~The World's Strongest Militaries~

Originally posted by inimalist
I don't see why you are getting so defensive...

If America has the strongest military, period, in the world, why are they losing two wars to a less well armed and less numerous enemy with less resources?

Because Home Turf terrain and the All-Out Defense action gives a total +4 strategy modifier?

Seriously though, there's no good way to judge the power of a military in absolute terms. The terrain in which combat occurs has a great effect on how each battle goes. We can ask ourselves: which military could win this war? If there's no good answer then America's failure in these two wars probably doesn't count against it in relative terms.

Originally posted by Symmetric Chaos
Because Home Turf and the All-Out Defense actions give a total +4 strategy modifier?

Seriously though, there's no good way to judge the power of a military in absolute terms. The terrain in which combat occurs has a great effect on how each battle goes. We can ask ourselves: which military could win this war? If there's no good answer then America's failure in these two wars probably doesn't count against it in relative terms.

Fair enough, though "America not winning the war" could be seen as the only objective of the Muj.

Though, yes, I agree that it is generally impossible to say who is more powerful absolutely. Context plays a huge role, however effective asymmetrical warfare requires one to pick its battles very well.

edit- sym got it.

Originally posted by Ms.Marvel
edit- sym got it.

I had the pleasure of reading what you put 🙂

all things considered, I've admitted what you were saying from the beginning. America is the most powerful conventional army on the planet. Period. They will be more successful at conventional military campaigns defined my conventional military goals than any other military on the planet.

I think what I am trying to say is, go beyond sheer numbers and tech. Ok, so if nobody could be conventionally successful in Afghanistan, how "powerful" is the military that goes in?

I'd also point out that many armies are much more successful at dealing with the Muj or related insurgencies. Pakistan in Waziristan, India in Kashmir and the Punjab, Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, the Shri Lankan gvt and the Tamil Tigers, even the British in Ireland. However, they are most successful because of their unconventional tactics, or even basic policing, than they are from a traditional military point of view, though some are winning very important traditional military victories. (though, very few examples of a foreign power being successful in a region... however, most insurgents feel their land is independent... plays the biggest role with the rest of society. A person might help a local government against their neighbours rather than a foreign one).

Maybe I'm talking about something else entirely, but tactics, imho, are as much a part of "power" as is force. Tactics and planning you really can't give to the Americans. Is the Muj the most tactful army on the planet, probably not, but I would argue they do out maneuver the Americans (or appear to). An example might be the summer war between Israel and Hezbullah. Israel destroyed and killed so much more than did Hezbullah, but in the end, the tactics of the small militant group proved most successful, and Hezbullah is generally considered to, if not won, have had the best outcome from the event.

Hell, half of this is to even have something to talk about. Going on sheer numbers and stats, nobody touches America. They could engage in conventional war on multiple fronts against other world powers. And my stance is hardly anti-American. What I've said equally applies to most armies. Hell, replace America with Canada.

Originally posted by inimalist

Maybe I'm talking about something else entirely, but tactics, imho, are as much a part of "power" as is force. Tactics and planning you really can't give to the Americans.

Right on the mark. Planning and tactics, indeed.

Mujahedeens and Shaheeds of Afghanistan not only had the military equipment supplied by the largest and most powerful army in the world (Americans) they also had the tactics. Russians were not gonna win that one.

But America will soon find itself in the same situation Russians found themselves in.

Originally posted by lil bitchiness
Right on the mark. Planning and tactics, indeed.

Mujahedeens and Shaheeds of Afghanistan not only had the military equipment supplied by the largest and most powerful army in the world (Americans) they also had the tactics. Russians were not gonna win that one.

But America will soon find itself in the same situation Russians found themselves in.

Perhaps, although to be honest this time the terrorists aren't getting supplied by a superpower...not that we know of.

Originally posted by lil bitchiness

But America will soon find itself in the same situation Russians found themselves in.

What situation is that?

communist dictatorship.

Obama has the power to overthrow the republican aspects of this psycho asylum, he's just too damn lazy.

Originally posted by Hewhoknowsall
Perhaps, although to be honest this time the terrorists aren't getting supplied by a superpower...not that we know of.

True, although I wouldn't be surprised if Saudi Wahhabi are pumping money into Taliban.
Also, trained by Americans, they have picked up a lot of useful info.

Originally posted by KidRock
What situation is that?

Having to withdraw from Afghanistan when Taliban overwhelms Americans and kills god knows how many more of young men and women.

Think Vietnam.

If Obama thinks he can win this one, is he ever so wrong.

