"How was the rest last night?" Major General Marshall, who served as chief of staff of the United States Army Front, said to Colonel William Daniel Leach sitting next to him. Just a few days ago, they returned to the country on behalf of the Army and the Navy and then received government inquiries.

On the way, Colonel Lexi was worried about the accusation of the Navy against the Army, which did not happen. Major General Marshall of the Army also treated him very well, and the issues discussed were limited to military and situations, without any personal feelings, which made Colonel Lexi full of favorable feelings for Marshall.

"It's okay." Colonel Lexi said with a smile.

"Do you know what the core issue of this talk?" Marshall asked.

"This, it's not good for us to discuss this issue now, right?" Colonel Lexi said embarrassingly after looking at the US government staff driving in front.

"Nothing, you represent the Navy, I represent the Army, we are discussing some issues on behalf of the military and government, so now we discuss some issues first and nothing." Major General Marshall said indifferently.

"Do you know, this time the meeting was His Excellency the President, His Vice President, the Secretary of State and the Deputy Minister of the Navy. In fact, this talk will not make much changes to the battle level, because although our level is limited, we are definitely the most capable commander in the United States of America's military at present. If we are replaced, the US Navy and Army will be completely led by an outsider, and the President has participated in the Spanish-American War, so he will not make such a mistake." Marshall said half-seriously and half-jokingly.

"You seem to be very relaxed, but too. Overall, it is not easy for the army to achieve such a record under extremely unfavorable conditions in such island operations," said Colonel Leach. This is not entirely a compliment. The performance of the US Army is much better than that of the Navy, and even the Germans praised it. Therefore, in this question, Marshall, as the representative of the Army, had no pressure at all. But the Navy is different. If there are 10 blames to be taken so far in this battle, the Navy will have to bear 8 of them!

"Relax, General Benson has taken all the responsibility, so the entire navy can be lightly put on the battlefield without worrying about responsibility. I just got some news that the government wants to know how we can try not to rely on the help of the Germans to win this war. It is not that General Su Xiong did not do his best. On the contrary, they did better than all of us, but as a big country, we need to sharpen the sword in our hands to sharpen it. This is the largest war the United States has experienced in decades. We are not only for the sake of interests and revenge, but also to show our strength to the world." Marshall said.

"So, do you mean we have to build a fast fleet ourselves to gradually replace the Germans? However, what I want to say is that this process may take some time, and because of the lack of excellent commanders and experienced officers and soldiers, our newly established fleet's combat effectiveness may not be comparable to that of the Suxiong fleet. If we encounter the previous war again, we may pay a greater price." Colonel Lexi said.

"But we always have to sell the first step, right? As long as you agree with this, the rest is not very important. Whether it is buying or building warships or equipping with relevant personnel, all issues can be discussed." Marshall said meaningfully. In fact, he had already hinted that Colonel Leacher this time, the US government only wanted the military to have an attitude. As for how to buy warships, which country's warships are purchased, how to organize and train them, they are still left to the military for handling. At least, the news Marshall got is like this.

"What do you think of the joint combat plan I proposed before?" Colonel Lexi asked. Since the navy and army leaders all said that this battle must continue, how to fight together is a matter of discussion. On this issue, the Navy put forward its own view that during the period when the Japanese fleet left the front line and returned to the rear to supply and repair, the Navy will cooperate with the army to seize several crucial locations and establish an airport to obtain air supremacy in the battle. Once this goal can be achieved, unless there is a long period of bad weather, the Japanese joint fleet will be at an absolute disadvantage near New Ireland.

"We agree in principle, but only if we have to regain enough supplies, and you know, we lost a lot of transport ships in this battle, even if it was the United States, it would take some time to recover," Marshall said.

"I'll feel relieved with you." Colonel Lexi said.

The conversation between the two did not last long. After arriving at the White House, the two followed government officials into the famous Oval Office. Here they met the core of the US government, President Roosevelt, Vice President Taft, Secretary of State Lansing, and Deputy Admiral Roosevelt Jr.

"Our navy has shortcomings, we lack our own fast fleet. Before, we thought the Germans could help us get everything done, but unfortunately, they are not omnipotent. So, we should immediately build our own fast fleet. What do you think?" After a simple greeting, Old Roosevelt quickly threw out today's topic.

"The Navy is very supportive and has some plans for this," said Colonel Lech.

"Tell me," Old Roosevelt was very satisfied with Colonel Leach.

"First of all, in terms of self-built fast battleships, we believe that the newly started Lexington-class battlecruiser does not meet our needs. It has a very fast speed and strong firepower, but unfortunately, the defense is too poor. The navy cannot accept any main ship with an armor thickness of less than 12 inches, not to mention that the Lexington-class side-string armor is only 7 inches, which is unacceptable." Colonel Lexi said.

"From the Navy's perspective, we only want to receive a side string defense level with a vertical thickness of more than 360MM or a 305MM armor plate tilted by 15 degrees below this standard, and the Navy's fleet may consider rejecting it. This is a consensus among senior leaders, including General Sims," ​​said the Colonel.

"The Lexington class has been in operation for a long time. If this warship is abandoned, it will undoubtedly be a huge waste of resources from the United States." said Roosevelt Jr., the deputy chief of the Navy.
Chapter completed!