Working as a police officer in Mexico.

Chapter 720 Do you know what an iron fist is?
Mexico City, National Palace.

Viktor put down the encrypted phone, the receiver base making a slight "click" sound as it touched the body, which was particularly clear in the large and quiet office.

Felix's decisiveness in Michoacán pleased him, but it also served as a wake-up call. Espinosa, a regional commander, dared to disobey clear orders, even with what he considered reasonable justifications, which crossed a red line.

It would be a disaster if the government couldn't control the military.

In fact, Viktor discovered even more problems after he took office!

Throughout history, you can see that the peak of a dynasty is between 30 and 80 years after its founding, but what is it doing in the first 20 years?
They are waiting for the older generation to "die," and this older generation is a collection of bandits, bullies, spies, and criminals.

Do you think Mexico can directly enter a golden age just because Victor came to power?
Even if... even if... even if... never mind, I won't say anymore.

Only when one generation grows old and a new generation, educated and protected by the state, grows up, does the country truly enter a stage of rapid development.

If I don't make it through, oh dear...

That's not impossible.

“Power…” Victor murmured to himself.

He himself had risen to his position step by step from the quagmire of Tijuana through the power of the military, and he was all too aware of the sharpness of the military as a double-edged sword and the potential for backlash.

After a moment's thought, he pressed the internal communication button: "Please have General Sigmut Lister come over."

Not long after, the heavy solid wood door to the office was pushed open, and the tall figure of Field Marshal Sigmar Lister, Chief of the Army, appeared in the doorway.

“Leader, you wanted to see me.” Lister gave a standard military salute.

Victor stood up from his seat and gestured for Lister to sit down on the sofa next to him.

“Sit down, Sigmar. I have something to discuss with you.” Viktor’s tone was casual, as if he were having a friendly chat.

The two settled down on the soft leather sofa.

Viktor took two Havana cigars from a wooden cigarette case on the coffee table, handed one to Lister, and picked one up for himself.

Lister accepted the cigar, thanked him, but did not light it immediately. Instead, he watched Victor's actions, sat up straight, and even placed his hands on his knees.

Viktor slowly toasted his cigar with a long-handled match, and as he did so, he began to recount, seemingly casually, what had happened in Michoacán, particularly Espinosa's insubordination and subsequent dismissal by Felix.

“So, I’m letting Felix do his thing, and I also plan to have you go over there for a few days to stabilize the situation. Also, I plan to have Joseph Joffre take over Espinosa’s position,” Victor said, exhaling a puff of bluish-gray smoke.

As Liszt listened, his brows furrowed slightly, his fingers pinching the unlit cigar, which he tapped lightly on his knee, a hint of hesitation on his face.

It seemed like he had something to say.

Viktor noticed this subtle expression on his face, paused in lighting his cigar, turned to look at him, his smile unchanged, "What's wrong, Sigmar? Is there something you can't say? It's just the two of us here."

Liszt took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

He placed his cigar next to the ashtray and leaned forward slightly: "Leader, regarding the matter in Michoacán, Espinosa's insubordination certainly deserves death, but the underlying issues it reflects may be more worthy of our attention."

Viktor raised an eyebrow, put down his lit cigar, and adopted a listening posture. "Tell me about it."

“We all came from that chaotic era together,” Lister’s voice was deep and powerful. “You led us, conquering this land with guns, establishing order. The army is the foundation of our nation, that’s beyond question. But…”

He paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully: "However, precisely because we rose to power by relying on the military, the power of the military today... or rather, the power of the bureaucratic system formed within the military, has become somewhat excessive on certain levels."

Viktor didn't speak, but just looked at him quietly, gesturing for him to continue.

"Mexico is now like a giant ship that has just finished a long voyage and entered relatively calm waters."

Lister continued, using a metaphor, "The ship's stability is entirely due to the leadership of you, the experienced and highly respected captain. The sailors on board are loyal to you and to the ship, but some first mates and bosuns who have long held key positions have cultivated their personal prestige, connections, and even family influence within the military over many years."

"Now that you are here, they will naturally submit to you, because your prestige is unmatched. You are the one who led them to victory through blood and fire, and they revere you."

This horse photo has a Casarte feel to it.

Lister's gaze was frank yet tinged with worry. "However, we must consider the future. When the successor is in power, will he still possess such absolute authority? At that time, will these powerful figures, who hold considerable military power and whose followers are spread throughout the army, become new warlords? Will their personal prestige supersede the will of the nation? This would be far from a good thing for Mexico's long-term stability."

