Chapter 830: "Archery Techniques of the Parthians"
The US military has practiced the "roller-type" defense tactic several times.
At first Pershing didn't quite understand.
Perhaps because of his long-term interpretation of Charles' tactics, he always habitually substituted the armored troop penetration tactics used by Charles and hoped to learn this tactic.
"I thought tanks should attack, Lieutenant General," Pershing said. "We should seek to use armored forces to attack the enemy's weak points, not use it in... this defensive tactic!"
Charles reminded: "American characteristics, General, think about American characteristics!"
Pershing still didn't understand:
“But even if it is an American characteristic, the direction shouldn’t change.”
"I beg your pardon, Lieutenant General, I am not questioning your ideas."
"I just, it's hard to take, I mean, it goes from offense to defense!"
Charles was not in a hurry. He handed Pershing a cup of coffee and invited Pershing to sit down on the chair: "Before we go further, we can discuss another issue. Do you know the Tatars?"
(Note: Europe refers to the nomadic peoples of the Mongolian grasslands as "Tatars")
"Of course." Pershing nodded. "I also know that they reached the Danube."
Most people who have knowledge of military affairs will study Mongolian tactics, and Pershing is no exception.
"Then you must be familiar with the tactic of Parthian archery," Charles asked again.
The so-called "Parthian archery" is what the Romans called it, and it is actually "kite flying": shooting arrows from a long distance while keeping a distance from the enemy and never engaging in close combat with the enemy until the enemy is exhausted and then counterattacking.
Pershing suddenly realized: "You mean, we can use armored forces to fight the 'Parthian archery' tactics?"
"Why not?" Charles asked back, "The tactics are the same, except that the horses have been replaced by tanks, and the bows and arrows have been replaced by machine guns and artillery. Everything else has not changed and does not need to change."
Pershing thought about it for a while, and finally nodded slowly, seeming to accept this tactic.
"It fits the U.S. military's national conditions very well." Charles then analyzed:
"Supported by your country's strong industry, your army will foreseeably have advanced, reliable, large-scale equipment, as well as a large number of bullets and artillery shells."
"Then why do you want to fight the enemy head-on? Why don't you choose a tactic that will cause fewer casualties?"
"As for the enemy, they will continue to suffer casualties while chasing you and become a tired army."
Pershing's eyes gradually lit up. The more he listened, the more he felt that what Charles said made sense: "You are right, Lieutenant General, this is indeed the tactic we need. I am so stupid that I didn't think of this."
"So……"
"Of course, Lieutenant General." Pershing nodded affirmatively: "Let's start with this tactic."
Then he shook hands with Charles excitedly:
"Thank you very much, Lieutenant General, for tailoring a set of tactics for us."
“Many of them are beyond my imagination.”
"If we were to come up with these tactics on our own, it would inevitably come at the cost of blood and lives."
"You're welcome, General." Charles replied, "We are allies. We have common interests."
In fact, this tactic taught to the US military can only work in specific situations.
Charles always kept on guard against the U.S. military.
He knew that in the future when the Volunteer Army fought against the U.S. Army, they would usually ambush in front of the battle line. Once the charge was sounded, the infantry of the two armies would be entangled together, and the U.S. Army's artillery and tanks would become useless in the first place, and they would not be able to use the "Parthian archery method" at all.
…
On the road from Toul to Le François, General Hutier followed the troops in the EV4 armored command vehicle in the rain.
He let the car sway continuously, keeping his eyes fixed on the map spread out in his hands.
On the map, several red lines and serial numbers marked the directions and positions of several troops.
If it were any other battle, General Hutier might have let his subordinates take command while he stayed in the rear.
But this time the opponent is Charles, the undefeated legend on the battlefield. This battle even concerns the fate of Germany, so Hutier dare not be negligent in the slightest.
A sidecar turned around and caught up with them. The signalman handed over a telegram wrapped in a waterproof sheet in the rain: "General, the 1st Tank Division has arrived in Verdun. Please give us your instructions for the next move."
Hutier did not answer the telegram, but just said "hmm" and turned his eyes to Verdun on the map.
The staff officer took the telegram and checked it, then looked at Hutier inquiringly.
The original plan was to attack Verdun, but Hutier delayed giving the order, so that when the 1st Tank Division arrived at the attack site, the artillery had not yet arrived.
What the staff officer didn't know was that Hutier was in a dilemma at this time.
He originally estimated that Charles' troops would come to reinforce, and the German attack on Verdun at this time would be able to delay Charles' troops.
On the other hand, the German army could cross the Meuse River and attack Mezieres. The French army would then be surrounded on three sides with loopholes everywhere, and its only option would be to retreat.
However, Charles's forces remained motionless: the armored division was at Verdun, the mechanized division and two motorized divisions at Buzency.
Once the Germans attacked Mézières, Charles would have enough time and troops to rush to reinforce them.
What to do now?
Attack Verdun as originally planned?
Verdun was a tough nut to crack, with fortresses and defense lines built on high ground everywhere, and Charles's 1st Armored Division.
Even though the German army attacked from behind the defense line and had a numerical advantage, it would still be difficult to take it down in a short period of time.
No, we can’t be held back by the enemy in Verdun.
Otherwise, everything will be over when the enemy reinforcements arrive.
Thinking of this, Hutier turned his eyes and ordered his staff: "Change the plan, bypass Verdun and advance to Reims."
"Yes." The staff officer responded and passed the order down.
But not long after, the signalman sent another intelligence: "General, we were blocked by the enemy near Le Francois."
Hutier's eyes lit up, and he looked up and asked, "Charles' troops?"
"No, General." The staff officer glanced at the telegram: "It's the Americans."
Hutier sighed in disappointment.
As expected of Charles, Bizangsi, who sat firmly in the center of the defense line, did not move an inch, leaving the German army no chance to gain any advantage.
Then a trace of anger flashed across Hutier's eyes again.
Charles dispatched the US troops to defend. Didn't he think that these troops, which had only been trained for more than a month, could stop the 18th Army?
Hutier gritted his teeth and snorted. He must have thought that I was not worthy of being his opponent!
"Defeat them!" Hutier ordered in a deep voice: "Advance along the original route and take down Lance as quickly as possible!"
"Yes, General."
Hutier looked out the window, gazing at the Meuse River flowing northward, and muttered to himself: "This is a mistake, and you will pay for it!"
(End of this chapter)
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