BXBX NOVEL Chapter 9: Military Reform II
Chapter 9: Military Reform II
Vijay was going about his usual affairs when he noticed a maid cleaning the palace floor with a cloth and water in hand. He had an idea and immediately called a carpenter to make a stick with a detachable cloth on one end. This marked the birth of the mop, the first change in this world by Vijay.
*BANG*
A person rammed into the council room like a bolt of lightning. Vijay was startled and looked to see who was so bold , but he was releaved that it was none other than Logananda Senapati, who appeared unusually energized.
"What is this old guy up to?" Vijay thought, his curiosity piqued, by the sudden appearance of the old general.
"Your Highness... I... did... it," Logananda said, stuttering and panting as if he ran a marathon, yet his eyes glimmered with excitement.
"Slowly, calm down, and tell me slowly," Vijay said, trying to make sense of Logananda's non-descript words.
Logananda quickly composed himself and said, "Your Highness, I have finished the plans for the military reform," he said, his voice still brimming with enthusiasm, not looking like a 70-year-old at all.
"Oh, so quick," Vijay said, with a surprised expression on his face but thinking to himself, "As expected, Logananda always had a way of exceeding expectations."
Logananda continued, "Your Highness, I originally wanted to consult you to reduce the requirements when I went home, but a miracle happened."
"Ohhh! So what changed?" Vijay asked with interest.
"Lord Shiva, your highness, LORD SHIVA came in my dream last night and showed me an invincible army," Logananda replied with a sense of astonishment and awe in his voice.
Vijay's eyes lit up at the words of the old general. "This can be a good excuse," he thought. "Looks like our kingdom is blessed by the gods," he said, concealing his amusement behind a regal demeanour.
"Tell me about this incredible army," Vijay urged, genuinely interested in the details of Logananda's revelation.
Logananda, like a floodgate, started explaining and didn't stop talking until he was out of breath...again.
His hands gestured animatedly to emphasize the brilliance of his vision.
Vijay, chuckled inwardly, as the old man became more and more animated as he went on, but he did not show it on his face.
Vijay was surprised by Logananda, because the plan was not exactly like the Prussian army he passed him, but looked like it was more suited for Vijayanagara Empire's conditions. Nevertheless, his innovative ideas and strategic brilliance impressed Him.
"ginger is still old and spicy I guess" he said to himself.
He was satisfied with the plan, and his confidence in Logananda's capabilities grew even more.
That day, an edict was passed in the Vijayanagar Empire which caused tremors in all departments of the nation.
According to the decree.
*Decree of Military Reformation in the Vijayanagara Empire*
By the authority vested in me, King Vijay of the Vijayanagara Empire, I hereby declare a comprehensive military reformation, aimed at unifying and strengthening our armed forces. These measures are set forth to ensure the defence, prosperity, and stability of our great kingdom.
1. The North and South armies shall be merged to form a united Vijayanagara Empire army, with an unyielding commitment to safeguarding our Lands.
2. In pursuit of a disciplined and efficient force, the General Staff shall be established as the dedicated operating body of the army, directly accountable to the throne.
3. To maintain a robust and well-organized logistics and supply system during campaigns, the Logistics and Supply Department shall be established as a separate entity, ensuring the adequate provisioning of our troops.
4. Recognizing the importance of the well-being of our warriors, a specialized Medical Division shall be formed, entrusted with the solemn duty of providing immediate care and saving the wounded on the battlefield.
5. The Counseling Division shall be established as a distinct body to provide solace and guidance to our soldiers, fostering loyalty and devotion to both the king and the country.
6. A rigorous military law shall be formulated, outlining a clear reward and punishment system to prevent any misuse of power among the officers.
7. To ensure the just evaluation of our forces, a Merit System shall be instituted, with the General Staff entrusted to assess and acknowledge the merit and shortcomings of our army.
8. Our army shall be organized into four divisions, each comprising 25,000 soldiers, with the esteemed leaders of each division bearing the title of Major General.
9. Each division shall consist of five brigades, each comprising 5,000 soldiers, overseen by the esteemed leaders titled Brigade General.
10. Within each brigade, five battalions shall stand, each comprising 1,000 soldiers, led by the esteemed leaders known as the Colonel.
11. To facilitate efficiency and coordination, each battalion shall consist of five companies, each comprising 200 soldiers, led by the esteemed leaders titled Major.
12. Within every company, five platoons shall be formed, each comprising 40 soldiers, under the command of the esteemed leader known as the Lieutenant.
13. And finally, each platoon shall contain five squads, each comprising eight soldiers, led by the esteemed squad leader.
Furthermore, to ensure the optimal composition and readiness of each division, the following organizational structure shall be implemented:
1. Each division shall be comprised of three infantry brigades, each consisting of 15,000 soldiers, forming the backbone of our ground forces. Additionally, a cavalry brigade shall be constituted, housing 5,000 skilled horsemen, ready to swiftly traverse the terrains and provide strategic support.
2. Recognizing the importance of artillery in future warfare, each division shall include two specialized artillery battalions, with a total of 2,000 highly-trained soldiers. These battalions shall wield the power to turn the tide of battles with their formidable firepower.
3. In order to ensure the success of military construction endeavours, one dedicated engineering battalion comprising 1,000 skilled soldiers shall be incorporated into each division. They shall undertake vital tasks such as fortification construction, bridge-building, and other essential engineering projects to support our forces.
4. The remaining soldiers shall be placed in specialized roles, their expertise to be called upon as the need arises. This adaptive approach will allow us to address any unique challenges and adapt swiftly to changing circumstances in times of conflict.
5. It is imperative that all units, whether infantry, cavalry, artillery, or engineering, undergo rigorous training and exercises to enhance their skills and coordination. This commitment to excellence shall forge an army capable of overcoming any adversity in defence of our kingdom.
Let it be known that these reforms shall be enacted forthwith, with the appointment of Marshall Loganandha Senapathi as the esteemed head of the General Staff. Major Generals Ramaiah Senapati and Narasimha Nayak are hereby recognized for their valorous service, while the remaining positions shall be filled promptly to strengthen the fabric of our united army.
May the blessings of the gods shine upon our noble undertaking, as we march forward to secure the glorious future of the Vijayanagara Empire. So be it, by my hand and decree.
*Vijaya Deva Raya*
This moment will be known by historians as the start of a modern army.