The Fox of France

Chapter 63: General Joseph of the Red Army

While there were plans to exert some pressure on Napoleon, Joseph also knew that Napoleon wasn't cut out to be a staff officer. In this regard, he fell several notches short of Carnot, let alone Joseph. He could handle the meticulous planning of various military details if needed, but it wasn't where Napoleon's true talents lay. Joseph had a different plan in mind for him.

On the second day of Napoleon's arrival in Paris, Joseph called Carnot to his office on the second floor of the city hall, presenting a new idea.

"Lazare," Joseph handed him a folder, "I've been thinking about a new approach to military training. I came up with a rough concept last night, and I'd like to hear your thoughts." After a period of collaboration, they had become close friends, addressing each other by their first names and using "tu" instead of "vous."

"Ah, Joseph, you always have the most innovative ideas," Carnot remarked as he took the folder and began examining the contents. "I can't help but wonder, considering the size of our heads, mine is practically a whole circumference larger than yours, but..."

As Carnot reviewed the document, Joseph skillfully poured himself a cup of tea and sat at his desk to work. After some time, when Joseph was refilling his cup with water, Carnot finally finished reading.

"Joseph," Carnot began, "this idea, overall, is excellent. There are, of course, many details to be ironed out, but investing in this is definitely worthwhile."

He then rang a bell on his desk, and a duty officer entered the room.

"Major, what can I do for you?" the duty officer asked. Carnot had been promoted to the rank of major due to his outstanding performance a few days ago.

"Ah, Yubel, could you find out when Mr. Lafayette is available?" Carnot requested.

"Yes, Major," Yubel replied with a salute and left the room.

"Joseph, this idea is brilliant," Carnot continued. "Creating a small, elite force to simulate the enemy in military exercises is an excellent approach. Each unit can engage in exercises against them, and then the adjudication department, let's call it the 'directorate,' can evaluate their performance. These evaluations can also be a basis for rewards and punishments for the units. Moreover, this kind of training will allow our soldiers to gain valuable experience facing a formidable opponent during peacetime. It's a fantastic idea!"

"We can't send all our soldiers to Africa to gain experience by fighting barbarians," Joseph replied. "This way, even though it may not be as valuable as real combat experience in Africa, it's better than having none."

"Joseph, you misspoke earlier," Carnot shook his head. "Even if we had the funds, we shouldn't send all our troops to Africa to fight barbarians. The experience gained from fighting barbarians doesn't have much relevance to building a professional army and may even be detrimental. The experience gained through high-level military exercises is far more valuable and effective. Fighting barbarians is like playing chess with beginners who don't even know the rules for capturing en passant. The more you play, the worse your skills become. During the Seven Years' War, the troops sent back from Africa didn't perform well for this reason."

In fact, similar occurrences were common in later times, but Joseph was unaware of them. For instance, some units that had gained "combat experience" by fighting insurgents abroad, returned to their home country and faced a simulated Red Army. They were defeated swiftly, hanging by a thread. In another country, a military advisor with "real combat experience" hesitated for over an hour while commanding a unit to cross a bridge, thoroughly checking it for potential roadside bombs. As a result, the unit was exposed to a massive enemy artillery barrage before even seeing the enemy, rendering it combat ineffective.

As Carnot spoke, there was a sudden knock at the door.

"Come in," Carnot said.

The duty officer entered and said, "Major, Count Lafayette is available now. You can find him in his office."

"Thank you, Yubel," Carnot acknowledged. He stood up, collected the documents Joseph had given him, and turned to Joseph. "Joseph, let's go and meet with Count Lafayette to discuss your idea. I believe we should move forward with this as soon as possible."

"Very well, Lazare," Joseph agreed.

"Oh, by the way, Lazare, do you have someone in mind for the commander of this unit?" Just as they were about to leave, Joseph inquired.

"Not yet," Carnot paused, "This unit won't be large at first, perhaps only around two hundred soldiers. So, it should be commanded by a captain. Joseph, do you have any good candidates in mind?"

"Well, Lazare, the thing is, I wasn't the one who came up with this plan," Joseph hesitated, "It was my younger brother, Napoleon, who proposed it. He's a young artillery lieutenant in our army, and I believe he has tremendous potential in military matters. However, he's quite ambitious and aspires to lead this experimental unit. What are your thoughts?"

Carnot chuckled, "Joseph, this is the first time I've seen you use your influence. Your brother, considering your circumstances, must have considerable talent. But you know, your brother... what's his name again?"

"Napoleon," Joseph reminded.

"Ah, Joseph, you know, Napoleon is just a lieutenant," Carnot remarked. "Persuading Count Lafayette to let a lieutenant command such a unit could be challenging. However, his noble background may work in his favor. But Joseph, you're already a lieutenant yourself... Shall we go and discuss this with Count Lafayette and see what he thinks?"

Joseph understood the significance of having a noble background. To most Frenchmen, Corsican nobility was hardly distinguishable from the common people, if not inferior to respectable citizens. Therefore, the parliament didn't consider them true nobility. In the military, though, nobility had influence that couldn't be ignored. While a complete commoner like Carnot might be acceptable to the parliament, the military might have reservations. On the other hand, a Corsican noble like Napoleon, despite his lack of prominence, could be more readily accepted.

Joseph and Carnot then proceeded to Count Lafayette's office. Upon entering, after exchanging greetings, Carnot handed him the folder.

"General, we have a new proposal, and we hope to have your support," Carnot explained.

"Another brilliant idea, Lazare?" Lafayette inquired, a smile on his face, as he put on his glasses. "Let me take a look."

Lafayette examined the proposal for a while before looking up and saying, "A very valuable suggestion! Extremely valuable! Furthermore, it is highly feasible. Lazare, we left together yesterday evening, and you didn't drop a hint about this. Today, you spring it on me all of a sudden. You are quite the character."

"General, Joseph submitted this proposal to me this morning. I've only just seen it myself," Carnot clarified.

"Is that so?" Lafayette seemed a bit surprised. "Joseph, you've always claimed to be a novice in military matters. But this plan shows a remarkable understanding. Not just the idea, but the intricate details are something that only someone with in-depth military knowledge would think of. I believe that, now, you could command a French army battalion or even a brigade with ease. If you were in North America, you might even command a division. You're too modest."

"General, it's not modesty," Joseph replied. "I've been trying to learn as much as I can during this time, and I've made some progress. However, the details of this plan were not entirely my work. It was developed with the assistance of my younger brother, Napoleon. He's a lieutenant in our artillery."

"From what I see in the proposal, Lieutenant Napoleon seems to be quite talented and has a promising future," Carnot added.

"I believe that," Lafayette said. "If your brother is anything like you, then he must have quite a bright mind. About the commander for this unit, do you have anyone in mind?"

"This unit doesn't need to be very large at the beginning, perhaps only two hundred soldiers. Since this idea is originally Joseph's, and the refinement was achieved with Napoleon's help," Carnot explained, "let's have Joseph lead this experimental unit and have his brother assist him. How does that sound?"

Lafayette looked up and glanced at Carnot, then Joseph. He said, "Very well. We will promote Mr. Joseph Bonaparte to the rank of captain, and he can oversee the formation of this unit. Now, what should we name this unit?"

"This unit will specialize in simulating the enemy during exercises, and our most dangerous adversaries are the British in their red coats," Carnot remarked. "So, let's call this unit the 'Red Army.'"