Organising the Army (2)

Jon continued further. On the next line Jon wrote C×5.

"Five such companies will form a Regiment. A Regiment, which will contain around 2,500 men, will be headed by an Assistant Commander."

Jon drew a hyphen and wrote. ASSISTANT COMMANDER (REGIMENT) next to C×5.

Jon continued and wrote R×5 on the next line.

He said, "Five Regiments will be combined to form a Battalion. A Battalion, which will consist of around 12,500 men, will be headed by a Commander."

Jon drew a hyphen and wrote. COMMANDER (BATTALION) next to R×5.

"A Battalion will be our standard unit for planning when we go to war," Jon added. "I know our army currently does not even number 10,000, but it would not be staying that way forever."

Looking toward Freydron, Jon said, "Freydron, you will hold the post of Commander."

Freydron immediately rose from his seat and bent to one knee.

"Thank you, My Lord," he said, pride evident in his voice.

Having lived nearly his entire life as a slave, never acknowledged for his work, this kind of responsibility meant everything to him. In this moment, he felt truly honoured and privileged.

Jon nodded. "Get up."

Freydron stood and resumed his seat. Though his expression remained mostly unchanged, Jon did not miss the subtle pride and delight that flickered across his face.

"In the future, as our army grows, more Commanders will be appointed," Jon said. "Above them will be the position of General. Although I have someone in mind for that post, it will remain vacant for now."

Freydron nodded and said, "My Lord, I must say that while this army structure is quite simple, it is very ingenious."

"Decision making and executing plans during wars will be far easier with this streamlined chain of command."

Behind Jon, Slyvia and Jelerion, though lacking military backgrounds or deep understanding of strategy, could still see the merit in Freydron's words.

Jon placed the parchment he had been writing on to his side and picked up a fresh sheet.

"Now that we are done with organizing the army, I will move on to dividing its functions," Jon said. "The biggest reason soldiers often suffer defeat, especially in closely matched battles, is because they are not properly trained for the specific tasks they are forced to perform."

"Even the best soldiers are useless if not trained for the exact role they are meant to play."

"Perhaps men who have never set foot on a ship are forced into naval combat, leaving them at a huge disadvantage. Similarly, men who know nothing of siege warfare may be ordered to take a fortress, they would be utterly clueless,"

Jon continued.

"A man who has ridden horses all his life would not make a brilliant infantryman, and foot soldiers will never lead a devastating cavalry charge."

"That is why I will divide my army by specific roles. They will train according to these roles, adapt to them, and strive to achieve mastery in their particular fields."

Jon wrote on the parchment.

Navy Warfare – Regiment.

"A Regiment of 2,500 men under an Assistant Commander will be dedicated solely to learning naval warfare," Jon said.

Freydron seemed about to speak, but Jon cut him off. "I know we do not yet have enough ships to build a proper navy. But that problem will be short-lived."

"I will find a way to acquire ships. Until then, the men can study strategy and naval tactics. Seek out sailors accustomed to the sea to gain experience and insight. In the future, we will provide this Navy Regiment with better resources and skilled trainers."

Freydron nodded, his concerns eased.

"This is only the beginning, Freydron. We certainly would not be limited to such a small navy forever," Jon added as an afterthought.

Freydron simply replied, "Yes, My Lord."

Jon leaned down again and wrote.

Assassination – Company.

"A Company of 500 men under a Company Commander will be trained in the art of assassination. Wars are not always won in open combat. Sometimes victory is secured in the shadows of the night, or through the enemy's ignorance," Jon said.

"These 500 men will be trained specifically for this purpose. I do not care if they cannot hold their spears or swords properly. They might not even have a good stance in a duel. What I care about is their ability to kill. They can use poison or prostitutes, swords or daggers, needles or spears. They can burn the target or drown them in seas. I do not care."

"What matters is that they eliminate our enemies," Jon declared firmly.

"Yes, My Lord," Freydron responded, awe written across his face. Jon Snow had done nothing extraordinary in that moment, yet the way he spoke, the sheer weight of his presence, stirred deep respect in Freydron.

Jon once more began to write, and the other three in the room watched eagerly to see what came next.

He wrote.

Infiltration and Strategizing – Company.

"Another Company will be trained in infiltration and strategy. How to penetrate enemy camps or fortresses? How to breach a defensive line of an enemy? How to subdue an enemy with minimal losses," Jon said.

"They will learn how to craft strategies, to find ways to strike the enemy where he feels safest. They will be the ones to open the gates for our armies by hook or by crook. They will be the brains of our force," Jon declared.

"Not all of them need to be fierce warriors. Even if their bodies are feeble or they are of old age, it does not matter so long as their minds work properly."

Freydron nodded in agreement. He deeply understood the importance of good plans and clever strategy in war. A solid plan or a skilled infiltration unit could breach even the mightiest fortress, while a poor plan could see an entire army slaughtered before it ever reached the walls.

He felt his blood stir with excitement. Though he had already been grateful to Jon for the liberation he brought, he had not been certain of Jon's greatness, especially when Jon had declared he would build an empire greater than anything the world had ever seen.

But in this moment, Freydron felt he was witnessing the foundation of an army that could trample the entire world. It was then he decided to give his full devotion to the man sitting before him.

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