Reichsreform (Army of the Empire)

[m_1512]

A permanent standing army which will be always at the ready to fight for the Empire. The Army would be constituted by the States of the Empire, all of whom are members of the Reichstag. The upkeep would be paid by the States. The army would be under the command of the Reichstag, who may appoint any other sub-commanders.

[m_1512]

OOC Info: Debate for 2 days, then voting for 2 days.

[Jokern]

I don't think that this would be necessary. The states of the Empire can take care of themselves and will have enough trouble with upkeep of their own armies. I don't support this.

[m_1512]

Alexander stands up.
I agree that the states can stand up for themselves. But can the Reich, as a whole?

[General Brewster]

I would see a aw where the armies of nobles are more or less forced to join the imperial army when needed.

[Jokern]

Mein Kaiser, Let me put forward a list of ideas I have made:

• The armies of the States of the Holy Roman Empire shall serve their respective states when the Empire is at peace.
• When the Empire is at war shall all armies of the States of the Holy Roman Empire unite into the Army of the Holy Roman Empire.
• The Army of the Holy Roman Empire will be under the central command of the Reichstag.
• The Reichstag shall appoint sub-commanders, but they will only have power when the Empire is at war.
• The Holy Roman Empire shall be split into five Regional Commands, the North, the South, the East, the West and the Center. Each Regional Command will be under the command of a sub-commander.
• The States within each Regional Command will serve the appointed commander of that region. [Example: the County of Firenze and the County of Lombardy are a part of the Regional Command of the South, therefore they serve the Commander of the South in times of war.]
• The sub-commanders shall answer to an Imperial Commander that plan the major strategy of the Army of the Holy Roman Empire.
• The Imperial Commander is Chief-of-Staff, but serve the Reichstag and the Commander-in-Chief.
• The Kaiser is Commander-in-Chief.

[m_1512]

Alexander raises an eyebrow.
Surely a simpler solution would be what I just suggested.

[Rhapture]

Count Friedrich raises a question.

"And where shall this army be based? "

[m_1512]

Alexander speaks in a clear voice.
Wherever necessary. Might I remind everyone that it takes time to muster an army, and even more so during the war. That is why I suggest this move. Also, I do not ask for your entire armies, just some troops.

[The Stig]

"The Kaiser already has the right to demand troops from the states at will, as well as the money to pay a force of his own, potentially far larger than anything we could muster. This proposal seems at best superfluous and at worst outright tyrannical. I do not see the need for any legislature on the subject. The Kaiser has his own men, as do the states. Neither one of them would allow enemies to attack their lands without responding."

[m_1512]

Alexander sighs.
It is a common knowledge that the Imperial army numbers 25,000. But has anyone noticed that 3/4 of that army is loaned? the moment I step down, those troops go home. And the Imperial army is at best 5,000.

[ForteS]

The Empire needs an army! It's the best way to defend our mutual interests. I support the Kaizer!

[O'Ciarain]

Having sat back and listened to the arguments, Count Bojan stood and finally delivered his own thoughts. "The Emperor puts forth a good point, and I agree with him. We need a standing army in order to keep ourselves, and our Empire, protected. Not every County or province has enough of a force to defend itself from invaders, but with a standing army, it would be much easier to dispatch the troops and have garrisoned forts along our borders."

[m_1512]

It is time for the vote.

[MarcoRossolini]

Jan stands: "I would seriously question the wisdom of implementing a standing army at the present as we have not spoken of whether the empire's treasury can afford such a cost, nor of the other dangers of a standing army at this time. Who would command it? Would it be someone who has gained the post through highbirth or by their strength in the field? I would want a proven commander at the head of our forces. I cannot countenance a force led by a man with his own interests in mind. What is to say he won't turn the army against all of us and secure power for himself, we would be powerless to resist. I sense also that many of our high lords are using this as an excuse to offload much the expense they are currently incurring on their private armies onto the state, so that the state will pay for their protection. Sirs, I say that we must keep our system of levies as whilst it lowers the effectiveness of our own forces somewhat, it ensures that no Lord becomes too powerful and ensures that when the forces are needed to defend the empire, they are right there and that we do not lose output from the crops."
Jan sits.