"Are there nobles in the army too?!"

Upon hearing this, Victor frowned deeply, leaned back into the sofa, and rubbed his temples with his fingers.

What Liszt was saying was precisely the slight worry that occasionally crossed his mind.

He himself rose to power through the military; how could he not know the dangers of an overbearing army? Throughout history, how many powerful regimes have been destroyed by arrogant and unruly generals? The governors of the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the military governors of the late Tang Dynasty… these lessons are still fresh in our minds.

The army is now loyal to Viktor, but can it guarantee its eternal loyalty to Mexico and the legitimate government of the future?
Since ancient times, the one with the strongest army and the most powerful horses has been king.

Seeing Viktor deep in thought, Lister knew his words had worked.

He paused briefly, then continued, lowering his voice further, and presented a solution he had been considering for a long time:

"There are precedents to follow in solving this problem. Throughout history, there have been a few strategies, such as strengthening the central government and weakening local powers, and concentrating military power. We can combine these strategies with our national conditions and implement them gradually."

Victor, a cigar between his fingers, said, "Tell me about it."

“First, regular rotation.” Lister held up his first finger. “This is the most direct and effective method. We can’t let a general stay in the same military region or the same unit for too long. We should establish a regular rotation system for military region commanders and main division and brigade commanders, for example, a three- or five-year term. Once their term is up, they must be transferred to other military regions or other positions. This can effectively prevent them from forming too deep a personal power circle in the local area and make them realize that their power comes from their appointment in the capital, not from their long-term control over a specific unit.”

Viktor nodded slightly. He had actually considered this point before, but due to the need for stability in the early stages and the consideration of some old comrades, he did not push it forward immediately.

"Second, separation of military and civilian administration and a dual leadership system." Lister held up his second finger. "Further clarify the functions of the military, reduce military interference in local government affairs, and strengthen the status and role of our XX personnel within the military, especially in units at the division and brigade levels and above, to create checks and balances." (Sorry, I can't go into detail.)
"Third, establish a sound military academy system and a professional career path."

He held up his third finger, saying, “We will vigorously support and control the officer schools of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the higher-level National Defense University. Future mid- to high-ranking officers must undergo rigorous training and ideological education at these regular military schools, emphasizing ‘loyalty to the country and the Constitution,’ rather than just loyalty to a particular superior officer. At the same time, we will broaden the career paths for officers, allowing technical officers, staff officers, and other non-frontline command positions to also obtain high status and promotion opportunities, thus dispersing the power of commanding officers.”

"Fourth, establish a rapid reaction force directly under the Supreme Command." Lister held up his fourth finger.
“Establish one or two well-equipped and highly trained rapid reaction forces, whose personnel are drawn from across the country rather than from specific regions, and whose officers are composed of outstanding graduates from military academies and loyal and reliable young officers. This force will be directly under the command of the leadership, deployed in the capital or strategic locations, and will not be subordinate to any military region. It will serve as both a fist to deal with sudden crises and a stabilizing force in case of potential internal instability.”

Imperial Guards?

"Some of these measures can be implemented immediately, such as the rotation system, which can start with a few key military regions. But in any case, we need to start taking action and plan ahead. The army must be the sword of the nation, not the private army of a certain general."

When an army truly becomes a general's private army, then it truly collapses. We can look to the late Ming Dynasty as an example, where soldiers were forced to farm, or we can look to Vietnam…

Viktor's gaze was deep, countless images of history and reality flashing through his mind. After a long while, he slowly spoke, his voice slightly hoarse, yet exceptionally firm:
“You’re right, Sigmut, this problem is indeed more important and more difficult than cleaning up corruption in one or two states.”

"We'll proceed in the direction you suggested, but there's no rush. Once you return from Michoacán, we'll develop a detailed plan, starting with the rotation of senior officers. We'll move Falkingham in the Southern Theater and several veterans in the Northern Theater."

"Since I, Victor, am the captain of this ship, it must follow my course. No one, no force, can allow it to deviate from its course, not even our own people."

Lister also stood up and replied respectfully, "Yes, leader! I understand."

……

It was nearly dusk when Lister's plane landed at the military airfield outside Morelia.

The leaden-gray clouds hung low, making it hard to breathe.

Felix personally greeted the Army Chief of Staff at the end of the runway with a squad of guards. He accorded the highest level of courtesy to the Chief of the Army.

“General Lister, welcome to Michoacán.” Felix stepped forward and saluted respectfully.

Lister returned the greeting and nodded simply: "I understand the situation. I'll go directly to the military region headquarters."

