Chapter 338: The Reserve Military Service System
The year 1912, which has just passed, could be considered as one full of crises, but ultimately it was full of surprise yet no real danger.
This year saw the Italo-Turkish War, the Balkan War, more intense naval arms races, and smaller crises in the straits, making the European situation even more uncertain. While people didn't know when the European war would break out, the smell of gunpowder was already in the air in Europe.
The National Day of 1913 was relatively ordinary compared to previous years, but with the distribution of free food and meat, the streets and alleys of Australasia became quite lively.
As soon as the National Day holiday started, Arthur summoned Prime Minister Kent and Defense Minister Raul to inquire about the military preparedness of Australasia.
European countries' military expansion had been rapid, with not only a massive expansion of their standing armies but also revisions to various laws increasing the size of their reserve forces. Although Australasia was far away in Oceania, the upcoming World War was also crucial for Australasia, not just as the true beginning of the nation's rise, but also as the best opportunity to truly control all of Oceania.
To gain more international influence after the war, becoming one of the victorious powers was essential. Although staying neutral might offer better development, a neutral nation would naturally lack much say in global matters.
If Arthur had to choose which military alliance to support, it would certainly be the Entente Powers, whose apparent military strength was far greater.
From both a personal and rational standpoint, the Entente Powers were Arthur's better choice. Firstly, Australasia and the United Kingdom shared a closer blood relation, being from the same lineage, naturally providing a closer bond. Secondly, with his knowledge from the future, Arthur knew which side would ultimately come out victorious in this war.
The Entente Powers had a larger range of colonies and population. In the case of Russia withdrawing from the war, they still won the ultimate victory.
Theoretically, as long as Australasia participated in the war on the side of the Entente Powers and declared war on the Central Powers, it could seamlessly take control of German New Guinea, merging the colonies in the New Guinea region into one large colony, or even advancing westward to consolidate the three regions of New Guinea, establishing a massive direct colony.
Theoretically, by sending troops to fight, Australasia could also negotiate for concessions from Britain and France in their Oceanic colonies.
This would allow Australasia to control all of Oceania and become the true continental hegemon.
In the meeting room of the Sydney Palace, Arthur called in Prime Minister Kent and Minister Raul to discuss Australasia's military readiness.
"Minister Raul, how is our military readiness? If a European war breaks out in the future, how many troops can we mobilize to participate in the war?" Arthur asked seriously.
Arthur's initial plan was to stay neutral in the early stages, selling arms to both sides and waiting for the situation to clarify before joining whichever side appeared more advantageous. But after thinking it over, such a fence-sitting stance seemed too shameful. Moreover, after the war, Britain and France would still be the world's top powers. If Arthur could avoid having the United States gain too much influence from Europe, and instead ensure Europe remained dominant after the war, it would be better for Australasia.
This would benefit Australasia, as, after Germany's defeat, the real competitor for control of the Pacific would be the United States.
It became clear that, not only could Australasia ally with Britain and France in World War I, but also potentially during World War II.
"Minister Raul," Arthur continued, "If we follow a reserve system, how many troops could we potentially call up if we implement conscription?"
"Your Majesty, we currently have 220,000 active-duty troops. Since our reserve system is not very mature, additional soldiers would require at least six months of training. Based on the current enthusiasm for military service, we would be able to mobilize about 1 million soldiers in total," Minister Raul responded after careful consideration.
"Reserves, huh?" Arthur nodded and turned his gaze toward Prime Minister Kent, asking, "Do we have the conditions to create laws regarding a reserve and conscription system? If we implement compulsory military service within Australasia, how many potential recruits could we have?"
"Your Majesty, based on normal circumstances, if we implement compulsory military service, we should be able to recruit nearly a million reserves. Given your Majesty's prestige in the public, this number may even be higher," Prime Minister Kent replied with a smile.
A monarch with high prestige has the advantage of having any policy embraced by the people. Australasia never lacks soldiers, as Arthur's call to arms could likely attract over a million volunteers.
Of course, while Australasia's 12 million population can muster a million soldiers, this would be a huge drain on the nation's development, something Arthur could not afford.
"There's no need to exaggerate, Prime Minister Kent. But regardless, increasing our reserves is something we must do. I don't know when the European war will break out, but to ensure that Australasia moves forward, we may have to participate in a war we could have avoided," Arthur interrupted Kent's exaggerated statements and explained with a smile.
