Franz had been forced into making this decision. The Austrian army had just suppressed domestic rebellions, crushed the Kingdom of Sardinia, and incidentally intervened in the Papal States.
He now had several hundred thousand veteran soldiers who had seen blood. Anyone with even a little military common sense knew how precious veterans with extensive combat experience were.
This meant the Austrian army's combat strength was at its peak, no weaker than that of any other country in this era.
If they missed this window and the blooded veterans all retired, the Austrian army's combat effectiveness would gradually decline as well.
No matter how rigorous the training, it could not compare to sending soldiers through the crucible of the battlefield. After fighting several victorious campaigns, they would become proud soldiers and fierce generals.
How could Franz possibly give up such an enormous advantage? Besides, the Austrian military's old generals were already growing old. If they did not fight now, they would not even have the chance to give off their last glow.
Take Marshal Radetzky, for example. He was already in his eighties. Even if he was still hale and hearty in old age, Franz did not feel at ease letting him lead troops on the front lines.
At this time, these old men could still coordinate and command from the General Staff. But in another eight or ten years, Franz would have no choice but to accept the reality of Austria's famous generals withering away.
It was a cycle. No country could remain at its peak forever. If they did not complete their arrangements now, the risks would increase greatly if they acted in the future.
It was not that the Austrian army had no successors. The problem was that famous generals were forged on the battlefield. Without proving himself