Chapter 134: Officer Cadet
TL: Etude
Besides hospitals for civilians, I plan to establish specialized medical teams within the military to provide timely treatment for wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
Paul remembered the horrific scenes he had witnessed in the Butuya prisoner of war camp, and the time when Father Anderson wanted to bleed him while he was unconscious. It was time to reform the backward medical system of this world.
Thats a good idea, said Ladi and Eileen, nodding in agreement. Since coming to the northwest, I havent seen any place dedicated to medical affairs.
With that, Ill leave the matters we just discussed to the two of you. If theres nothing else, please go back and organize todays content.
Yes, Lord Count, the two female advisors replied, rising to take their leave.
After watching them go, Paul instructed his chief secretary, Please ask Manager Cecil, Chief of Staff Rod, and the two battalion commanders staying in Lakeheart Town to come over.
Bernard promptly left to carry out the order, while Paul picked up the two documents he hadnt shown to the female advisors.
He read them again carefully, furrowing his brows at their content.
Enhancing human strength and speed to the point of becoming monsters? he muttered to himself. Such effects were more exaggerated than stimulants. Could such a drug be produced in this technologically backward world?
Soon, the intelligence director and military high command arrived at Pauls office. They gathered to discuss in detail the report sent by the navy.
The navys report mentioned a mysterious figure named Barnett. According to the captives, the drugs provided to Gaden seemed to come from this person, and Gaden was very obedient to him.
However, the captives knew nothing further, and the pirate leader Gaden, who might have known more about Barnett, was already dead.
Paul was quite frustrated. Who exactly was this Barnett, challenging him so openly? His relentless campaign against the pirates in the Northwestern Bay was well known. This person was still aiding the pirates, clearly disregarding him.
Could it be the neighboring lords who disapproved of him? It was quite possible, like the Kent family, who had threatened him militarily not long ago.
He ordered Cecil in annoyance, Spare no effort or cost to ascertain this persons identity.
As for the mysterious drug, the navy had seized some at the pirates stronghold. He decided to hand it over to the alchemists recruited from the capital for thorough research.
What pleased him was the performance of the Hope during the battle. It did not disappoint his expectations, sinking an enemy ship, restraining three others, and single-handedly capturing the pirates secret base.
The navys original plan was to take turns guarding the base with different ships. But by the time the second ship arrived for duty, the soldiers aboard the Hope had already thoroughly searched the pirate base.
Paul then asked his officers, What do you think about Captain Quiks proposed plan for training reserves?
Among the slaves rescued were many young boys, some of whom had lost their families to the pirates and had nowhere to go.
Captain Quik of the Hope had made a suggestion: the military could take in these children, have them live with the soldiers on the ship, teach them various naval skills and military disciplines, and train them as naval reserve talents.
Bryce shook his head, Arent pirates known for capturing underage children to replenish their ranks? Is he planning to bring that same practice into the military?
Paul responded, I actually quite agree with this suggestion.
The Earths British Empire, during its dominion over the seas, had a unique system in its navy the officer cadet. This talent development program was created by King Charles II. Every noble youth who wanted to serve in the navy had to start as a naval apprentice, significantly enhancing the navys combat effectiveness and producing many outstanding officers. ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฏโด๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ต.๐ธโด๐
The status of officer cadets was somewhat ambiguous. They were mostly underage boys learning practical navigation and combat on ships. Typically, they were illegitimate sons from middle-class families, starting their naval duties at around 13 years of age. After two years of seafaring, at the age of 15, they could become cadets through a referral and at 20, they were eligible to take the warrant officer exam.
Many of the British Navys historical leaders joined the navy in their youth: Jericho at 13, Cunningham at 10, Fisher at 13, and Betten at 13. The legendary Admiral Nelson, who won the Battle of Trafalgar and saved Britain from Napoleon, joined the navy at just 12.
These cadets learned from real work, working side by side with sergeants, officers, and sailors. Climbing masts and toiling in the lower decks, they were able to understand the thoughts of the lower-ranking sailors. This experience greatly benefited their leadership when they later became warrant officers, captains, and even generals.
The British naval hegemony, which lasted nearly 400 years, owed much to the officer cadet system.
Speaking of officer cadets, Paul recalled a movie Master and Commander, set during the Napoleonic Wars, telling the story of the British naval warship HMS Surprise in a battle of wits against a French warship. A character known as Lord Blakeney in the film, a young officer cadet, left a deep impression on him.
Schroeder also voiced his support: I agree with the proposal too. Based on my observations, the work on a warship demands high technical skill, and we currently lack the equipment and personnel to train new recruits. Its better to let these kids learn directly on the ship, as they tend to have higher learning capabilities and intuition.
Paul clapped his hands decisively, Then its settled.
In the central square of Port Fran, the Administration Council specially deployed personnel to announce the news of the eradication of Gadens pirate group.
Although Aldas coastal areas were rarely raided by pirates thanks to navy protection, news of nearby territories being plundered still occasionally surfaced, with Gadens pirates being the most notorious. People celebrated the demise of another scourge on the seas.
Amidst the festivities, a figure wrapped in a black cloak seemed out of place.
Barnett adjusted his hood to cover his face and sneered softly to himself:
Paul Grayman, huh? I want to see how capable you really are.
His tone was filled with disdain.