"This time, our most important objective in going to the Orange Free State is to watch more, learn more, and think more—especially to analyze the tactics of the Orange people and the Transvaalers. East Africa is politically stable now, with no wars to fight, while military academy graduates who entered the army in the past could continually temper themselves through small-scale conflicts."
In recent years, East Africa had indeed become far more peaceful than before. Though there had been no major wars in the past, there had been plenty of minor ones, and accordingly, opportunities for actual combat had diminished considerably.
That was also why East Africa had sent people to the Orange Free State to study this time. Of course, another purpose was to observe and learn the fighting methods of the Orange people and the Transvaalers.
That way, if East Africa entered the Orange Free State next time, it could know both itself and its enemy, and remain undefeated in a hundred battles.
Colonel William continued, "Of course, learning and practical experience are one aspect. More importantly, you must first ensure your own safety. Make reasonable use of your identity as nationals of a third country. Do only what advisors should do; do not cross the line. If you encounter uncontrollable danger, there is no shame in surrendering. But you cannot expose your East African nationality. Remember, from now on, you are all people of the Austro-Hungarian Empire."
If the other side learned that this group of officers were East Africans, the Transvaalers might well do something irrational. Using the identities of other countries instead would be much better.
Seeing that he had said enough, Colonel William ordered, "Set off!"
After several days, the military advisory group arrived at Winburg, the largest military fortress on the southern African