Taxes are only within machine gun range!

Chapter 283 "Strategic Airlift"

this problem……

In ancient times, there was basically no solution; the only option was to forcibly fill the gap with human lives.

In modern times, there is actually a universal solution to logistics problems: as long as money is spared, airplanes can carry a lot of powerful equipment and transport food and medical supplies.

Let alone crossing a mountain, even if it means crossing a continent, we can still forcefully maintain logistical supplies.

Milton certainly does not have the strength and financial resources of a superpower, nor does it currently possess strategic transport aircraft, making it unable to transport heavy equipment such as tanks or self-propelled artillery.

However, some mountain howitzers are perfectly fine.

As long as they can bypass the defenses directly in front, this equipment, combined with air superiority, is enough to defeat an enemy force that is caught off guard.

Milton looked at Flora and said, "The enemy's various air defense weapons have made them forget that I actually have a large fleet of aircraft, and I even have An-24 tactical transport planes."

"Let the troops climb the mountains, let the planes deliver the equipment, and let the enemy experience what it felt like for the French to see the German army appear behind them."

Flora nodded: "That must have been very enjoyable... But such a large-scale airlift must have cost a lot of money, and the cost would definitely be very high."

“I don’t calculate costs when I fight; I only care about victory,” Milton said without hesitation. “I want to tell Arsu that if you only consider the economics, you’ll end up destroying yourself.”

Ishmaya asked with some concern, "Do our soldiers have the skill to traverse mountains and valleys?"

If it were the guerrilla unit she was in at the time, crossing mountains and valleys would be no problem at all—they were able to accomplish such feats many times even when their supplies were cut off, and even slip through gaps in the enemy's encirclement.

However, since López's defeat and the recapture of Vevetenango, most of the rebel soldiers have retired.

Milton's war has just begun, but the resistance has been fighting for decades, with many families going from grandfather to grandson. It's time to enjoy peace.

The soldiers today are certainly elite, having fought several tough battles and are in high spirits... but can they successfully cross the mountains, maintain their full combat effectiveness, and appear behind enemy lines to deliver a fatal blow?

Ishimaya thought for a moment and then said, "Or should I contact Vevetnango and regroup the previous rebels?"

Milton raised his hand: "That would be a total mobilization. There's absolutely no need for a total mobilization to fight a lousy warlord."

"My soldiers are meant to grow into elites little by little through actual combat... Although the resistance has been disbanded, many soldiers have come to serve as instructors. The soldiers have practiced and have theoretical knowledge; all they need is this practical exercise to test their results. How can we let others take the lead at the last minute?"

The decision had been made, and everyone agreed without objection. They all got up and left the meeting room to prepare for their respective tasks.

Flora picked up the document and pressed, "Which side are you planning to command? The defending side or the attacking side?"

The elite troops had to cross mountains and valleys to swallow up the Monte family's private army, but Solora couldn't afford to be undefended.

This task was naturally assigned to the "mercenaries" recruited by "Warwind Company" from Mexico.

To minimize diplomatic risks, Milton is going to intervene in Mexican affairs with Guatemalan "mercenaries." Conversely, if Milton needs Mexican reinforcements, they will also transform into "mercenaries."

The defenses in other areas, such as the coastal defenses, were composed of new recruits.

“Of course, it’s the attacking side,” Milton said without hesitation. “This is the battle we can’t afford to lose. As for the defending side, although losing will be a major blow, at least we still have some strategic depth.”

Flora nodded and said, "Then, just like before, I'll take charge of the defense."

“No.” Milton shook his head vigorously. “You come with me to the offensive side. The defensive side will be led by others.”

Seeing Flora's somewhat surprised expression, Milton explained, "The scale and intensity of future battlefields will continue to increase... The two of us are definitely not enough. Many officers have already experienced actual combat, and it's time to give them a test to see if they are qualified to command larger forces in the future."

Milton intends to completely withdraw from Solora's defense, handing over supreme command to see if his subordinates can handle things independently without his supervision.

"Okay, who do you plan to assign to the defense this time?"

