A Peaceful Land of the Orcs (5.6)
The divisional exercises were entirely canceled that day.
The control department on their side was in chaos, resembling a makeshift accident investigation committee.
Meanwhile, in the tent designated for the General Staff exercises, the session moved on to evaluations.
Gustav awoke near evening in a separate tent where he had been relocated. When informed of the rescue efforts' results by the concerned individuals around him, he smiled and instructed them to continue the discussion, stating that he would remain there.
"Are you truly alright with this?"
"Yes, it’s fine. This is the most interesting part. You’re not going to tire me out and leave me out, are you?"
"... Haha, understood."
With that, Zebek took charge of the proceedings.
"In essence, no matter how much effort is expended, logistical delays are inevitable. Delays in unloading from railways, at supply depots, in supply wagon lines, in catching up with the frontline units’ mobility, and due to weather conditions..."
Groans of agreement arose from various quarters.
The General Staff was particularly concerned about delays in supply wagon lines. According to evaluations by the Orcsen Army, even under optimal conditions—using existing highways, with no adverse weather—supply wagons could transport a maximum of about 40 kilometers per day.
This, however, referred to one-way transportation. For round trips, the maximum distance was halved to about 20 kilometers. In practical terms, the army could only advance a distance within the supply depot's reach. Advancing beyond that would require the frontline units to halt their progress and wait for the supply lines to catch up—a repetitive process.
While theoretically possible to divide the supply wagon lines into several groups to extend the marching distance, today’s exercises made it clear that such a method carried significant risks.
Once the army diverged from the highways, immediate follow-up became practically impossible.
"It's inevitable. If we must continue advancing despite delays, then the solution lies in portable rations. Soldiers can carry one to two days' worth, and regimental baggage can supply an additional two to three days. Within those four days, the supply lines must catch up," said Schwerin.
However, this method also had limitations.
In the Orcsen system, soldiers only carried a portion of their daily rations, consisting of staples like hardtack and canned beef. These were the portable rations. Supplementary items like condiments and side dishes were held at regimental or higher levels and supplied separately, typically once a day.
If regimental baggage failed to catch up—
The soldiers would have to march on hardtack and water alone.
An Orc army.
The Orc army.
They could endure for two or even four days.
But beyond that, they would rapidly lose the caloric energy essential for their operations.
When Schwerin said four days was the limit, he was implicitly acknowledging this biological and logistical reality. He wasn't disregarding the importance of supply and logistics. He was simply stating the hard truth that in war, there are moments when unreasonable risks must be taken.
"In such situations, we must rely on the age-old custom of the battlefield—leaving it to the mercy of heaven. After exhausting all efforts, after doing everything conceivable, if it still proves insufficient, local procurement becomes unavoidable. That is my conclusion."
"Procurement, not requisition?"
"Of course. Requisition leads to disaster. It would mean repeating the mistakes of the Dutone War."
A particularly delicate issue.
When the Orcsen Army procures supplies in their operational area, it can take two forms: local "procurement" or local "requisition."
The former involves obtaining supplies with appropriate compensation as acknowledged and authorized by the military. Official military receipts are issued, and all transactions—whether paid or pending—are meticulously recorded.
The latter is outright forceful. No compensation is provided. In some cases, receipts may be issued, but they lack any intention of repayment.
Isn’t this essentially plunder?
Why bother using the term "requisition," which seems unnecessarily convoluted?
Though it may seem like mere semantics, there’s a clear distinction between "requisition" and "plunder" within military regulations.
"Requisition" is conducted with some semblance of military oversight, whereas "plunder" is an unsanctioned act by individual soldiers. Allowing individual soldiers to requisition resources quickly degenerates into chaos—violence, pillage, and atrocity.
The army ceases to be an organized force and becomes indistinguishable from a band of marauders.
In the Orcsen Army, this is strictly prohibited. Any such acts are classified as "plunder" under military discipline regulations. Field Military Police are tasked with enforcing this rule, and the consequences are unequivocal:
—Execution by firing squad.
What do you think about this chapter?
