Joseph raised a hand to signal the generals to calm down, then stepped to the front of the conference table and declared loudly:
"Please believe that France possesses the strength to defeat any enemy!
"I can assure you that before next February, the front lines will receive at least 150,000 additional troops, along with matching weapons and equipment, and more than 35,000 mules.
"With an endless stream of powerful mobilization, we will crush every opponent!"
All the officers were stunned, breaking into hushed discussion.
It was nearly November already. That meant the Crown Prince intended to recruit an army of 150,000 in just over three months!
One had to know that training recruits alone took three months. Even the General Staff Headquarters' "rapid training" program required nearly two months.
That left barely a month for recruitment.
Berthier said cautiously, "Your Highness, if we draw too heavily from the Local Forces, it will leave gaps in our domestic defenses. For example, the British might attempt a landing along the western coast."
In his estimation, the Crown Prince intended to strip the country of its 70,000 Local Forces and recruit another 80,000 new soldiers. It would still be difficult to complete such massive recruitment within three months, but that seemed to be the only option.
"No, you misunderstand." Joseph shook his head. "The domestic garrisons will not be reduced. All 150,000 troops will be newly recruited."
Berthier frowned. "Your Highness, I'm afraid that would be rather..."
Joseph cut him off firmly. "Have the General Staff Headquarters prepare the defensive deployments for the end of the year. I will handle the rest.
"Next February, we will launch a counterattack across the entire front."
That afternoon, Joseph left Mantua and returned to Paris by carriage.
Verona.
Austrian Army Headquarters.
Spread before Archduke Karl