Cash-Loaded Fleet

Chapter 8 - HRD Also Depends on Money

"By the way, whether it's a shipyard or an airfield construction, it requires manpower. The construction machinery I mentioned earlier is one aspect, but in addition to that, various vehicles like trucks for transporting materials and personnel are necessary. However, unlike in the United States, there are too few people in Japan who can operate these. So, why don't we create something like an automotive school within the Navy that includes the handling of construction machinery? Of course, we'll provide the funding for the establishment and operation of these schools."

Binta's proposal was, for the financially weak Imperial Navy and its support units, like a lifeline. However, the Minister of the Navy, the highest authority in the Navy Ministry responsible for personnel matters, was well aware that there were no surplus personnel within the organization. Above all, it would be a major problem if there were individuals in the Imperial Navy, funded by taxes, who had too much free time. On the other hand, if they were to recruit from the civilian population, they could likely find the needed personnel, but there was no budget to support that. So, he decided to be honest with Binta about this.

"We will provide the personnel costs as well. We want to attract talented individuals, so we are fine with offering higher salaries than the market rate. Also, we'll cover the maintenance and fuel costs for the vehicles. Oh, and I almost forgot an important detail. Proper maintenance is essential for the vehicles, so let's establish a school for mechanics as well."

Binta casually brought up additional financial support, leaving the Minister of the Navy both amazed and unsure of how to respond. Nevertheless, Binta continued to advance the conversation, ignoring his expression.

"For those who acquire skills at the automotive school, please grant them the status of military personnel or naval conscripts. People with driver's licenses are being targeted by the Army. It would be a waste if we trained them in driving skills and they were then conscripted by the Army."

Binta was concerned about the Army poaching their personnel. In Japan, people with driver's licenses were a rare commodity, and the Army, which was pushing for motorization, would greatly desired such individuals. The Minister of the Navy could understand this.

"Since the start of the conflict on the continent, the Army has been taking advantage of precious resources like domestic resources and personnel in any way they please. Those with driver's licenses are no exception. In fact, the Army has conscripted a significant number of people with driver's licenses. As a result, the domestic distribution network has suffered considerable damage. The Army claims to be fighting for the nation, but in reality, they are just doing as they please on the continent. The Army is like termites eating away at the foundation of Japan's economy. There is absolutely no need for the Navy to provide the personnel we've nurtured to such people."

Binta may have humbled himself as a speculator rather than a businessman, but from the Minister of the Navy's perspective, he clearly belonged to the latter category. Furthermore, he was looking at the world economy from a national perspective. From that standpoint, he was critically evaluating the current state of the Army. Perhaps there was a reason why he hadn't provided any assistance to the Imperial Army. It seemed like Binta had come to some realization, as he suddenly turned a thoughtful gaze towards the Minister.

"By the way, I almost forgot an important thing related to the schools. Let's further enhance naval aviation, especially the training aviation units. In the coming era, whether on land or at sea, aerial combat will be the key to survival. Tanks and battleships won't fully utilize their power on a battlefield where enemy aircraft roam freely. What determines the strength of our aircraft is not only the performance of the aircraft themselves but also the skill of the crew. Having a significant number of skilled crew members is an absolute necessity for national defense. Of course, training maintenance personnel is equally important. We will, of course, provide assistance for all of these."

Currently, the Imperial Navy's aviation units adopted a policy of quality over quantity. Training crew members required an exorbitant amount of funds compared to other soldiers. For the financially strapped Imperial Navy, it was difficult both budget-wise to train a large number of crew members and to maintain them. However, on the other hand, this was the biggest weakness of the Imperial Navy's aviation units. The shortage of crew members meant a shortage of instructors and teachers to train the next generation. When a war broke out, a large number of crew members would be required, but the infrastructure to support this demand was lacking. Binta, understanding this, had proposed the expansion of the training aviation units after donating 100 training planes.

"In future wars, the position of aircraft will not just improve but skyrocket. Not only frontline aircraft like fighter planes, bombers, reconnaissance aircraft, and patrol aircraft but also support equipment like transport and liaison planes for maintaining logistics and base functions will be in high demand. Naturally, the need for crew members will also increase proportionally. Among these, what we need to prioritize most is the instructors and teachers who train crew members."

With a hint of excitement in his voice, Binta paused briefly before continuing.

"To tell you the truth, I obtained a pilot's license while I was in the United States. Unlike Japan, in the United States, civilian flight schools are quite common. What I realized there is that instructors need to have not only piloting skills but also the ability to convey knowledge to others in an understandable manner and the capability to handle any trouble that may arise. My instructor, who trained me, was truly outstanding."

The Minister of the Navy could well understand what Binta was getting at. Even in peacetime, the United States was mass-producing individuals capable of piloting aircraft. And once a war broke out, many of them would willingly join the Army or the Navy to meet their requirements. While they might not be immediately combat-ready, having basic piloting skills would significantly shorten their training periods. The United States, as a nation, focused on maintaining a large stock of reserves, particularly valuable pilots, even in peacetime. Binta, who had lived in the United States for a long time, had personally grasped this fact. That's why he was proposing to strengthen the training aviation units to bridge that gap, even if only a little.

'The difference between Japan and the United States may not be in material quantity but rather in human resources.'

The Minister of the Navy couldn't help but feel the enormity and meticulousness of the United States, which he was now beginning to grasp.