Don't talk about martial arts, I'm a war contractor

Chapter 467 Personnel Expansion, Medal of Honor

"As you wish!"

Xia Yu arrived in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region on an NH-90 transport helicopter of the Army. The region was formed by the merger of two regions in 16 and borders Switzerland and Italy.

The "Alps" in its name also describes the geographical features of the region. It has more undulations than the flat Mecklenburg, and the snow in winter makes it a ski resort in Germany.

Looking down at the colorful mountains from above, Xia Yu could imagine the winter scene here.

He also said that he would go to Switzerland or Austria for winter training. With this office in the country, employees can start training on site, which is convenient and fast.

The helicopter continued to move forward and arrived at a small town near the Italian border.

Across the town is an ancient castle hidden in the vineyards, with both Italian and French styles.

"So this vineyard is ours too?"

Xia Yu asked the person in charge.

"Yes, Mr. Sherlock. This castle and the surrounding land were purchased by the government in 1958 and listed as a historical monument. After restoration, it is now on display for a fee. However, due to its location, very few tourists are willing to drive here."

The person in charge introduced the local situation to Xia Yu.

No matter what it is, it is not rare as long as there are a lot of them, and this is the case with European castles.

To maintain the castle's minimum level of operation, the ticket price of 3.5 euros is far from enough, not to mention that they are only open for three months a year in order to cut budget.

Basically, the expenses are covered by the income from the vineyard within Xia Yu's sight, but on weekdays, only simple minor repairs are done. After 60 years, it is almost time for a major overhaul.

So paying the bills with government grants?
No, no, no, this is not the Mont Saint-Michel Castle. The correct approach is to sort out the national assets and then dispose of them. We can't continue to sink the budget into a bottomless pit.

But for the same slimming process, the requirements for selling it to a private wealthy person are more stringent. This cannot be moved and that cannot be demolished. Chun Chun just wants to find someone to take over and maintain the castle.

This is also in line with the policy of the country of Mao to impose high tax rates on the rich. You want to buy an ancient castle and become a nobleman of the new century? Then I will stab your aorta and see if the speed of bleeding your cash flow is fast enough.

However, instead of treating castles as large villas, they should be operated as means of production. This behavior of boosting GDP should be encouraged.

As the use changes, many protection clauses for historical monuments will be relaxed to varying degrees.

Some people bought the ancient castles and turned them into hotels and B&Bs, while others converted them into local specialty workshops and operated tourism businesses.

It is rare to see an office like Xiayu that was converted into a private military contracting company after being acquired, because this directly restores the military attributes of the castle that were not considered when it was built.

"Wow~Wow~~"

The helicopter stopped in front of the vineyard. The castle, which had closed to the public half a month ago, was deserted and everything around was very quiet.

"This stable looks so high, but the VBCI with a turret is 3 meters high and doesn't feel cramped at all when parked inside."

Whenever Xia Yu arrived at an ancient castle, the first thing he looked at was the stable. The stable in Mecklenburg was not only short, but also had to be crossed over a stone arch bridge, so even a small animal like a weasel could only stop on the bunker side.

This one in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is much better. If it doesn't keep horses, it can accommodate 3 to 4 large eight-wheelers, and for undertaking anti-terrorism-related business in Europe, two vehicles are enough.

If that is not enough, Xia Yu still has the An-124 that can be deployed quickly, just like this time.

"Boss, less than 5 kilometers east of here is northern Italy. Can we still take on jobs there?"

Mariano looked far away in the direction of his hometown.

He is from southern Italy. Extremist organizations that carry out terrorist attacks simply do not care about such poor and remote areas. If they have to vote, they will choose the developed northern region.

"Of course, that's what the Chinese think. We can't be too close to Bali, nor can we be too far away. The borders of several countries are the best option."

Seeing that the head of the working group went to the toilet, Xia Yu did not hide it from his employees.

"By setting up an office here, we can take over the business from Italy and Switzerland, and the three AS 550s that the Chinese promised me will also be left here."

Fennec foxes are very suitable for the Alpine region, but the number of them equipped by the Hair Army is a little small. The 10 aircraft purchased from them are only enough for their own firepower defense and cannot be sold to the outside world.

Therefore, when Xia Yu purchased the Tough-class, he ordered the remaining AS 550s from the military in Xia County.

