I've given this issue some thought, but was unable to make up my mind. On one hand, Numerius Aureolus is an able commander. There is no doubt about that, that has been proven, I have seen it, both in the actions of the Consular Army in and around Macedonia, where he was a Tribune, and with him in command of a small detachment in Epirus and Thessaly. Furthermore, his manifesto is reasonable and strategically sound.

On the other hand, he is inexperienced. I do not speak of his age. He may be young, but he has been in the Roman army for 6 years. I realize that he must have lied about his age upon joining, but that's in the past now. But I'm still not sure that's sufficient experience. I have no doubt he will be able to manage Rome. The civilian side of things, the treasury and the construction is easy, anyone can do that. Overall strategic command of the military is also not an issue as I see it, as he will have many experienced commanders in the field, and to give him advice. The only thing I'm worried about is the Consular Army. I'm just not sure that it can be entrusted to someone with only the experiences of a Tribune, commander small forces and being second in command. It would never happen under normal circumstances, so why does being elected by a civilian body that is the Senate enable him to command larger forces? Now, we have allowed Legates to take command of Consular Armies upon their election as First Consul, but the jump from Tribune to Consul is a bit much for me.

Upon being elected, he should and would take command of the Consular Army in name, and carry its banner, but I would feel a lot better if he would keep the size of his personal command to at most a Legion, for at least the first few battles. Should they be successes, then I could maybe accept that he commands an actual Consular Army.