frightfiction Chapter 589 Zhang Chi is optimistic about the military industry
Chapter 589 Zhang Chi is optimistic about the military industry
Qi Quan was indeed stunned.
He originally thought that he had commanded a great victory in "Operation Thunder" and demonstrated his outstanding battle command ability. Next, when Nanyang formed an expeditionary force to march north to attack the Japanese mainland, Zhang Chi would inevitably entrust him with more important front-line command tasks.
That would be a chance to go down in history, but I didn't expect...
The commander-in-chief actually wanted to leave him in Sumatra to deal with a bunch of Japanese deserters and mosquitoes?
However, the soldier's duty and the absolute trust and awe he had formed in Zhang Chi over a long period of time instantly overwhelmed that slight sense of loss.
Qi Quan straightened his back almost reflexively, put on his military cap again, stood at attention, and gave Zhang Chi an impeccable military salute:
"Yes, Commander-in-Chief. I will obey your orders. I, General Qiquan, will ensure the completion of this mission. We will eliminate all remaining enemies on the island and ensure long-term peace and stability in Sumatra."
Without a trace of hesitation or a single unnecessary word, this swift and decisive obedience was itself a silent declaration of loyalty.
The smile on Zhang Chi's face became even wider, with sincere approval and a sense of relief that "I was right about the person."
As a leader, it is basic to have good relationships with subordinates. Now that Qi Quan can take on the work he assigned without complaining, Zhang Chi is of course happy.
He patted Qi Quan's shoulder again, even harder than before:
"Alright. I knew I could trust you with this. The enemy in Sumatra is already at the end of its rope, so what follows is the slow, methodical finishing touches. You're experienced and thoughtful, perfect for this. Just keep working hard and don't overthink it."
"This place and Borneo are related to the oil lifeline of the entire South Seas. Their strategic significance is no less than a new battle. Next, you will do two things: wipe out the Japanese invaders and plan how to seize Borneo."
"Also, I'm planning to form a group of native troops, prioritizing recruits from several local ethnic groups in Pegu. After a brief training, they'll be sent to Sumatra to suppress bandits. These people aren't of the same ethnicity as the local natives, so they won't hesitate to strike..."
In fact, Zhang Chi was also planning to immigrate the families of these natives who joined the army, or he was planning to carry out large-scale population adjustments to make room for the subsequent arrival of Chinese immigrants.
After explaining the task to Qi Quan, Zhang Chi added something meaningful, which was like painting a big picture for him: "Only by laying a solid foundation can you have a broader future."
Qi Quan's heart was shocked, and he tasted a deeper meaning from Zhang Chi's last words - this was not just a clearing mission, but also a comprehensive test and training of his governance ability, loyalty and strategic vision.
Sumatra may be a springboard for Qiquan to reach a higher stage, rather than the end point.
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After returning to Yangon, Zhang Chi immediately began a comprehensive survey of military industrial production.
Instead of sitting in a comfortable office to listen to the report, he went to the front line and came to the Nanyang Second Arsenal in Yangon, where he conducted an on-site inspection accompanied by the factory director and several core military experts.
Zhang Chi deliberately wore a dark gray work jacket, which did not look out of place with the surrounding factory environment.
When his eyes swept across the production line, all the engineers and technical workers who were watching him straightened their backs subconsciously.
"Please report on the main calibers and inventory of our army's small arms ammunition."
Kang Huojian, the General Logistics Director in charge of ammunition production and weapons inventory, immediately stepped forward, holding an open folder in his hand and said:
“According to the report, our military’s standard ammunition is currently divided into three main categories.
The .30-06 Springfield rifle cartridge (7.62x63mm) is primarily used in the M1 Garand, M1919 series heavy machine guns, and BAR automatic rifles, the mainstay of the Chinese military's service. Its ammunition production line is mature, with stable output and the largest inventory, including both domestically produced and authentic ammunition donated by White Eagle.
另外就是新的7.62x51mm弹，现命名为‘南洋51式步枪弹’。主要用于NTB44型战斗步枪（G3）和NTG44型通用机枪（MG3）的测试和小批量列装。”
Kang Huojian was talking about the NATO bullet in another timeline. In this parallel world, it was invented by a design unit under the Texas New Century Consortium, which is controlled by Zhang Chi's white gloves on the other side of the strait. It is currently competing for the next-generation standard ammunition of the White Eagle.
他继续道：“剩下的就是.45 ACP (11.43x23mm)手枪弹，主要用于汤姆森冲锋枪、M3冲锋枪及M1911手枪。库存量次之，但生产线同样完备。”
Kang Huojian paused, a trace of helplessness on his face:
"In addition, our army has a large amount of captured ammunition in its inventory. The Japanese .303 rounds (7.7mm), which are used for Enfield rifles and Bren light machine guns. The Japanese 6.5x50mm Arisaka rounds, which are used for Type 38 rifles and Type 99 light machine guns. The Japanese 7.7x58mm Type 99 rifle rounds, which are used for Type 99 rifles."
These were captured ammunition and weapons. Some were sold, and some were distributed to militias and Chinese immigrants for self-defense.
After all, Southeast Asia is a land of undeveloped mountains and forests, and there are definitely many kinds of ferocious beasts. If the immigrants who come to expand the land are not given guns, it will be very easy for various wild beasts to injure people.
But this has led to the fact that there are too many types of bullets circulating in Southeast Asia today.
Zhang Chi's military industry survey this time is to prepare to gradually unify bullet specifications and light weapons calibers.
He picked up a heavy .45 ACP bullet, then weighed the 9x19mm PA sample on the tray next to him, frowning slightly.
"The .45ACP has a good stopping power, but it has heavy recoil and a low magazine capacity, which puts a strain on soldiers, especially Chinese soldiers, in terms of maneuverability. The 9x19mm, while less powerful than the .45, has manageable recoil and nearly doubles the magazine capacity, making it more suitable for submachine guns and pistols. In the future, pistols and submachine guns in Southeast Asia should move closer to the 9x19mm caliber."
He put down the ammunition and glanced at the crowd. "As for rifle ammunition... the calibers are too complex and the logistical burden is too heavy. Frontline troops have to carry a variety of ammunition, and the rear-line supply, transportation, and storage pressures are enormous. In wartime, a good gun without suitable bullets is like a fire stick. This is absolutely unacceptable."
The factory director and experts nodded in agreement.
"Then... Commander-in-Chief, how should we unify?" the factory director asked cautiously.
Zhang Chi did not answer immediately. Instead, he walked to a production line where the M1 Garand rifle was being produced and watched the skilled workers assemble this weapon, which was once hailed as "the best rifle in World War II."
It is now 45 years later, World War II is about to end and the Cold War is about to begin. It is time to end an era.