There are 20 aircraft in total. After some maintenance, they can be used as advanced models of the Gazelle and sold to parties with certain purchasing power.

Of course, the Chinese also authorized Brazil to produce the naval version of this thing, the AS 555 Little Fox. It's a pity that it didn't make it to the ship in time, otherwise it would have been much better to just print it on the São Paulo.
"Even for the office staff, at least 7% of them will be Chinese."

Xia Yu continued to mutter.

Jihuo Defense does not have any employees of different nationalities, but its subsidiary Afika War Museum has hired double-digit employees.

Now the combat department, at least the European branch, must recruit a similar number of elite front-line troops so that the two VBCI infantry fighting vehicles can be operated.

Not because he had any prejudice against the extradition law, but because of his previous cooperation with them, Xia Yu was inclined to hire members of the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment.

Mechanized infantry special warfare is also the forte of Jihuo Defense. Two classes of 18 people are almost enough, but after being officially hired, they will be pulled to the head office for 3 to 6 months of pre-job practical training.

Well, as the rotating force of the four digital teams, the deployment of Concentrated Fire Defense has been very intensive in the past two years. Even though it is taking a break now, everyone's nerves are still very tense during the deployment.

It is best to have rotating troops. Xia Yu will not add new infantry fighting vehicles at the headquarters for the time being. Four digital teams and three infantry fighting vehicles are enough.

He will not consider adding an additional Marder S30 until next year at the earliest, but the air defense vehicle must be ordered this year so that it can be delivered and put into use next year.

"There is also the Leclerc UAE. Whether it is counter-terrorism or long-range destruction of personnel and soft targets on the Afika battlefield, the effect of that kind of programmed grenade is quite good, especially since VBCI cannot fire programmed bullets."

Xia Yu added.

Even if the coaxial machine gun is of 12.7mm caliber, its effective shooting range is less than 2000 meters, but the HE M3M can hit 4000 meters away.

This is the most effective firepower supplement after the armed helicopters have cleared their ammunition and withdrawn from the battlefield. After all, the caliber of 120mm is there, and even machine guns cannot touch it.

"It would be too much trouble to retrain the crew members. It would be better to just hire the hairy people."

Xia Yu also took this matter to heart.

No matter how poor the level of the Qianfa Army crew is, it is still better than the A-Lianyu crew that threw tanks and the Yozan crew whose equipment replacement training has not yet been completed.

While chatting with several employees about the company's next arrangements, he toured the interior of the castle.

The main building has three and a half floors plus a basement, and the auxiliary building can also be lived in. It will take at least a year to complete the entire renovation, so we can only say that it will come slowly.

With the availability of a helicopter, office staff can be temporarily relocated to Mecklenburg.

After visiting the ancient castle and the nearby town, on the way back to Bali, Xia Yu began to think about the next deployment.

That's a 10-digit order, and the risk level is not too high. We just need to strike a good balance between the National Army and the National Unity Government.

Of course, there are also remnants of ISA-ISA who have fled to northern Philippines. Salim is one of them, but less than 100 body bags were used in this terrorist attack, and there are more ISA-ISA members scattered in Libya.

These guys, like the yellow cakes and remaining weapons, are proof of the progress Xia Yu needs to receive for the project payment.

Oh, I almost forgot about the Tuareg people.

It was impossible for them to empty an arsenal, so they moved away all the light weapons and ammunition that could be moved. Except for those that were sold, the remaining heavy equipment remained in Libya.

Maybe in this deployment, Concentrated Fire Defense will confront the guys from the Coordination of Azawad Movement.

By the time Xia Yu had finished taking stock of all potential targets in Libya, Bali had arrived.

Philippe Starck, unaware that he had escaped a disaster, called and said that the second version of the private jet design had been finalized.

It's really not easy. While waiting for this version of the revision, Xia Yu went through boring fishing, went to the Air Force to experience the two-seat Rafale, and then something happened in Libya, and he hurried over to investigate the case.

Until a big fish was caught and a terrorist attack was successfully prevented.

Now he just wants to go to the Kingdom of Mao to reunite with his wife and children after the celebration banquet.

[…According to the interrogation of the captured militants by the Ministry of the Interior, the one who planned the attack on Bali was Salim, a mid-level leader of ISA, who stole the remains of Gaddafi during the time…]

The TV news was reporting on the dirty bomb terrorist attack that was thwarted two days ago by the British military, Bali police, and a private military contractor.

