I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 826: "Parthian Shot" Archery Tactics

The "rolling" defense tactic has been practiced by the US Army several times.

Initially, Pershing did not quite understand.

Perhaps because of his long-term study of Shire's tactics, he was habitually trying to apply the armored army penetration tactics used by Shire, hoping to learn this strategy.

"I thought tanks should be used for offense, Vice Admiral," Pershing said. "We should be looking to attack the enemy's weak spots with armored units, not use them for... this kind of defensive tactic!"

Shire reminded him: "American characteristics, General, think of American characteristics!"

Pershing still did not understand:

"But even with American characteristics, we shouldn't change direction completely."

"Please forgive me, Vice Admiral, I'm not questioning your ideas."

"I'm just saying, it's hard to accept, I mean, it's changing from offensive to defensive!"

Shire was not in a hurry and handed Pershing a cup of coffee, inviting him to sit in a chair: "Before explaining further, we can discuss another issue first, are you familiar with the Tatars?"

(Note: In Europe, the nomadic peoples of the Mongolian steppe are collectively called "Tatars")

"Of course." Pershing nodded. "I also know they reached the Danube River."

Most people acquainted with military affairs study Mongolian tactics, and Pershing was no exception.

"Then you must know about the 'Parthian shot' tactic." Shire asked again.

The so-called "Parthian shot" is what the Romans called it. It's essentially "kite flying": maintaining a long-distance attack with archery while always keeping distance from the enemy, avoiding close combat until the enemy is exhausted, and then counterattacking.

Pershing suddenly realized: "You mean, we can use armored units to employ the 'Parthian shot' tactic?"

"Why not?" Shire responded with a question. "Tactics are universal; it's just replacing horses with tanks, bows with machine guns and artillery. Everything else remains the same and doesn't need to change."

Pershing pondered for a while, eventually nodding slowly, seemingly accepting this tactic.

"It fits well with the situation of the US Army," Shire continued his analysis:

"With the support of your country's strong industry, it's foreseeable that your army will have advanced, reliable, and large-scale equipment, along with plenty of ammunition and shells."

"So, why should you directly confront the enemy, why not choose a tactic with fewer casualties?"

"On the other hand, the enemy will suffer continuous casualties while pursuing you and become an exhausted army."

Pershing's eyes started to light up, as he listened more, he found Shire's words more reasonable: "You're right, Vice Admiral, this is indeed the tactic we need. I was foolish not to think of this."

"Then..."

"Of course, Vice Admiral." Pershing nodded with certainty: "We will start with this tactic."

Then he shook hands excitedly with Shire:

"Thank you very much, Vice Admiral, for tailoring a set of tactics for us."

"There are many concepts in it that I wouldn't have dared to imagine." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"If we devised these tactics on our own, it would inevitably come at the cost of blood and lives."

"You're welcome, General," Shire replied. "We are allies; we have shared interests."

In fact, this tactic taught to the US Army could only work under specific circumstances.

Shire always kept a wary eye on the US Army.

He knew that when the volunteer army fought the US Army in the future, they usually used front-line ambushes. Once the bugle sounded, both infantry forces would become entangled, rendering the US Army's artillery and tanks ineffective, far from reaching the "Parthian shot" phase.

...

On the road from Toul to Lefrancois, General Hutier rode in an EV4 armored command vehicle, braving the rain alongside his troops.

He allowed the vehicle to rock continuously while his eyes remained fixed on the unfolded map in his hands.

On the map, several red lines and numbers marked the directions and positions of various advancing units.

If it were another battle, General Hutier might have left the command to his subordinates and stayed at headquarters.

But this time, the opponent was Shire, the undefeated legend on the battlefield. This battle even pertained to the fate of Germany, and Hutier dared not slack off in the slightest.

A sidecar motorcycle turned around from the rear and caught up, as the signaler, amid the rain, handed over a telegram wrapped in waterproof cloth: "General, the First Tank Division has reached Verdun, requesting the next step."

Hutier did not take the telegram, merely responded with "Hmm," and shifted his gaze to Verdun on the map.

The staff officer took the telegram, examined it, and then looked to Hutier with an inquisitive expression.

The original plan was to attack Verdun, but Hutier delayed issuing the command, causing the First Tank Division to arrive at the attack site while the artillery was not in place.

What the staff officer did not know was that Hutier was caught in a dilemma.

He originally estimated that Shire's forces would move to reinforce, allowing the German Army to pin down Shire's troops by attacking Verdun.

On the other side, the German Army could then cross the Meuse River to attack Mezieres. At that point, the French Army would find themselves outflanked on three sides with vulnerabilities everywhere, leaving retreat as their only option.

However, Shire's forces remained completely stationary: the Armored Division at Verdun, Mechanized Division and two motorized divisions at Bicangxi.

If the German Army attacked Mezieres, Shire would have enough time and troops to move to reinforce.

What to do now?

Follow the original plan to attack Verdun?

Verdun was a tough nut to crack, with fortresses and defenses constructed all over the high ground, along with Shire's First Armored Division.

Even if the German Army attacked from behind the lines and held a numerical advantage, it would remain challenging to seize it quickly.

No, it couldn't risk being stalled at Verdun.

Otherwise, everything would be over once enemy reinforcements arrived.

With this in mind, Hutier turned to the staff officer, ordering: "Change the plan, bypass Verdun, advance to Reims."

"Yes," the staff officer responded, relaying the order.

But before long, the signaler brought another piece of intelligence: "General, we are under enemy blockade near Lefrancois."

Hutier's eyes lit up, and he looked up to ask, "Shire's forces?"

"No, General." The staff officer glanced at the telegram, "It's the Americans."

Hutier sighed in disappointment.

Shire, indeed, kept still at the central line of defense in Bicangxi, leaving no gap for the German Army.

Then a hint of anger flashed in Hutier's eyes.

Shire maneuvered the US Army to defend; did he think that these units trained for just over a month could block the Eighteenth Army Group?

Hutier gritted his teeth and "hummed," thinking perhaps Shire didn't consider him worthy as an opponent!

"Defeat them!" Hutier ordered in a deep voice. "Advance along the predetermined route and capture Reims at full speed!"

"Yes, General."

Hutier cast his gaze out the window, looking distantly at the Meuse River surging northwards, muttering to himself, "This is a mistake, and you will pay for it!"