N.B. this list is based on my opinion of who which country would fare better in a war against another, head to head:
1. USA: Umm, kinda of an obvious choice. Unmatched in terms of the combination of resources, technology, force projection capability on a global scale, personnel training, equipment ... the list goes on. Would win against any of the countries below (aka any country in the world), whether in terms of the Army, Navy, or Airforce. Regularly flexes its military muscle in the world (Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iraq again, etc.). Military bases all over the world give its forces a definite logistical edge at least over any would-be enemies. Military spending to dwarf the rest of the list (and any country in the world, for that matter).
2. Russia: Still has considerable might left from the Cold War era. Civil strife and economical decline have weakened it somewhat, causing some equipment used to become dated, and a decrease in the combat ability of the army. In a head to head war, would have the second best offense, and its ability to fight a war of attrition is formidable. The new Russian MBT is probably overhyped, but still provides evidence that R&D has not been halted completely. Oh, and don't forget that it has enough of a nuclear arsenal assuring mutual annihilation at the very least, in case of nuclear warfare.
3. China: usage of dated weapons is being gradually phased out, military spending is being increased. An interesting characteristic is the concentration in certain classes of high-tech weapons, e.g. MBT, fighter aircraft, and submarines. The army size is being decreased to form a smaller, more efficient fighting force. Basic training ranks highly in the world, though experience with sophisticated weaponry is still somewhat lacking.
4. Germany: tough, well trained Army, highly efficient and technologically sophisticated. A strong military tradition, and a staggering will to resist to the bitter end. A strong Navy, and formidable Airforce to be reckoned with for any opposition. Their forces are also highly experienced and organised.
5. Japan: a surprise entry? Not really, when you consider the fact that it has one of the best navies in the world. Its military spending is formidable, but what sets it apart, like Germany, is its people's will to fight on. A large military budget, state-of-the-art technology, and excellent training makes its Army a worthy foe for any other country. It would have the economical edge over most other countries, and has a sophisticated military force to go.

hey guys... how about UNIVERSAL SOLDIER? i think they are tough enough!!!

Originally posted by Korto Vos
Does anyone know the official list of the world's strongest militaries? I know the United States is #1, but what about after that?

Have You Checked GlobalFirepower.com i think they opinion quite objective,.

There are a lot of things about US military power that are overlooked. Congress has failed to declare war for over 50 years resulting in massive profiteering in every conflict especially over the last ten years, becoming a massive factor in nearly bankrupting the country. Privatization of many military services and use of militias (cough, cough contractors) has further weakened the military. The outsourcing of manufacturing jobs has also outsourced ALL STRATEGIC INDUSTRIES (Thank you free trade and supply side economics!). The US is incapable of mass producing weaponry without international cooperation, making it helpless in case of a invasion wherein supply routes can be cutoff. For all our showboating in wars, when it comes to having an effective military force for defense, I doubt the US is even in the top 5.

Originally posted by Ms.Marvel
edit- sym got it.

Originally posted by Strangelove
China's military has about 2.8 million people in its army, but it's poorly trained and equipped.

So what? They all know Kung Fu really well!

Originally posted by Darth Jello
There are a lot of things about US military power that are overlooked. Congress has failed to declare war for over 50 years resulting in massive profiteering in every conflict especially over the last ten years, becoming a massive factor in nearly bankrupting the country. Privatization of many military services and use of militias (cough, cough contractors) has further weakened the military. The outsourcing of manufacturing jobs has also outsourced ALL STRATEGIC INDUSTRIES (Thank you free trade and supply side economics!). The US is incapable of mass producing weaponry without international cooperation, making it helpless in case of a invasion wherein supply routes can be cutoff. For all our showboating in wars, when it comes to having an effective military force for defense, I doubt the US is even in the top 5.

you are anticipating an invasion from Canada or Mexico?

Otherwise, I feel America can probably defend itself against any invasion force coming across the oceans without needing to build any new equipment...

Originally posted by inimalist
you are anticipating an invasion from Canada or Mexico?

Otherwise, I feel America can probably defend itself against any invasion force coming across the oceans without needing to build any new equipment...

Not if all the Chinese jump in the water at once and cause a Tsunami you can't.

Originally posted by inimalist
you are anticipating an invasion from Canada or Mexico?

Originally posted by Lord Lucien
Dude! Shut uuup.

haha, Canada and Mexico need to do a super-hero team-up

1- Canada
2- Republic of Zombieland
3- Galactic Empire
4- Chuck Norris
5- Your mom