He paused, casting his gaze over the crowd.
"At the same time, I have decided that due to unclear enemy situations and the partial achievement of our strategic objectives in the first phase offensive, namely effectively restraining and detecting the enemy's main movements, our division will shift into a comprehensive defensive posture. All units are to immediately cease advancing, consolidate existing defense lines, dig fortifications, and set up minefields. Without my direct orders, any proactive attacks larger than company scale are strictly prohibited. Our mission changes from offense to holding our ground here! Let the Mexicans know that the Italian army is not something they can easily shake!"
Officers looked at each other in dismay. "Shift to defense"? "Hold our ground here"? This is completely opposite to the spirited declarations before departure about "proving Italian elite" and "winning honor."
