"By the way, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Admiral Count Tirpitz has instructed me to inform you that he has returned to the Navy Department. Regarding the procurement of our weapons by the Navy, he would like you to discuss it with him there," said Gustav Krupp.
Qin Tian nodded. Initially, he had focused the emphasis of the exhibition on the army, as it was the primary entity for procuring these weapons. The Navy had limited applications for them, and even if the Navy were to undergo a complete rearmament, the orders would not be substantial.
However, given that the army was unlikely to place large-scale orders for the weapons developed by the German Armaments Company, Qin Tian had to seek alternative strategies. The Navy could potentially serve as a breakthrough.
"It is time to establish a Marine Corps. Once the Marine Corps is formed and fully equipped with the weapons from the German Armaments Company, it will not only secure more orders but also significantly enhance the combat capability of the Marine Corps. More importantly, this will be a force that stands firmly on my side," Qin Tian thought to himself.
The weapons exhibition had profoundly affected him. Although he had garnered considerable support within the army, particularly from Army Minister von Falkenhayn, who had explicitly declared his backing, it was undeniable that numerous opponents remained, especially the obstinate Moltke. Therefore, if Qin Tian wished to further expand his military authority, he had to forge a new path. Establishing the Marine Corps had undoubtedly become his best option.
"Mr. Krupp, I entrust you with matters concerning the German Armaments Company. I will head to the Navy and see if there are ways to increase our orders," Qin Tian declared.
"Of course, Your Highness," Gustav Krupp replied, nodding. Although he believed the likelihood was slim, any progress for the German Armaments Company was better than none.
Qin Tian proceeded to the Navy Department, while Gustav Krupp began organizing the next steps for the production of the German Armaments Company. For them, the weapons exhibition had been a disappointment. Despite the excellent performance of the showcased weaponry, the lack of substantial orders remained hard to accept.
"Mausser Company and Rheinmetall, I will remember your obstruction, Gustav Krupp thought bitterly. If it weren't for their concerted efforts against us, perhaps things would have been different.
Upon arriving at the Navy Department, Qin Tian was informed that Admiral Count Tirpitz was already waiting for him in his office.
"Your Highness, congratulations! The German Armaments Company has done remarkably well; the performance of the developed weapons is truly outstanding," Admiral Count Tirpitz praised.
"Yes! I also believe the weapons we have developed are exceptional. Unfortunately, they have not garnered the army's favor, resulting in very few orders. I truly wonder what those individuals are thinking," Qin Tian replied, somewhat exasperated.
"Your Highness, do not be disheartened. Gold will always shine in due time. Although the German Armaments Company has not received many orders due to the hindrance of certain individuals and factions, I firmly believe that its future prospects are quite optimistic. After all, once war breaks out, the demand for advanced weaponry will greatly increase," Admiral Count Tirpitz remarked.
Qin Tian shook his head. "Admiral, I understand your perspective, but I do not wish for such a scenario. We could achieve overwhelming advantages on the battlefield with advanced weaponry, securing victory at minimal cost. Why should we send soldiers to their deaths? Germany's population is not large, and every soldier's life is precious. I genuinely hope we can minimize casualties in this war."
Admiral Count Tirpitz understood Qin Tian's sentiments but felt powerless in the matter. Despite his high rank, he could not influence the army. He was also aware that with Moltke in the picture, large-scale rearmament in the army was nearly impossible.
"Moltke, the day I ascend will be your downfall!" Qin Tian silently resolved.
He vividly recalled that in another timeline, Moltke's downfall was precipitated by the German army's inability to achieve breakthroughs on the Western Front, leading to a stalemate and rising casualties, which eroded Kaiser Wilhelm II's confidence in him. Qin Tian hoped to avoid having to remove Moltke after the situation deteriorated; by then, it would be too late.
"Your Highness, here is the Navy's procurement order. While most of the Navy's officers and men are aboard ships and rarely use rifles, the troops guarding the naval bases still require these weapons," Admiral Count Tirpitz said, handing Qin Tian a document.
Qin Tian nodded, glanced at the order, and refrained from commenting further. The order from the Navy was modest, reflecting the realities of their operations. In fact, the order provided by Admiral Count Tirpitz was considerable under the circumstances. Qin Tian understood that the Admiral was trying to assist him.
"Admiral, I have a proposal," Qin Tian said, placing the document aside.
"Your Highness, please share!" Admiral Count Tirpitz was eager to hear Qin Tian's thoughts.
"Admiral, the Navy's mainstay undeniably lies in surface vessels. However, we cannot overlook the need for ground forces. I propose that the Navy establish a Marine Corps specifically for amphibious assaults. This would serve as the first wave of landing troops in future conflicts, facilitating beach landings and minimizing casualties for the army during such operations," Qin Tian elaborated on his idea.
Admiral Count Tirpitz's eyes brightened at the prospect of a Marine Corps enhancing the Navy's capabilities. It would undoubtedly elevate the Navy's influence. However, he also recognized that Qin Tian's motives were not solely to bolster military power but also to increase orders for the German Armaments Company.
"Your Highness, this is an excellent idea. However, it may provoke strong backlash from the army," Admiral Count Tirpitz expressed his concerns.
"We can make it clear that this force is intended for landing operations. We could start by establishing a division or a brigade. This way, the backlash should be manageable."