King of Beiyang

"Gentlemen, His Excellency has agreed to our establishment of the Marine Corps. I have officially assumed the position of Vice Admiral of the Beiyang Fleet. However, although I studied at the Imperial German Naval Academy, I am not actually an expert in naval warfare."

Therefore, I do not intend to interfere in the specific affairs of the Beiyang Fleet.

Creating the Marine Corps and building a powerful force that is no less capable than the top-tier Western armies is my next major task.

"I hope that you will become the backbone of the Beiyang Marine Corps and put to good use the knowledge you gained during your studies in the German Empire!"

Li Jingyuan addressed the crowd.

"Yes, Admiral!" the elites from the military academy replied in unison.

Everyone was full of enthusiasm, even though the Marine Corps was still far from being established. But everyone believed that with the support of the Grand Secretary and the financial backing of Li Jingyuan, a wealthy patron, in terms of weapons and equipment, they could go all out and make a big splash.

Perhaps, they really can train a first-class army that can rival Western countries.

However, they were all graduates of military academies and studied army science while studying in the German Empire.

Now, the idea of ​​having them serve in the Marine Corps is causing some resentment among the crew.

"Admiral, we don't know how to do beach landings either. How are we supposed to train for that?" Wang Shizhen asked.

"Yes, Admiral. Some people can't even swim," Feng Guozhang chimed in.

"That's easy. We can practice the beach landing drills last. I'll hire some instructors from the German Empire to teach that subject then."

As for those who can't swim, that's even simpler. Next summer, they can all go to the sea to learn. Anyone who can't learn will just stay in the sea forever!

  

Li Jingyuan answered.

"Hahaha!" The elites of the military academy burst into laughter.

"His Excellency originally proposed to reorganize some units of the Beiyang Army or the Huai Army. However, I refused."

Everyone should be aware that both the Beiyang Army and the Huai Army currently suffer from rigid systems, inflexible hierarchies, lax discipline, and neglected training.

Whether they were generals or ordinary soldiers, no one was interested in training, let alone fighting.

If we were to reorganize them, it would be impossible to see any results in the short term.

You might even offend someone because of this.

Once those generals' own interests are harmed, who knows what they might do?

Therefore, I'd rather start from scratch and build an elite force step by step!

Li Jingyuan addressed the crowd.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Starting from scratch is indeed very difficult. But only in this way can we truly build a new type of army that is not tainted by the bad habits and evils of the old-style army, a truly elite force.

"I have decided to personally assume the position of Commander of the Marine Corps and concurrently Commander of the 1st Marine Division. Wang Shizhen will serve as Deputy Commander, and Duan Qirui will serve as Chief of Staff of the Division, to assist me in establishing the Marine Corps."

Li Jingyuan began announcing the appointments.

"Yes, Commander!" Wang Shizhen and Duan Qirui both answered quickly.

At the same time, the two were overjoyed.

Li Jingyuan placed them in the positions of deputy division commander and division chief of staff from the very beginning, which undoubtedly clarified their status!

"The 1st Marine Division consists of two brigades. Each brigade has two regiments. In addition, there are divisional cavalry regiments, artillery regiments, engineer regiments, and supply regiments, as well as reconnaissance battalions and other units."

Feng Guozhang was appointed commander of the 1st Brigade. Liang Huadian was appointed commander of the 2nd Brigade.

The commander of the 1st Regiment was Cao Kun. The commander of the 2nd Regiment was Wu Dingyuan. The commander of the 3rd Regiment was Shang Dequan. The commander of the 4th Regiment was Kong Qingtang. The commander of the Cavalry Regiment was Teng Yuzao. The commander of the Artillery Regiment was Zu Shengwu. The commander of the Engineer Regiment was Zhang Xingzu. The commander of the Supply Regiment was Wang Chengchuan.

In addition, Wang Zhanyuan was appointed as the division's deputy chief of staff.

Lee Kyung-won announced the appointments of everyone.

"Yes, Commander!" Everyone had a look of joy on their faces.

Although everyone's abilities have greatly improved after several years of studying abroad.

But they never imagined that they would become regimental commanders or even brigade commanders as soon as they returned to China!

In Europe, this would be considered a high-ranking military officer, or even a general.

Following the Third Young Master, the future is indeed bright!

"Don't get too excited yet. These appointments are only temporary. If I find that anyone is unsuitable for these positions, then I'm sorry, I'll have to give up the positions to more suitable people."

Before I left the country, I told everyone, "From now on, we're all brothers. I will never let anyone who betrays us get away with it!"

Li Jingyuan warned.

Loyalty is always the most important thing.

If there is no loyalty to speak of, no matter how capable someone is, Li Jingyuan would never appoint them.

"Yes, Commander!" everyone answered loudly.

"Furthermore, although the Marine Corps currently consists of only us—in other words, I, as the Marine Corps Commandant, am essentially a commander without troops—I believe we will be able to build up the force very soon."

It is currently the 1st Marine Division. After the 1st Marine Division is fully formed and operational next year, the unit will be expanded.

At that time, there will be the 2nd Marine Division, and even the 3rd Marine Division.

Therefore, there are plenty of higher positions available. So, the next step is to see if you can seize them.

We are a collective, but when the whole collective is moving forward, you cannot expect others to stop and wait for you.

Therefore, I hope that situation will not occur!

Li Jingyuan reminded him again.

Everyone was filled with enthusiasm, and Li Jingyuan was undoubtedly just dangling a carrot in front of them!

If the Marine Corps expands to three divisions, wouldn't some of them be able to become division commanders or chiefs of staff, or at least brigade commanders?

It is said that a soldier who does not want to be a general is not a good soldier.

If one can be promoted from regimental commander to brigade commander, then in Europe, that would be roughly equivalent to becoming a general.

We were all young and full of enthusiasm, with high hopes and dreams for the future.

Now, Li Jingyuan has undoubtedly given them an opportunity, and everyone should seize it.

Everyone was already very grateful to Li Jingyuan for giving them the opportunity to study abroad.

Now, everyone admires him even more.

They were even more loyal to the group that Li Jingyuan mentioned.

"Very good, I, Li Jingyuan, can assure everyone that as long as you do not let me down, you will enjoy endless wealth and glory in the future!" Li Jingyuan solemnly assured everyone.