An hour later.
With his left arm in a sling across his chest, Scharnhorst said to William III, "While promoting commoner officers, we must also dismiss aristocratic officers of inadequate ability.
"In the wars I have experienced firsthand, I have seen countless times how the incompetence of mid- and lower-ranking officers led to the collapse of local battlefields. What the nation needs are officers who can command, who are brave and fearless, and who can read—oh, and preferably understand mathematics as well. Not incompetent fools who only know how to flaunt their birth and whip soldiers all day..."
Scharnhorst had broken his wrist during the retreat from Glogau and could only withdraw to Pozztan to recuperate. It was precisely because of this that he had the opportunity to explain his ideas for military reform to Prince Heinrich.
Having fought alongside Frederick the Great, the latter immediately realized that this was exactly what the Prussian Army needed most at present.
And the only way to save Prussia.
Yet William III silently shook his head upon hearing this.
"The nobility is the foundation of the army. They have shed blood and given their lives for the nation; how can they be dismissed merely because they cannot read? And to let commoners climb over their heads? Besides, how could those commoners possibly have the ability to command an army?"
The young staff officer immediately said, "Your Majesty is wise. We absolutely cannot casually dismiss aristocratic officers who have made contributions, but illiteracy truly has a great impact on commanding in battle—they cannot even understand written orders.
"Therefore, we must give those aristocrats of insufficient ability a path to improve—let them enter military academies to study. They must pass the graduation assessment before they can continue serving."
William III frowned slightly. "We have many