“The city hall has already prepared a welcome banquet and accommodations for you…” Felix tried to make the arrangements.

"No need."

Lister interrupted him, his voice not loud, "I want to see how many people in headquarters are still disobeying orders!"

The convoy did not enter the city, but drove directly to the Michoacán Regional Military Command compound, located on the other side of the city.

All officers of colonel rank and above in Morelia were urgently summoned here. They whispered among themselves, their faces showing unease, doubt, and even a hint of barely perceptible resistance.

News of Colonel Espinosa's immediate dismissal had spread like wildfire, making these mid- to high-ranking officers feel insecure.

When General List strode into the conference room, surrounded by Felix and several guards from the General Staff, all conversations ceased instantly. Everyone stood up, their eyes fixed on this military giant.

Lister did not go to the main seat, but stood at the door. He did not speak, but the invisible pressure he exuded made many people sweat.

He remained silent for a full minute before speaking:
“Espinoza disobeyed orders and missed a crucial opportunity; he has been relieved of his post and is under investigation. This was personally approved by the leader.”

In one sentence, the tone was set.

He walked to the front of the conference table: “I know some of you have followed Espinosa for many years, and you have your own thoughts, or even feel wronged. Now, I’m giving you a chance.”

He paused, his eyes growing even fiercer. "Anyone dissatisfied with the leader's decisions, or with Mr. Felix Gonzalez exercising temporary supreme power, can step forward now! Take off your uniform, remove your epaulets, and get out of this gate! The army doesn't need another officer with two legs!"

The meeting room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop; the only sounds were heavy breathing. No one dared to move, and no one dared to step forward.

"No one's going to step forward?" Lister sneered, slamming his hand on the table with a loud bang that made the water glasses on the table jump!
"Then you all better listen up!"

His voice boomed like thunder, “From this moment forward, all armed forces in Michoacán will unconditionally obey all orders of Mr. Felix González and the Provisional Military Control Commission. No more wrangling, waiting, or bargaining here!” He pointed a finger at everyone present, “Anyone who dares to outwardly comply but inwardly defy, shirk responsibility, or even sabotage us behind our backs… that’s what will happen to Espinosa!”

"I'll personally twist his head off and hang it on the flagpole at the entrance of the headquarters, so that you all can see clearly what happens when you disobey military orders!"

No one dared to say anything more, and no one doubted his ability to do it.

"Did you all understand?!" Lister roared.

"Understood, General!" All the officers, as if awakened, immediately straightened their backs and shouted at the top of their lungs, afraid that if they were even a second too slow, they would be made an example of.

……

The following morning, the newly appointed commander of the Michoacán Regional Military District, Joseph Joffre, arrived in Morelia, weary from his journey. Instead of going to headquarters for the handover, he went directly to the city hall to meet with Felix.

Joffre was a pragmatist; upon meeting Felix, he skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point:
“Mr. Gonzalez, I have been ordered to take over as commander of the Michoacán Regional Military District. General Lister has already spoken with me, and I will fully cooperate with all your operations.”

Felix was satisfied with Joffre's attitude. "Commander Joffre, welcome. The situation is urgent, and we need to launch a full-scale mopping-up operation immediately."

Xiafei nodded. "I've seen the list and the key areas. The troops have completed mobilization and are just waiting for your final orders."

"Then, let's get started."

……

Santa Ana del Alto village.

The ambush that took place here a few days ago still has bloodstains that haven't completely dried, and the charred remains of police cars are scattered along the dirt road.

At this moment, at the entrance to the village, a makeshift defensive fortification had been erected using sandbags and tree trunks. Behind the fortification were some fierce-looking "Santa Ana Free People" militants wielding various weapons.

A dilapidated loudspeaker sat atop the fortifications, playing on a loop in heavily accented Spanish and a local dialect:

"This is the territory of the free people of Santa Ana! Government troops are not welcome! Get out! Otherwise, this will be your graveyard!"

The atmosphere was tense.

In the distance, dust rose.

A reinforced company of army troops, escorted by two wheeled armored personnel carriers and a military pickup truck equipped with a heavy machine gun, drove along the dirt road.

The leader of the team was a fierce-looking army captain named Salvador.

The convoy stopped about 500 meters from the fortifications at the village entrance.

Captain Salvador leaned out of the armored vehicle and raised his binoculars to observe the situation at the village entrance.

He saw the fortifications, the figures of armed men moving behind them, and heard the piercing loudspeaker blaring.