While Australasia may need to side with one of the two military alliances, there is no need to fight to the death for Britain and France. Given Australasia's geographical distance from Europe, the homeland is unlikely to be threatened.
With that in mind, Arthur would never drain Australasia's resources for the benefit of Britain and France.
"If that is the case, Your Majesty, I suggest we require all male citizens aged between 18 and 30 to participate in annual military training. They will then be suitable as reserves," Prime Minister Kent suggested. "If we do not plan on sending large-scale troops, I believe 220,000 active-duty soldiers and 300,000 reserves will be sufficient to ensure the security of our homeland at any given time."
Arthur nodded, agreeing, "Let's limit it to adult males who are not in critical positions, and hold military training every six months or once a year. The training should last at least two weeks. During the training, they can be compensated with a payment equivalent to the average income for their participation."
If soldiers could receive compensation for military training, it was likely that no one would refuse. After all, participating in training once or twice a year wouldn't interfere too much with their daily lives.
"Have the British experts we were promised arrived? If I recall correctly, their diplomatic team should be arriving soon, right?" Arthur asked, smiling at Prime Minister Kent after discussing the reserves issue.
When Australasia sold the airship technology to Britain, both sides had agreed on the timeline for sending experts. The British government had also made plans to send a diplomatic delegation to Australasia to further discuss cooperation between the two nations.
This was another step for Australasia toward closer ties with Britain. Since King George V ascended the throne, the support from Britain to Australasia had been gradually surpassing the aid from Germany.
Even now, the British aid far surpassed the German aid in terms of naval vessels, military, industry, chemicals, education, medicine, personnel, food, and more.
In fact, Australasia was becoming an important strategic partner for the British Empire, providing various minerals, food, meat, and other resources.
From the map, it is evident that Australasia's location is crucial to the British Empire. Australasia is located in Oceania and is in an ideal position to protect the Malacca Strait, which is the gateway for East Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, and even Europe.
Moreover, Australasia's proximity to India, Britain's most vital colony, makes it a highly strategic location.
The safety of India alone makes Australasia of utmost importance to the British Empire.
"The British experts we were promised have arrived, Your Majesty. The final batch is expected to join the British diplomatic delegation. Thanks to these experts, the expansion of our two shipyards is progressing smoothly. The Melbourne shipyard is expected to begin production by mid-1914," Prime Minister Kent nodded and smiled.
The British have contributed significantly to the expansion of Australasia's shipyards. From design and machinery to technical experts, the British have played an essential role.
With the assistance of British experts, both the Melbourne and Auckland shipyards are advancing well, and by mid-1914, the Melbourne shipyard should be fully expanded, with the Auckland shipyard expected to complete its expansion by the end of 1914 or early 1915.
By 1915, Australasia will have one shipyard capable of constructing 30,000-ton warships and two shipyards capable of constructing 20,000-ton warships.
"Ensure that the British diplomatic team is received at the highest level. The British are our most important partners, and our relationship with them is the closest," Arthur instructed.
"To expand in Southeast Asia and the islands of Oceania, gaining Britain's support is crucial," Arthur continued. "And if Australasia intends to take control of the German colonies in Oceania, we must get the consent of both Britain and France."
"I understand, Your Majesty. I will ensure the highest reception for the British diplomatic delegation. The best rooms in the finest hotels in Sydney are already prepared, awaiting our guests," Prime Minister Kent nodded.
"Minister Raul, I hope the Defense Ministry can quickly come up with a plan to expand the number of colonial divisions. I want at least 15 colonial divisions by 1915, each with some combat capability," Arthur then turned to Minister Raul.
Each colonial division will have nearly 20,000 soldiers, meaning 15 divisions would amount to about 300,000 soldiers. But that wasn't a large number, as Australasia has millions of indigenous people. Recruiting 300,000 adult indigenous people to form 15 colonial divisions was still manageable.
This 300,000-strong colonial army would likely become Australasia's expeditionary force, replacing the regular troops in battle. Of course, regular forces would still be sent, but not in large numbers. For Arthur, losing indigenous troops wasn't a big concern, but the loss of regular soldiers would be painful.
(End of Chapter)
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