(Please put your ORBAT in the OOC thread if you're doing military things)
OOC thread link
There was a noticeable change in the atmosphere within the Reich recently. To the outside world there was nothing significant to report about the Reich's overt militarism and jingoistic, belligerent rhetoric. To them it was simply the norm. However, if one was on the inside and one was paying close enough attention over the last few years, then they would notice the small changes. Factories were producing more munitions, armament, equipment than normal. There was an increase in the number of military drills and conscription was more tightly enforced than usual. The quality and quantity of general luxury and consumer goods was lower as more and more thought, energy, and resources were prioritized for military.
To the outside world this was nothing new. In fact, this was to be expected. They expect the militarism and the oppression that came from the Reich. What they did not expect was for the Reich to act upon those feelings. The war drums were always beating quietly in the background where the dark storm raged and surged, but it registered as little more than an afterthought in the minds of the various leaders of Esquarium. The insane ramblings and ravings of the Reich become a joke amongst the liberal democracies of Esquarium. Show hosts, comedians, the citizenry, and even politicians would take their time to make a joking jab at the Teutonic Reich in Nordania.
The build up was done slowly and cautiously so as not to bring unwanted attention to the Reich. The Supreme Warlord and undisputed leader of the nation, who held a mystic and totalitarian hold over his people, Führer Friedrich Ulrich, would bid his time until his opportunity came. That opportunity was the most recent wave of terror attacks striking the Nordanian continent. The Nordanian National Socialist Front unleashed a wave of terror and death upon Vjaarland, Lyonsland, Arkiasis, and countless innocents. It certainly wasn't the greatest of opportunities, but it was one nonetheless. The enigmatic Führer used the Vjaar accusation against the Reich stating it had supported the terrorists as a "diplomatic insult casus belli" (despite knowing full well he had ordered the Sicherheitsdienst to provide minute aid and intelligence to the Front[/i]). Mobilization was issued to the Wehrmacht and orders were given and years of build up had come to full fruition. The drums of war which could not be heard were now heard across Esquarium, beating with the sound of each footstep as soldiers, tanks, planes, and citizens marched on onward to war.
Führerhauptquartier Hellenberg
"Gentlemen, good morning!"
The various marshals and generals crowed over the operations table turned at attention to the doorway where their Supreme Commander, Führer Friedrich Ulrich, was coming in. He was flanked by SS-Reichsführer Rudolf Thaler and Parteikanzler Udo Rehm. The Supreme Warlord's expression was joyous and optimistic of the whole situation. The Army officers gave the customary party salute which the Führer was owed, in his capacity as head of the reich and of the armed forces.
"Heil Führer!"
To which Ulrich waved them off.
"I trust you gentlemen have everything planned out and ready to go?"
The leading officer of the group, Generalfeldmarschall Kurt Manteuffel, head of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht, spoke up.
"Yes, my Führer. Everything is in order and we are standing by for your orders."
Ulrich gave a small smile and nodded slightly muttering 'Good, good'. Then he walked over to the operations table that had laid out on it reports of varying matters in regards to weather, supply situation, orders, intelligence, and a large map showcasing the units in play and their planned movements. He pulled out a pair of spectacles and leaned over the table in the center to overlook the operation.
"As you can see, my Führer, Army Group North under Generalfeldmarschall Oskar von Thoma will lead the main charge into Vjaarland. From there Two army detachments will break off and move towards Strendhaven to assist our Estovnian allies and encircle the Vjaar forces there. The rest of our armies will keep the push towards the west until a stable frontline can be reached. We have several artillery divisions providing support, including our railway artillery guns which are still being move into place. Several fighter and bomber wings will also be provided to give our men aerial coverage and ground support."
Ulrich maintained his silence as he continued looking over the map, occasionally tracing his hand over the various troop movement lines. Then finally he stood back up and removed his spectacles.
"Good, very good. Well then, gentlemen. Continue with your plans and bring the Reich great victory. I have full trust and confidence in your abilities to crush these inferior Vjaars like the vermin they are."
Operation Citadel was a go.
