Oscar laid out specific requirements for the Army's reform, leaving the subsequent matters to the War Ministry and the Army General Staff. He believed that Field Marshal Falkenhayn would handle everything well.
Although Field Marshal Falkenhayn was no longer young, by convention, he could still serve another eight or ten years without any problem. His health was also fairly good. Therefore, Oscar believed that within the next decade, Field Marshal Falkenhayn would certainly be able to complete the Army's reform according to his requirements.
After the Army came the Navy.
"Whether in scale or combat strength, the Imperial Navy is unquestionably the strongest in the world. However, we must admit that with the development of technology, a large number of the Imperial Navy's warships are no longer suited to future naval warfare!" Oscar said.
A trace of gloom flashed through the eyes of the Imperial Navy's admirals and generals present. They had long learned of Oscar's intentions through other channels. They also knew that his approach would only make the German Navy stronger. Still, retiring so many Capital Ships at once left a bitter taste in their hearts.
"Among the Imperial Navy's Capital Ships, apart from the five Kaiser-class Battleships, five Bavaria-class Battleships, three Derfflinger-class Battlecruisers, and three Mackensen-class Battlecruisers, all the rest will be retired!" Oscar said.
With that, the Imperial Navy would have only sixteen Capital Ships left. Of course, even so, the Imperial Navy's strength would remain unquestionably the strongest in the world. These Capital Ships were all powerful vessels equipped with 50-caliber 380mm Main Guns. No country could stand against the German Navy.
"Your Majesty, after the Imperial Navy is streamlined, its strength will still rank first in the world. But if we are to safeguard the Empire's overseas interests, it seems somewhat insufficient!" Grand Admiral