ll remove him from his battalion commander position; if a regiment commander fails, I’ll still remove him from his regiment commander position.
I’m putting the ugly words upfront now: if anyone thinks they can’t complete the task or is not up to it, submit your resignation to me early, and I’ll approve it anytime!”
Su Yaoyang’s voice was calm, and the volume wasn’t loud, but everyone could see that their boss was absolutely serious. It seemed they had to prepare to lose at least ten pounds in the coming months.
After the meeting ended, everyone dispersed, but Su Yaoyang singled out John to stay.
“Boss… did you call me for something?” John looked at Su Yaoyang curiously.
Among all the militia officers, only John addressed Su Yaoyang this way. This was how he called Su Yaoyang during the breakout from Nanjing. After Su Yaoyang corrected him a few times and saw he still did it his own way, he let it be.
“Yes.”
Su Yaoyang pointed to the stool, “Sit.”
After John sat down, he personally poured him a cup of coffee.
“John, I heard you still have quite a few comrades from World War I who followed you in America, is that right?”
“Yes, boss.” John nodded, then asked curiously.
“Boss, do you want to recruit them? But it’s been twenty years since the end of World War I, and the young lads back then have all become middle-aged men like me, so to be frank, boss, recruiting them now is meaningless.”
“No, no, no… you misunderstood. I want to ask if you know any air force officers, or outstanding pilots and flight instructors? I want to recruit some pilots to work for me, what do you think?”
“Oh God… boss, you want to form an air force?”
John immediately saw through Su Yaoyang’s idea—his boss wanted to form an air force.
“Yes.”
Su Yaoyang made no secret of his ambitions.
“I’m fed up with Japanese planes circling over my head every day. I can’t let the entire Wutai County residents and my own life be threatened by Japanese planes.
And the best way to deal with an air force is to form our own air force.”
“But boss, to be frank, your idea to form an air force is good, but the air force is not like infantry. This thing is extremely expensive and time-consuming. Without one or two years, it’s impossible to form even a rudimentary air force.”
“So my idea is to first hire a batch of Americans to fly the planes for me, and then slowly train our own pilots. What do you think?”
