Operational Analyses and Assessments: 1937
Based on our planning in 1936, I would say that our overall Strategic Plans are under way. Albeit slowly in some areas, our forces are managing to muster their strength decisively.
As you can see, the Wehrmacht has been expanded by 86% which on face value is phenomenal. However, bearing in mind that not all of these brigades are fighting brigades we must still work on improving our strength.
Whilst the Kriegsmarines strength has been improved by 80%, we still lack the big guns our navy will need to lock down the North Sea and later on venture into the North Atlantic.
In the Air our numerically weak, albeit technologically advanced Luftwaffe has shown a growth of 61%. Considering our lack of production lines geared towards manufacturing fighters, this number is a good start. It is hoped that, come 1938, our forces can maintain this growth and still not overly threaten the Allies into War.
In the Wehrmacht, our goal of improving our indirect fire support brigades has made a mark. an increase of 110% is simply amazing! This will really help us in our attempts at blasting holes in the enemies lines for exploitation.
Also, our Panzerwaffe is finally starting to expand. With the addition of another Panzer Division, two Panzer Corps have been formed, laying the framework for our operational doctrine of fast mobile corps and armies making decisive actions on the front lines.
Finally, the 1st Gebirgsjager z.b.V has been formed. This division, specialized in fighting in rough terrain has been formed to better understand and develop tactics for fighting in extreme conditions.
It is with the Luftwaffe that Goering and Hitler are the most pleased with. Along with the introduction of Fallschirmjager Regiment General Goering, the Luftwaffe's fighter corps has been expanded three fold. Now, 5 fighter wings protect Germany's borders from aggression.
Meanwhile, it is with the Kriegsmarine that we must make a decision on what to pursue, though the U-boot Waffe has been expanded with two more squadrons, Raider has made grumblings about commissioning two new Battlecruisers and two Battleships of impressive design, which are hoped to give us an edge in the Atlantic battles to come.
(Edit: It is with the Kriegsmarine that I am still torn on. Though I need a navy to secure my shipping lanes to invade Britain, if I can focus more on the Luftwaffe I can bypass the channel by air... I am seriously thinking of decommissioning the Schleswig Holstein Battle-cruisers (which make up the Baltische Flotte based in Koenigsburg) to free up supplies and materials. Any suggestions? Plan Z is currently off the table).
Diplomatic Intentions
We have made gains on the table with Mussolini as well as convincing the ethnic Germans in Austria and the Czech Republic of their heritage. However we lack a sufficient foothold in these countries to make a move yet. Our efforts to gain oil with the Saudis has also bore little fruit. Lack of respect on both sides have thus far hindered talks on building a sustainable form of export/import from that desert nation. Though still considered a dormant Giant, Admiral Canaris has expressed concern over what role the United States will play in the coming years and has thus encouraged the Fuhrer to make diplomatic moves towards them.
Intelligence Reports
As of yet, the Abwehr has focuses mainly on building an efficient intelligence network in the Allied and Communist camp. The Soviet apparatus, as paranoid as it is, has been sufficiently penetrated to get us any information we need. However to show our hand before it is useful would be a waste so we wait until our political goals are better set in stone to put our intelligence assets into action. Across the Atlantic, the American-Bund has given us a large pool of possible agents to recruit from.