“Brandon and Ismaila will serve as the supreme commander and deputy commander, respectively.” Milton had already decided. “Hopefully it will go smoothly… well, it will also keep that Brandon from spreading too many rumors.”

Since the construction of the "Wall of Flesh and Blood" began, rumors have once again taken hold in Solora, leading Milton to suspect that someone is spreading gossip behind his back.

“Let’s go! We’re off work right now, and we have the day off tomorrow. Let’s have a couple of drinks… Sigh, ever since I started working for you, I’ve almost been forced to quit drinking.” Flora glanced at her watch. “You really have a high alcohol tolerance. I still remember that celebration party.”

At that celebration banquet, I asked the waiter to serve me plain water...

"Go play by yourself," Milton thought to himself. "I still have..."

Just as Milton was trying to find an excuse to drop the matter, he saw a black sedan parked at the door—a model that only the "Raven Group" was equipped with.

When an intelligence officer saw Milton come out, he quickly stepped forward and saluted him.

"'Godfather,' regarding Tuckpan, here's some intelligence that should be given to the propaganda department, but some people think we should show it to you first..."

"Oh?" Milton raised an eyebrow. "What kind of intelligence?"

Milton now occupies too much territory, and his enemies have spread from Mexico in the north to Honduras further south. He is also responsible for investigating various suspicious cases and potential corruption within the country. So much intelligence, except for the more important pieces, will not be directly reported to Milton.

"Well... everyone thinks that someone on Tekpan's side might be challenging your authority."

Milton was stunned: "My authority?"

“Yes.” The intelligence officer, looking serious and somewhat angry, produced some documents and several blurry photos that were clearly taken secretly. “Look… this is a photo taken by a reporter.”

"They were working when government troops stormed into the building and began indiscriminate looting and even killing."

“He went to great lengths to preserve these photos. Look at this one… A government soldier actually stabbed a child through the body with a bayonet and hung her on the balcony. Look at that, it’s absolutely insane!”

"I think this is very likely a propaganda tactic by the enemy. They may want to spread the message that they are more... brutal than you and want to overwhelm us with propaganda."

“But…we would never lay a hand on an innocent child! Look closely, though it’s blurry, this child is wearing a paper hat, something like that, it looks like he’s having a birthday.”

"You have never harmed an innocent person!"

"..."

Everyone knows that the terror of the "Hell Tax Collector" is only directed at enemies.

Milton examined the photograph closely, and just as the intelligence officer had described, a girl was hanging up like a piece of cured meat.

Although the photo quality was poor and Milton couldn't make out anyone's expression, he could still tell just by looking at it that it was a family that wasn't wealthy, celebrating their child's birthday.

Then disaster struck.

The fact that soldiers didn't even spare children makes it easy to imagine what happened to the rest of the family.

Such brutal scenes are vividly displayed in the few photos available—this is definitely not an isolated case. Milton, without any emotional fluctuation, said, "I understand. Give the intelligence to the propaganda department, let Olya handle it, and let her do a good job of propaganda, so that everyone can see just how reactionary the 'government forces' really are."

This former Soviet journalist should really put her propaganda efforts to use.

The title of "Transportation Captain" that was forcibly given to Reggie last time had a very significant effect. According to the intelligence compiled by Riley, there are now some voices within the Arles government that hope to replace this general who has a relatively rich combat experience.

The intelligence officer glanced cautiously at Milton's expression and nodded: "Yes, sir!"

After the intelligence officer got into the car and left, rushing to the TV station, Flora joked, "Looks like he's not in a good mood. I guess the government forces won't have a good time after the fighting is over."

After saying that, she planned to get into her car and enjoy one of her few holidays.

Unfortunately, before she could even open the car door, Milton's devilish voice rang out from behind: "Don't go yet, let's work an extra shift."

Flora immediately broke down in screams of despair: "Aaaaaah!!! My vacation!"

Milton ignored her protests: "Do you know how people cured meat in ancient times? Do you know how they made ham? Find me some professional chefs; I need a lot of these drying racks."

“Don’t Reggie’s people really like cured meat? That’s perfect. I can prepare a lot of meat drying racks for them here… Perfect timing. The war just ended, and Solora’s restaurant industry may have been severely damaged. I’ll fund a small project to help those in the restaurant industry get through this difficult time.”

