Erich and his unit stayed in Belgium for quite a while longer.
They weren't just there to conduct simulated battles, but to run live-fire exercises, and offer a few pointers to the Belgian Royal Army.
Belgium had lagged behind the Reich.
Despite being a major trading partner and a former ally during the Great War, they had no desire to be involved in another.
And while the Reich had begun arming at a rate greater than ever before, Belgium had focused its wealth on rebuilding what France had destroyed in 1914.
Their government had grown cautious, perhaps even complacent.
Haunted by the memory of French troops marching through their borders with impunity, they focused their budgets on civilian rebuilding efforts and border fortifications.
What armored units they fielded were antiquated, many still operating with outdated communication systems.
Training cycles were inconsistent.
Morale, while not poor, lacked the hardened edge seen in Reich units.
