Chapter 314: Formation of the National Militia (1/2)
While Berengar was off at war, Chancellor Otto von Graz was running the state in his absence. While there were a few garrisons located throughout the Kingdom, the fear of invasion from foreign powers had begun to infect the minds of a small portion of the populace.
In response to this, Count Otto devised an idea and presented it before the Reichstag. This idea was loosely based upon some of the drunken ramblings Otto had engaged with between himself and King Berengar in the days before the war.
Otto was an efficient statesman who was entirely capable of being inspired by Berengar's half-brained intoxicated ideas and turning them into a practical reality. At this moment, the Chancellor of Austria was standing within the Reichstag, speaking his mind to the congressman who was gathered within.
As a representative of the people, Gunther was among the crowd of men elected by people of all social standings to represent the people's interests. As such, he was privy to the ideas presented by the Chancellor as he spoke with passion.
”Months ago, I discussed with King Berengar, about a matter of critical importance to the safety and security of the Kingdom of Austria. We spoke about the possibility to form a National Guard. A registered and well-regulated group of civilians who undergo military training on weekends, and act as an extension of the pre-existing Armed Forces.
The purpose of this National Guard is to ensure that the Austrian people are sufficiently armed and trained to defend their life and property in the event that foreigners were to invade our country. Today, I have given every one of you a copy of my proposed plan for the Austrian National Guard.
All able-bodied men between the ages of sixteen to twenty will be required to undergo weekly training based upon military standards, including physical fitness, firearms training, and tactics. Of course, these men will be appropriately compensated for the time spent training in the militia.
W this said, I will leave this proposed bill for all of you to look over and discuss, however now more than ever, I think it is pertinent that we make sure that Austria is well protected from all internal and external threats.”
With these words spoken, the Chancellor left the podium and returned to his chateau in Kufstein, where he began to relax until an agreement could be made between the legislature and himself. He had nothing to do while the Reichstag debated among themselves, and as such he enjoyed a nice cup of coffee.
While Otto was enjoying his free time with leisure, Gunther was in the middle of looking over the proposal. It was by no means a poor idea, and he knew that Austria had the capability to supply the militia with the weapons necessary for their objectives. As such, he was in favor of the idea of establishing a National Militia.
After all, the garrisons spread throughout Austria were not enough to protect the fields and the village folk from a potential invasion. With this in mind, he looked over at the other representatives in a fierce debate with one another.
Many of them had sons that were within the age group listed and feared their children being forced to take up arms to defend the Nation should it come under attack. Gunther decided he would do his best to convince the Reichstag to agree to Chancellor Otto's terms.
The man shivered in anxiety as he approached the podium and tried to gain the attention of the arguing representatives.
”Excuse me...”
However, his actions went completely unnoticed; as such, he decided to steal his resolve and speak with some force behind his tone.
”Quiet down!”
When Gunther shouted these words at the top of his lungs, everyone finally noticed that someone was standing at the podium and was intrigued as such; Gunther cleared his throat before speaking in an authoritative voice.