Chapter 161: Review
November 11, 1868.
Hechingen outskirts.
The princely House of Hechingen held a cadet review ceremony.
After being streamlined by an exam, the Military Academy's students now numbered just over 3,300. But this was the first time in the academy's history that they had a cohort of comparatively strong caliber. Hence they were disciplined, receptive to orders, and outwardly bore themselves with a soldier's demeanor.
Early morning, around six o'clock, they began setting up the review stand – reserved for the Hechingen princely family, that is, for Prince Constantin and Ernst. On either side stood viewing stands for the academy faculty and the local gentry and officials from the Hechingen area.
At eight o'clock, the cadets assembled and marched into the review zone.
"Listen up! Today's review isn't like those casual exercises on campus. It's a formal event before the public and the local Hechingen dignitaries, so there's no room for error. If anyone's stupidity makes a fool of us, the shame won't just be on you – you'll disgrace the Military Academy, the Hechingen region, and Their Highnesses the Prince and the Prince's son. So I won't tolerate even a shred of carelessness. If you embarrass us in front of our guests, my cane will have a good talk with you when we're done. Understood?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" the cadets replied loudly and solemnly, their faces set in earnest resolve.
Today, every one of the academy's cadets wore uniforms from the defunct Hechingen princely army, each garment made to replicate the old attire of the House of Hechingen's forces. Since Hechingen was merged into Prussia, it was the first large-scale muster the princely house had carried out. It was almost as if Hechingen had returned to the days when it was one of the 30-odd German states, with its own little force recognized among the German militaries.
Of course, everyone knew Hechingen was never truly going back. Among those invited to watch were officials from the Prussian government in charge of Hohenzollern Province, including senior military officers assigned to Hechingen. The Hechingen princely family still owned many privileges and wide autonomy, but actual rule over Hechingen lay in the hands of the Prussian state. The Military Academy was registered as an educational institution, not a standing army – but anyone with sense could see it was effectively the princely house's private armed force.
At nine, the House of Hechingen turned up in leisurely fashion, with Prince Constantin and Ernst traveling by carriage from Hohenzollern Castle to the south. By then, a crowd had already formed, including townsfolk from Hechingen, who hadn't witnessed a local "military parade" in years. They came out for the spectacle – some being old veterans who had once followed the Old Count and the Prince into battles. Constantin took special care to seat them near the viewing area. The old Hechingen princely army might be gone, but it didn't erase the fact these veterans had sacrificed for the House of Hechingen.
At 9:20, Prince Constantin gave a speech first:
"Hechingen is a region of long history and the origin of the House of Hohenzollern, our family ever entwined with the local populace. Our Military Academy is here to inherit and carry forward the fine traditions of Hechingen…"
With that concluded, the academy's director, Ernst, stepped forward on the platform to address the gathering:
"The Hechingen Military Academy, as an institution of military instruction, shoulders the crucial task of preparing professional soldiers – not just for Hechingen, but for all young people of promise throughout Germany. Here, you'll learn specialized knowledge, cultivate courage, honor the military ethos, and become the pillars of our future society.
…
When I originally established the academy, I envisioned making it a leading German military academy. But constrained by circumstances and time – plus the colony's urgent need for manpower – it became more of a fast-track program, effectively pressing students to reach minimal readiness. Going forward, however, we're shifting from quantity and speed to quality and excellence. Each student will receive better educational resources, so you must hold yourselves to higher standards. Work diligently to improve, that you may one day fight for Germany's future."
With Ernst's speech over, the formal review began.
At the cue from the instructors and student leaders, a band played a Prussian anthem (instrumental only), aimed at the watching Prussian officials – signifying formal respect. While the music played, the cadets prepared.
Next, the band struck up the Hechingen Military Academy's school song. At the first notes, the instructors led their units in, forming eleven contingents that marched steadily across the temporary ground. They passed the reviewing stand:
"In Germany's splendor stands proud Hechingen,
We train hard at our Military Academy,
All aspiring to be the best of our era,
Protecting Germany, guarding our homeland.
…"
As the band's music carried on, the cadets lifted their voices to sing, the regimental colors leading. They marched in a classic Prussian goose-step, each shoulder carrying a Dreyse needle gun, forming an imposing sight as they passed in front of the dais. The guests applauded their youthful energy, ignoring any technical details. At least the morale was excellent.
The Prussian military officer assigned to Hechingen turned to his neighbors and said, "Their training looks even better than the pre-reform average Prussian Army, though still with certain imperfections. Judging purely from formation, following commands, etc., they're roughly on par with our standard forces now – but they're all very young, so the future is theirs."
In truth, that officer's private view was more skeptical. A force untested by real battle can't be judged by superficial inspection. The Academy's display said little of their actual prowess under fire. In his official report to the government, he wrote: "They appear impressive and well-ordered, but they are inexperienced youths. Their combat strength assuredly cannot match the Kingdom's Army. In my estimation, the Hohenzollern House developing these students is less effective than letting them attend the regular Prussian military academies."
Had Ernst known how that official phrased it, he likely wouldn't have cared. The Hechingen Military Academy's transformation was only beginning. Today's parade was but a prelude to thorough reforms. Once the staff, curriculum, and facilities were in place, the academy would truly come into its own. Two years from now, they'd find out for sure whether these young cadets were donkeys or thoroughbreds.
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