718: Chapter 718 Promotion of Veteran Units

The Commander of the Second Regiment, who had been fuming with indignation and grievance just a moment ago, saw the expression on his face shift as rapidly as flipping the pages of a book.

From initial burning rage to skepticism, then to sudden realization, and finally transforming completely into uncontrollable excitement and ecstasy, his entire face flushed slightly with agitation.

Deputy Division Commander... straight to Division Commander!

In the previously stable and rigid border defense system, this was not just impossible; one wouldn't even dare to dream of such a thing.

In those old-brand military units, the hierarchy was strictly walled off, and promotion could only happen step-by-step; one slow step meant being slow at every step. Being able to touch the threshold of a Deputy Division Commander in this lifetime would already be considered a great blessing.

But now, because of this sudden organizational restructuring, because of this brand-new Independent Military Region, and because of that new Commander who held great power, he actually had the chance to leapfrog levels and take command of a division's military power.

And the probability was truly not small.

Having thought it all through, the resentment in the Second Regiment Commander's heart vanished instantly, replaced by sheer luck and excitement. He even marveled secretly in his heart.

"A good transfer! A correct reorganization! This restructuring is absolutely right!"

If he could seize this opportunity, his military career in this lifetime would step directly onto a brand-new stage he had never dared to hope for.

It wasn't just the previously resentful Second Regiment Commander; the surrounding crowd of officers and soldiers at all levels, after hearing this thorough analysis, all replaced their expressions with eager anticipation, their eyes shimmering with longing for the future.

Everyone knew how rare an opportunity to promote officers in bulk was within the Empire's military system, where Ranks were strict and promotion channels were solidified.

Normally, one would grind for seniority, fight for military merit, and wait for vacancies, often failing to move a single position for several years; many spent half their lives stuck at one Rank, unable to advance an inch.

Now, having encountered the rare opportunity of the formation of a brand-new Independent Military Region and a large-scale expansion of forces, if one couldn't grasp it firmly, they would likely live in regret for the rest of their lives.

It was precisely because of this hope-filled analysis that word spread like wildfire among the garrison troops of the Fade Galaxy Cluster and the Lulande Galaxy Cluster.

The officers and soldiers, who were originally full of doubt and unease regarding the reorganization, instantly cleared away the gloom, and the entire barracks was enveloped in a jubilant, eager-to-try atmosphere.

Compared to the heavy atmosphere at the Lipugong Supercluster Administrative Center, where clouds of worry hung low and everyone feared their interests would be damaged, the two border units were practically welcoming a grand celebration in advance. Everyone was rubbing their hands in anticipation, waiting for the new Commander to arrive and for their own promotion opportunities to descend.

...

Meanwhile, on the vast and deep interstellar routes, an orderly interstellar fleet was breaking through dark nebulae, sailing at full speed toward the Lipugong Supercluster.

The hulls of the fleet were emblazoned with the brand-new insignia of the Independent Military Region's Pioneer Army, looking majestic and well-ordered.

This unit was none other than the main force of The 19th Division, led by Li Yang himself and transferred from the original Homeland Security Force sequence.

Inside the Commander's office on the top floor of the fleet's flagship, the space was spacious and bright. The surrounding walls were covered by massive holographic light screens, displaying real-time navigation data, fleet positions, and marching progress.

Li Yang, in a crisp black military uniform, stood tall in front of the largest light screen in the center. His expression was serious and solemn, and his fingertips occasionally tapped the light screen to make annotations.

On the light screen, a long list of names was densely arranged. It included not only his long-time confidants like He Dong and Pal but also the names of various chief officers from the 427th and 428th Divisions who were about to be integrated, as well as information on reserve officers reported by the military headquarters. Every name was marked with their resume, military merit, Rank, and specialized Domain.

Looking at the complex personnel structure before him, Li Yang frowned slightly, a flash of imperceptible hesitation crossing his eyes.

The Independent Military Region was newly established, and there were many vacancies in key positions such as division Commanders, regiment Commanders, and chiefs of staff. Every appointment concerned the stability and future combat power of the troops, so he had to be extremely cautious.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Yang withdrew his gaze and pressed the communicator at the corner of the desk.

"Notify He Dong and Pal to come to my office immediately."

Not long after, the office door was pushed open gently.

He Dong and Pal walked in with synchronized steps and stood straight respectfully as soon as they entered.

Since Li Yang's formal appointment was issued and the Nineteenth Division was incorporated into the Independent Military Region's Pioneer Army, He Dong had completely changed his form of address. He no longer called him "Division Commander" but spoke with a solemn and respectful tone.

"Commander, did you send for us?"

Li Yang turned sideways to make room, gesturing toward the massive holographic personnel light screen in front of him, and said to the two of them in a steady and solemn voice.

"Come and take a look at this preliminary personnel appointment plan I've drafted. If there's anything inappropriate or poorly considered, feel free to speak plainly."

As his voice fell, He Dong and Pal immediately took a step forward, their gazes landing simultaneously on the light screen.

The light screen clearly listed the proposed positions for the high-level officers of the original Nineteenth Division. It was well-organized with clear authorities, and every appointment had been carefully weighed by Li Yang.

To take one point as an example, the former Fourth Regiment Commander Siraf and Fifth Regiment Commander Xilagu—brothers who had fought side-by-side for many years—were promoted directly by Li Yang, each proposed for the position of division Commander. Several other regiment and deputy regiment Commanders with outstanding combat records also had heavy responsibilities, all ranked in division-level command positions.

Seeing their slightly surprised expressions, Li Yang spoke calmly, revealing his overall considerations.

"Although we currently hold the organizational status of a corps, we only have three divisions in total. Our manpower is severely lacking and cannot possibly support the responsibilities and scale of an Independent Military Region. After we arrive at the Lipugong Supercluster and take our positions, my first step will be to push for a comprehensive expansion. Conservatively, we need to expand to at least a hundred divisions to meet the multiple needs of defense, pioneering, and stability maintenance."

He paused, tapped the light screen with his fingertip, and continued.

"For these newly added core positions like division Commanders, Deputy Division Commanders, and chiefs of staff, I don't plan to bring in people from the outside for now. I will prioritize promotions from within our Nineteenth Division. These regiment and deputy regiment Commanders who have gone through life and death with me are all solid colonels. They have combat records, ability, and loyalty. Using them is the most reassuring and the best way to ensure the unit's cohesion."

In the Empire's conventional military system, promotion rules had always been strict.

Regiment Commanders were generally of colonel rank. To step into the higher-ranking division Commander position, one usually had to cross the threshold into general Ranks, at least being promoted to major general, to be qualified to command a division's forces.

Li Yang had been the only exception back then, serving as a division Commander as a colonel by breaking Rank—a rare promotion record in the military headquarters.

And this time, he was clearly going to open an unprecedented promotion path for his old subordinates.