Why would I join the army if I can’t drive a Gundam!

Chapter 26 Countermeasures
Before the exercise began, the troops led by Karma had nearly fifty tracked transport vehicles and more than twenty wheeled infantry fighting vehicles. After this attack, he was left with only a mixture of more than twenty personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles and more than ten vehicles in Char's hands.

All other vehicles had been destroyed and withdrawn from the exercise, with Macharius's achievements alone accounting for nearly one-third of the total.

As for the loss of personnel, it was not that serious. On the one hand, due to the mountainous terrain, the infantry had more cover. On the other hand, the wreckage of friendly forces that were destroyed and unable to move provided reliable cover for a considerable number of Zeon infantry. After all, this was an exercise, and the Federation tanks could not really penetrate these vehicles and kill the infantry behind them.

But even so, a mechanized infantry company lost its combat effectiveness, and more than 70 people withdrew from the exercise due to casualties, which accounted for half of the company's number of people.

"The Federation's armored killer!"

This also became Macharius's latest nickname. The Zeon pilots gnashed their teeth in hatred when they mentioned the fire-breathing red dragon, especially the infantry fighting vehicle drivers. Their wheeled infantry fighting vehicles were equipped with a 20mm automatic cannon that could be used to destroy the tank's external equipment, but Macharius never gave them this opportunity.

When he shot, his priority was to target these infantry fighting vehicles, and he specifically targeted those that tried to attack him. Only after he had dealt with these guys would he attack other targets.

"Don't lose heart, we still have a chance!"

In the command vehicle, seeing all the officers and non-commissioned officers with their heads down and silent, Kalma immediately spoke to comfort everyone.

"We have to deal with those four tanks first, especially that big lizard!"

Because of the excessive hatred, the Zeon people were too lazy to call Red Dragon No. 1 by its name and just started to call it the species.

"That lizard wiped out an entire company. What should we do? Should we fly over and shoot him?"

"Are you sure you won't be shot down by that guy in mid-air?"

"At a time like this, it would be great if we had some heavy artillery!"

"Don't think about those trivial things, just talk about the problem!"

A Zeon soldier pulled out a jar covered in dirt and slammed it on the table.

"what is this?"

"Federal mines!"

"Isn't this a can?"

"Yeah, the federal army mixed this stuff in with the mines. My guys dug there for twenty minutes under the shells, and that's all they found!"

"These cunning earthlings!"

The Zeon cadets stomped their feet in anger again. Although their academy had taught a lot of things since its establishment in 62, this had never been taught. Even the Zeon instructors had not thought that there was such an operation.

"Also, there's another thing. Our flanking troops also entered a minefield two kilometers to the right of our position. Did you know?"

"I know. If they can get there in time, maybe we can catch the Federation Army off guard!"

"The minefield they encountered was set by us!"

“That’s true!”

The angry expressions of the crowd suddenly became mixed, and some people even couldn't help laughing.

"What a blunder! I don't think Principal Dozle expected this to happen. But the good news is that Char has found the Federation Army's attack route!"

Kalma pulled out a map and pointed to the high ground behind the position. "Our enemy is formidable! Our vehicles can't even drive up that road, but they've managed to force their way through the forest and attack from above!"

"But, Lord Kalma, I don't understand. If we use the Federation Army's offensive route, wouldn't that be a problem?"

"Since the directorate hasn't said anything, there's no problem. Let everyone get some rest. We won't attack this afternoon. We'll just keep harassing people on a small scale. We'll take revenge in the evening!"

After making the arrangements, Karma paused again and then spoke.

"Also, I have a little surprise for everyone!"

Then, the cook brought in a large barrel from a hidden place behind the position. After opening the lid, a fragrant aroma hit the face.

"The kitchen staff has prepared some hot soup for everyone. Let's drink some to warm ourselves up!"

Kalma's arrangement was just right. As buckets of hot soup were delivered to the soldiers, the trainees, who had been feeling depressed due to the failed attack and the bad weather, immediately became active.

When Karma was inspecting the battle line, he even heard the laughter of these guys. Obviously, he had brought back the morale of the Zeon army.

On the defensive position, the federal army was also eating, but they didn't have hot soup, but they had enough juice, which was provided by the armored soldiers. Their supplies included concentrated juice rations, and only one packet could make a large bucket. It didn't matter if the taste was light, there were also candies that could be added to it.

"Our losses aren't great, but compared to the Zeon forces, the gap in strength is still enormous. Although we won the battle at noon, the enemy has almost figured out everything. I estimate that they will launch another attack this afternoon or evening!"

In a makeshift meeting room supported by two tanks, the federal troops were also discussing countermeasures.

"My sentry on the right reported that the Zeon forces are making a detour to our right, but are being held back by their minefields. I suspect they'll clear the minefields this afternoon. Should we shift the focus of our defense to the right flank?"

Spears, who had been cooperating with the Red Dragons, asked.

"Yes, but the enemy might take the same route I took. That's high ground. Although it's conspicuous, if we hold it, we can command the enemy and direct artillery fire, which will pose a considerable threat to us!"

"Red Dragon No. 1 is right, so we need to make preparations for both scenarios!"

John took off his helmet, revealing his terrible Mohawk hairdo, and scratched his head. "Defending the right and the back are both important options, but with the federal army's manpower, they can only do one!"

"Then defend the right wing!"

Macharius sipped the juice like an old cadre drinking tea, and continued.

"If they come to the rear this afternoon, I'll be responsible for taking them down. There's no cover on that high ground. Every Zeon who goes up there will die. I give you a military order. However, if they come tonight, I have a bold idea!"

"Which of your ideas isn't bold? Just say it, and we brothers will just follow it!"

John rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"We brought flares, right?"

"Yes, but not in large numbers. So, are you planning a night battle?"

"No, I was thinking that the Zeon might want to fight us at night! So, I wanted to use it this way!"

(End of this chapter)