Chapter 159
Chapter 159: Innovation
Professor Anton Perutz's work in East Africa would continue to explore his ideas over the next few years. However, alongside his scientific research, he was also tasked with a critical mission: finding ways to increase agricultural production and improve crops in East Africa. This mission came directly from Ernst, who expected the research institutes he funded to serve the East African colonies.
To achieve this goal, Ernst had several plans to revitalize the Hechingen Military Academy into a professional military institution. The academy had undergone significant changes since its inception, evolving from a military school to a more general educational institution, primarily focused on language translation and technical education for East Africa. Now, Ernst aimed to refocus its mission.
1. **School System**: Ernst intended to return to a more traditional three-year system, eliminating the crash courses and establishing a structured curriculum for the students. The high demand for language translators in East Africa had decreased as German education took hold, reducing the need for language education within the academy.
2. **Innovation in Teaching Materials**: The textbooks used at the Hechingen Military Academy were originally written by Ernst himself, but they required significant modifications to include more professional knowledge and courses. While certain foundational teachings would remain, the curriculum needed to be updated.
3. **Teaching Staff**: Ernst planned to recruit retired non-commissioned officers from the Prussian army to serve as instructors at the academy. This move would significantly enhance the quality of education and provide students with practical military insights.
4. **Training Ground**: A proper training ground was essential for military education. Ernst intended to allocate a large area in Hechingen with diverse terrain to establish a training ground where students could conduct realistic exercises and training with live ammunition.
To kickstart these changes, Ernst began by assessing the current student body at the Hechingen Military Academy. Some students had been transferred from the Hechingen Cultural School, while others came directly from East Africa. Ernst organized an exam to assess their knowledge and skills, with those passing the test remaining at the academy.
For those who did not meet the requirements, Ernst had two plans. Younger students were sent back to the Hechingen Cultural School for further education and development, while older students were sent directly to East Africa for employment.
Ernst also planned to recruit teaching staff and acquire teaching materials from various German states, as they could offer diverse perspectives and expertise in military matters. While these talents might have different military philosophies, Ernst believed that as long as their teaching remained within the realm of military science and did not interfere with the students' ideological development, such differences could be tolerated.
Overall, Ernst was determined to transform the Hechingen Military Academy into a professional institution that would produce highly skilled military personnel for the East African colonies. Practical training and a structured curriculum were essential components of this transformation.