Flora was furious, she opened the car door and got in, cursing, "Damn it, Reggie! You son of a bitch, I'll kill you, you owe me my vacation..."

Milton smiled, turned around and went back to the command post, then back to his room. He opened the control panel and glanced at the points he had left after purchasing the supplies.

Without any hesitation, Milton once again exchanged for a large number of inexpensive Y-5 transport aircraft and a portion of An-24 tactical transport aircraft.

And the supporting fuels, logistical supplies...

Air transport is extremely inefficient. Even though Milton's so-called "strategic airlift" had a short route, requiring only crossing a mountain, the cost was still frighteningly high!

It can be said that if Milton were to fight a war according to his plan, he would not only have to clear all his points, but would also need to use the emergency reserves of the Pan Madre Group.

But as long as we win, it's all worth it.

In newly occupied cities, arresting some members of the old forces, ransacking their homes, and confiscating some of their property can quickly replenish red points.

With the control panel in hand, Milton had enough confidence to sustain his war effort through combat.

"..."

The following afternoon, at Quetzaltenango military airfield.

Soldiers are carrying large quantities of supply crates with parachute packs onto transport planes.

Light command vehicles like the UAZ-469 and the GAZ-47/4701 series tactical vehicles can solve command problems and also address some of the light firepower issues.

Some mountain howitzers and heavy mortars, along with their accompanying ammunition, were also loaded onto the large aircraft.

As for the lighter weapons that are easier to carry, they were transported on the Y-5 transport aircraft, which has a smaller carrying capacity.

This equipment is the lifeline of this "Pangolin Operation"!

In the distance, Milton, who had come by helicopter to inspect the area, and Flora, who was full of resentment, got off the plane together.

In the morning, Milton inspected the troops who were about to cross the mountains; now he would check on the transport fleet.

Such an important matter cannot afford any mistakes and must be kept strictly confidential.

Just recently, Milton also locked onto a reconnaissance drone attempting to cross the border via his control panel and shot it down with an anti-aircraft gun.

Meanwhile, cameras and agents were constantly monitoring the movements of the CIA agents who were deliberately sent there.

Once the enemy discovers the movement here, the entire plan will lose its element of surprise, and the outcome will be uncertain.

"..."

In the bustling airport, three soldiers dressed in pilot uniforms walked over.

"Mr. 'The Godfather'!"

The three former Soviet pilots, who were deeply impressed by the small Third World country, quickly adapted to local customs and came up to salute Milton.

"All pilots are ready and will fly as low as possible to avoid enemy radar."

"Well, also, you can actually trust us. We can support your 'Pangolin' attack plan and guarantee our air superiority."

"No, thank you." Milton shook his head and refused. "The Solora defenses need you more. The Monte family's private army has weak air defenses, so their ground attack aircraft won't be under much threat."

"Solola will only face immense defensive pressure after we launch our attack, ensuring our air superiority will greatly reduce the difficulty of our defense."

"Yes!"

"All soldiers, eat and rest immediately after finishing your work... We will set off on time at dawn tomorrow to annihilate the enemy."

"..."

……

Escuintla, the headquarters of the Monte family's private army.

A burly man without any military rank insignia walked in.

He showed no courtesy to the high-ranking officials before him: "The defenses are almost set up. Hurry up and set off to join the main force of the coalition."

One of the Monte family members said reluctantly, "Isn't there still three days until the deadline? And the Northern Group's allied forces haven't even arrived yet."

"Don't stick to the deadline." The burly man said coldly, "Your intelligence department is completely transparent to Milton. How can you be sure that Milton won't use this information? Before the allied forces join forces, all the troop advantages are only on paper. What you need to do now is to turn the paper advantage into a real advantage as quickly as possible."

"The defense line is almost in place now, we should head over and regroup."

The Monte family muttered a few words under their breath, but ultimately shrugged and said, "Alright, then we'll get ready to leave tomorrow."

“You are DEVGRU, you have the final say.”

P.S.: It's really hard to write about how to write this part, please forgive me for the fluctuating update frequency during this part of the story...

(End of this chapter)