Working as a police officer in Mexico

However, Siegmut List was just complaining; he didn't have the authority to manage local affairs.

Military interference in local matters is a taboo no matter where you are.

So, they didn't go to the state government but instead headed directly to the Southern War Zone Headquarters.

At the entrance, the guards checked their documents and allowed them through.

At the bottom of the building, Commander Erich Fagin, Chief of Staff Luigi Cardona, and others were already waiting.

As the car stopped and Siegmut List got out, the two immediately saluted.

Although the military ranks were the same, as Admirals, positions were different, and the Army Chief was, to a certain extent, half a rank above the zone commanders.

"Let's go upstairs; what's the situation?" Siegmut List's character was decisive and swift, skipping the usual pleasantries.

Erich Fagin paused, and a group of people headed upstairs.

"The rebels have gathered about 6,000 people, spanning more than 20 tribes. However, most are old, weak, women, and children. The able-bodied men with guns are only around 4,000," said Chief of Staff Luigi Cardona hurriedly. "Even though they are few in number, their combat style is very insidious, and they are hiding in the mountains and forests, making it difficult for us to use heavy weapons."

With that, they reached the operations command room, where a lieutenant opened the door, and the big shots went inside.

Inside was a vivid map and sand table, with every region marked with a code.

"What's your operational thinking?"

"Don't worry, I'm just here to inspect, the command is in your own hands."

"I'm simply responsible for coordination, and you can directly tell me if there's anything you need."

Siegmut List squinted his eyes, "But let me be upfront; if the battle goes poorly, I have to report it to the Supreme Leader."

Erich Fagin took a deep breath and glanced at his partner. Chief of Staff Luigi Cardona also looked grave as he took a baton from a subordinate.

"Those mountain tribes are not easy to deal with; they are more familiar and agile in the mountains, and they use various traps."

"We have reconnaissance soldiers who accidentally stepped on their traps; they are filled with bamboo spikes at least 40 centimeters long, which can directly pierce through a foot, and they are smeared with feces. Even if we bring them back for rescue immediately, they die from severe infection."

"So, we need to use specially made shoes that are not afraid of these bamboo spikes."

The aides behind Army Chief Siegmut List hurriedly recorded this.

"Alright, I'll pass this on to logistics and request that they submit a plan immediately."

Seeing his easygoing manner, Commander Erich Fagin also spoke up, "In fact, against this tactic, we can learn from our allies; they faced similar situations in 1979."

This was true.

Are the monkeys in North America not monkeys?

"Divide the area into sections, assign responsibility, the regiment divides the area, battalion divides the section, operating as a company unit, act as small groups to handle dispersion, and clear each mountain, each ditch, each cave—this is the first."

"Second: form the correct combat grouping. To implement the method for small groups to handle dispersion, the grouping method is to form assault teams (groups), firepower teams (groups), reserve teams (groups) in company, platoon, and squad formations, and attach recoilless rifles, heavy machine guns at the company and platoon levels, and rocket launchers and flamethrowers at the squad level so that each unit can independently and flexibly fight."

"Next is to encircle first and then annihilate, combining search and block. For areas where there might be many hidden enemies, concentrate forces to encircle and annihilate the enemy first by controlling key routes and occupying important points, cutting off enemy retreat paths, blocking enemy escape, and then gradually compressing the encirclement from the outside with the main force, attacking and annihilating the enemy."

"Fourth, which is the last, is to clear by day and ambush by night, repeatedly clear! Send out small squads to places like mountain passes, key routes, villages, and water sources at night to ambush the enemy."

Erich Fagin spoke a lot, got a bit thirsty, picked up the teacup beside him, and drank it all in one go. Who knows whose it was; he just drank it, afraid of poison, "With multiple strategies in place, I believe it's only a matter of time before we eliminate them."

"Of course, having a mentor would be best. After all, mountain jungle warfare theory is theory, and practice is practice. After being accustomed to large-scale bombardment and air support, some rookies haven't even had combat experience."

These words held some truth.

Honestly, if there was no other way, who would want to rely on iron will?

Relying on human waves is truly bloody.

But in mountain and forest warfare, even throwing chemicals is useless, and it's in the mountains; would you just burn it all down...?

So, you need a mentor.

War is essentially a journey of learning; if you are lax normally, you can only face death and defeat in the final exam. If you study well, read more books, and seek advice from teachers, it naturally will be different.

Be smart in warfare!

Siegmut List thought for a moment, "I'll convey this."

The high ranks of the Southern War Zone breathed a sigh of relief.

The atmosphere became lively.

Unnoticed, it was already past six in the evening...

"Commander, shouldn't it be time to eat?" Luigi Cardona nudged Erich Fagin, who checked the time; it was past six.

He slapped his forehead, "Sorry, sorry, I forgot. Have the canteen prepare a few more dishes."

A lieutenant at the door responded quickly, rushing downstairs.

It's not that they couldn't eat outside, but Victor had mandated that during military operations, no dining out was allowed, not for any rank, or there would be trouble.

No one dared gamble; you never know where those Thirteen Protectors are hiding.

Siegmut List was indeed hungry, "No need to be formal, just a quick bite will do."

The canteen's cooking was good; the culinary squad had some skills.

After eating and drinking to satisfaction, Siegmut List and Erich Fagin strolled along the track in the barracks.

"The Supreme Leader allows you to use restricted weapons, but chemical weapons and such need reporting."

"I've studied many templates of mountain warfare, and our ally's tactics are best suited for us; they're dealing with a state, while we are just dealing with a few thousand people, not worth showing off, but I think... you need to root out the problem!"

"Especially some boys; we eliminate their fathers, and even if we incorporate them per your plans, there's no guarantee they won't seek revenge. Some things ingrained in their nature are hard to discard."

Societal instability factors.

Siegmut List's pupils shrunk, "You need to be aware of what you're saying."

"Of course I know, and I'm very clear."

Erich Fagin calmly said, "Precisely because I'm clear, I know what means we need. Small ethnic groups facing large nations use slaughter to intimidate larger ethnic groups domestically, while larger groups need benefit distribution, but I think a butcher's knife is also necessary because small groups can go too far."

To this day... (Forget it, I'm afraid to say it.)

"Those mountain tribes still perform blood sacrifice; besides, the main reason Chiapas State's drug issue isn't eradicated is that many minority groups carry them by foot to Guatemala, Belize, and even Honduras."

"Wait until they realize the era has changed."

Siegmut List looked at the other, and Erich Fagin looked back, with deep and firm eyes.

"Finally, I understand why you all can become battle zone commanders, while I'm just a deputy. If not for Rudendorf's transfer, I wouldn't have risen."

Ruthless!

You all are truly ruthless.

"Wars will always be filled with uncertainties; post-war summaries will just have to be embellished then."

Erich Fagin smiled.

He's best at summarizing.

He's contemplating what methods to use...

Flattening the tires? Bicycle tires?

...