Well, since they used all French equipment, the most outstanding one was the French military.

The Leclerc main battle tank, with the UAE model features blurred, forcefully stopped the attack convoy in the suburbs. The fragmentary video clips sparked heated discussions, and countless media wanted to interview the heroic crew.

The problem is that the commander and gunner is a German, and the driver is an Afika black man. Is it really possible to interview such a crew?
The military rejected the media's interview request on the grounds of preventing leaks, but promised that the president would award them medals.

[“…The enriched uranium and light weapons left behind at Libya are threatening Europe. We need to take action…”]

After discussing the second version of the design, Philip took it back to revise the third version. When Xia Yu returned to Villacoublay Air Force Base, he saw the guys watching TV. Little Ma Ge on the screen was giving an impassioned speech.

The groundwork for the Libya deployment has already begun, but fundraising is a long process.

"Boss, what should we wear to tomorrow's state banquet?"

Seeing Xia Yu coming back, Hans asked the boss.

In this situation, they usually wear formal clothes, but they entered the country of the hair in a hurry and brought nothing but combat uniforms.

It would definitely be too late to order one, but his Federal Armed Forces military uniform after he was removed from his rank was still in his hometown, so he could wear that.

"Just wear combat uniforms and have a simple meal. There's nothing much to it."

Xia Yu confirmed it directly.

After taking off the bulletproof vests and helmets, the combat uniforms underneath are the formal attire of all employees of Jihuo Defense, and also symbolize that they are always ready and prepared to devote themselves to solving their employer's problems.

"Also, there is no spoils of war dividend for this deployment, but I cannot ignore your efforts. The company will reward all employees who participated in this anti-terrorism operation with $20."

Before he finished speaking, he went on to announce the rewards for this deployment.

When they heard that each person would get 20 dollars, everyone present screamed and cheered, especially the number 4 group that got the big reward for the first time.

Green banknotes can move people's hearts more than state banquets and medals. Xia Yu does not play tricks on his own people.

This wave of money only cost five or six million, but it motivated all employees and encouraged them to continue to go all out in the next deployment.

"Yes, boss!"

After hearing Xia Yu's encouragement, everyone responded in unison.

"Wow~Wow~~"

Three days later, two NH-90s landed on the tarmac of the Elysee Palace one after another. Xia Yu, dressed in combat uniform, led the employees dressed in the same uniform out one after another.

No luxury cars or red carpets, this is the style of Jihuo Defense, or PMC.

The two military vehicle crews working with them, all wearing military uniforms, entered the Elysee Palace together.

This palace, like the Kremlin and the White House, is the official residence of the president. It is not very large, but it remains magnificent after hundreds of years.

"We welcome to the Elysee Palace our heroes who defeated the terrorists."

Xiao Ma Ge, who had been waiting for a long time, opened his mouth to welcome everyone.

"Only the Legion of Honor is worthy of your bravery and courageous actions."

First they were awarded medals, then they had dinner; everything was arranged clearly for everyone.

It was not the first time that Christian in the crowd had to deal with such a big scene. The Queen awarded him a medal and directly led to his early retirement.

Fortunately, this time the people of the country gave him a medal, so he didn't have to resign from the Fire Defense.

After listening to Xiao Ma Ge's polite words, the awarding ceremony officially began.

Everyone lined up, and he awarded medals to his own people first. The driver and gunner were awarded entry-level knight medals.

The two tank commanders were awarded officer medals. The same was true for Jihuo Defense. Most people received knight medals, and only employees in key positions and with high contributions received officer medals.

For example, there are several snipers and Hans, the commander of the Leclerc UAE.

Xia Yu, who was at the end of the list, successfully obtained Xiang Shou's Commander's Medal with his MPV-level output and contribution to tracking the target.

Just like the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, it is hung around the neck.

There are many Chinese who have received this level of honor, but only a certain micro-manipulation master has received the Grand Officer Medal and then the Grand Cross Knight Medal.

Of course, the puppet emperor Guangxu was also given one.

"Mr. Sherlock, thank you for all you have done for the people of the country."

After putting the Commander's Medal on Xia Yu's neck and adjusting it, Xiao Ma Ge smiled and shook hands with him.

"It is my honor to fight against extremist organizations and maintain regional peace."

At this moment, everyone tacitly agreed not to talk about money because it had already been discussed before.

(End of this chapter)