He put down his binoculars, his face expressionless, picked up the microphone from the vehicle-mounted radio, and connected to the company's public channel:

"Attention all personnel, target village, Santa Ana del Alto. This village has been completely taken over by armed insurgents, who ambushed and killed six of my officers in a brutal and heinous manner."

"Order from above: Thoroughly eradicate them, leaving no future troubles."

"The final ultimatum is hereby given to them to lay down their weapons and surrender within five minutes."

A soldier used a megaphone to repeat the order to surrender in Spanish and the local dialect towards the village.

The shouting and cursing from the loudspeaker paused briefly, then became even sharper and more frantic:
"Dream on! Government dogs! Come on! We'll make sure you don't leave alive!"

There were even sporadic gunshots coming towards the convoy, the bullets striking the armored vehicle panels with a crisp "clanging" sound.

Captain Salvador glanced at his watch.

Five minutes, not a second more, not a second less.

time up!
No one came out to surrender at the village entrance; instead, the provocative gunfire intensified.

Captain Salvador lowered his wrist, spoke into the microphone, and said only two words:
"Fire."

At the order, the gunner on the military pickup truck with the heavy machine gun mounted on it pulled the trigger!

"Thump thump thump thump thump—!!"

The dull roar of the 12.7mm heavy machine gun instantly shattered the tranquility of the countryside!

The sandbags were riddled with holes, and the armed men behind them were immediately pinned down by the ferocious firepower, their screams drowned out by the roar of the machine guns.

At the same time, the 30mm autocannons on the two wheeled armored personnel carriers slowly raised their muzzles.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!!"

The sound of the machine gun firing was even more deafening. Every shell that landed near the fortifications sent up large amounts of dirt and debris. Occasionally, it would hit the fortifications directly, blowing people and sandbags into the air!

The loudspeaker at the village entrance, which was playing a loop, was reduced to scattered parts in the first round of shelling.

"Armored vehicles, advance! Infantry, follow! Clear all visible personnel!" Captain Salvador's voice was clearly transmitted to every squad and platoon through the radio.

It's clear that none of the personnel were armed.

Two armored vehicles, like steel behemoths, roared as they charged toward the village, firing continuously from their cannons and coaxial machine guns. Their tracks and wheels crushed over the wrecked fortifications and mercilessly ran over the mangled corpses.

The infantrymen, using armored vehicles as cover, spread out in combat formation, their guns spitting fire as they precisely targeted any moving targets or those attempting to raise their weapons.

The fighting quickly spread from the village entrance into the village itself.

The militants, familiar with the terrain, put up a desperate resistance using houses and alleys, with the sounds of homemade shotguns and AK rifles echoing from every corner.

But their resistance proved futile against the overwhelming force of the regular army and the well-trained infantry.

The armored vehicle's machine guns blasted down the walls of the houses that dared to fire, burying the militants inside along with the buildings.

The infantrymen cleared the room with grenades and swept every corner with assault rifles.

"Cleaned up!"

"Clear the western area!"

"Tunnel entrance detected. Request demolition!"

"Approved! Blow it up!"

Explosions, gunshots, cries, curses, dying groans...

Captain Salvador followed behind the troops, having received the order to "leave no future troubles," a statement he understood.

The only way to deal with these stubborn armed insurgents with the blood of government troops on their hands, and the environment that shelters them, is to uproot them completely and eradicate them.

Minority groups?

Okay, now you've become endangered animals.

The battle lasted less than two hours.

After the last sporadic gunshots faded away, the entire village of Santa Ana del Alto fell completely silent.

The only sounds were the crackling of burning houses and the thick smoke and stench of blood in the air.

The soldiers began a final cleanup of each house to confirm the results of their operation.

Captain Salvador stood in the open space in the center of the village, listening to the reports from each platoon.

"According to preliminary statistics, 127 armed insurgents were killed, none surrendered, and no prisoners were taken. Three of our soldiers sustained minor injuries."

The captain nodded, not surprised by the result.

He glanced at the village, now a desolate wasteland, picked up the radio microphone, and reported to command:

"Reporting to command, the village of Santa Ana del Alto has been completely cleared out, and all resistance forces have been annihilated. Mission accomplished."

On the other end of the radio, Xiafei's calm voice came through: "Received. Proceed with the follow-up as planned. The troops withdraw for rest and reorganization, and prepare for the next target."

"Yes!"

Captain Salvador put down the microphone, took one last look at this hell on earth, and turned to walk towards his armored vehicle.

"Target: Augeria Village, two kilometers away!"

... (This is purely fictional!!!)
(End of this chapter)