Chapter 428: Chapter 349: Edward Montalvo's Opportunity_2
Of course, the so-called conflict was not the one that happened a few days ago, but another conflict between Chile and Argentina over a decade ago.
In fact, throughout the 100-year histories of both countries, numerous conflicts have occurred between them, even escalating to several small-scale wars.
For Chile and Argentina, two countries with balanced powers, it was impossible not to have conflicts.
Both countries have great ambitions, and as the saying goes, one mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. Unless there is a strong external enemy to suppress them, or the balance between the two countries is broken, such conflicts will continue.
"Edward Montalvo? Your father was Pablo Montalva?" The commander suddenly showed interest and asked curiously.
"Yes, sir, do you know my father?" Edward Montalvo said, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, Pablo was my comrade-in-arms a decade ago. If he hadn't had an accident, he would be at least a Lieutenant by now, right?" The commander sighed slightly with nostalgia and said.
Because Chile has not experienced large-scale wars in recent years, military promotions have been relatively slow.
However, if Edward Montalvo's father, Pablo Montalva, were still alive and serving in the military, he could at least hold a company-level position.
If Pablo were still alive, Edward Montalvo could have had a better future, perhaps even the opportunity to attend a military academy, rather than starting as an ordinary soldier in the military.
Company commanders in Chile's military should not be underestimated. Due to its population being just a few million people, the Chilean military has only tens of thousands of soldiers.
In Chile, Brigadier General-ranked officers are basically the upper echelons of the military, and their numbers are not too large.
Even seemingly lower-ranked company commanders are considered middle-to-high-ranking officers in the military and have access to considerable resources.
After all, casual promotions to this rank typically require at least over a decade of experience and strong connections.
"Although I deeply regret the loss of your patrol squad leader, a patrol squad cannot be without a commander. So, Edward Montalvo, I hereby appoint you as the acting squad leader of your patrol squad. Your primary task is to return to your base, reorganize, replenish your personnel, and continue patrolling.
The current situation between us and Argentina is unclear, so patrolling duties need to be taken more seriously." The commander thought for a moment before saying this.
Appointing someone at the squad leader level was a simple decision for him. Of course, adding the prefix "acting" to Edward Montalvo's squad leader position was meant to test his capabilities.
If he does well in his patrolling duties, the commander won't mind helping his fallen old comrade's son, Edward Montalvo, by promoting him.
"Yes, sir!" Edward Montalvo said, his face full of excitement.
Although Edward Montalvo did not join the military to become an officer, but to avenge his father, he also wanted to inherit his father's aspiration to become an excellent soldier.
But as the saying goes, a soldier who doesn't want to become a general isn't a good one, and the same could be said about a soldier who doesn't want to become a squad leader.
After being the patrol squad leader, Edward Montalvo would have the power to command his soldiers, using a larger number of personnel and resources to achieve his goal.
"Alright, Squad Leader Edward, take your soldiers and execute your mission! I will report your promotion, and it should be official in about half a month's time." The commander looked at the excited Edward Montalvo, smiled, and said.
"By the way, I am Lucas Fontaine, the Company Commander of the Second Platoon of the First Regiment of Border Garrison Division II. If you have any problems, you can also find me at my barracks, as I'll be here during this time." Finally, the commander smiled at Edward Montalvo and added.
"Yes, Commander Lucas!" Edward Montalvo responded without hesitation and decisively.
Edward Montalvo's patrol squad belonged to the Second Platoon of the First Regiment of Border Garrison Division II.
What does this mean? His father's old comrade-in-arms was his superior's superior, which was great news for Edward Montalvo. As long as he can grasp this opportunity, he might even surpass his father's achievements.
It should be known that the current situation is extremely chaotic. If one could take advantage of military achievements to progress further, it would be much faster than relying solely on experience.
Edward Montalvo's father strictly trained him from a young age to become an excellent soldier, inherit his father's legacy, and serve his country.
Watching Edward Montalvo take his soldiers and head towards their base, Lucas Fontaine finally turned his gaze backward. He looked coldly at the western forest at the foot of the mountain reported by Edward Montalvo and waved his hand: "Let's go, find those damned Argentinians and eliminate them!"
Encountering his old comrade's son once again reminded Lucas Fontaine of the conflicts that had erupted between his country and Argentina since he joined the military.