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Most powerful military nations of 2019

Discussion in 'Free Fire Zone' started by CAC, Apr 16, 2019.

  1. CAC

    CAC Ace of Spades

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  2. belasar

    belasar Court Jester

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    The Grand Duchy of Fenwick?
     
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  3. CAC

    CAC Ace of Spades

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    Huh?
     
  4. harolds

    harolds Member

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    Ah yes, "The Mouse That Roared!"
     
  5. lwd

    lwd Ace

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    Thoroughly enjoyed that series many years ago.
     
  6. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    The Global Firepower Index, from which this is taken, seems to be pretty controversial among Defence sort of commentators I follow, from journos to academia.

    Nuclear power not counted.
    One soldier ranked as the equivalent of any other, regardless of training, doctrine, equipment, etc.
    Ability to deploy quickly, or over distance.

    Never looked into who produces it, but it does look a tad sketchy in places. A bit Top Trumps.
     
  7. USMCPrice

    USMCPrice Idiot at Large

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    Numero uno, and one big reason is what is shown in the picture for the US from the link! The United Freakin' States Marine Corps! I think the picture (by Athit Perawongmetha) is from a "Cobra Gold" exercise in Thailand. The cammies and AAV in the background identify the troops branch of service Uncle Sugar's misguided children. (some more Athit Perawongmetha photos from "Cobra Gold" US Marines Drink Cobra Blood In Creepy "Jungle Survival Exercise" (Images) )

    To demonstrate the disparity, Number 8 on the list is the UK. The US Marine Corps is the smallest (and youngest) branch of the US military. The Marine Corps alone has 36,500 more active duty personnel more than the UK's combined active duty military (186,500 vs @150,000), it has 387 more aircraft than the UK, (1198 vs 811). That's only 50 less aircraft than #5 Frances total!
    If I were rating them, I'd rate China ahead of the Russian's, and South Korea ahead of Japan. South Koreans are really good, really hard troops. Economics and the ability to support the war effort should be factored in to military rankings. California's economy is bigger than Russia's, China has the economic, technological and manufacturing base to make it a real threat in the event of war.
     
  8. belasar

    belasar Court Jester

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    Considering the number of ads it did feel a little 'click-baity' to me, but it did claim to use 50 plus index factors so probably fairly close.
     
  9. lwd

    lwd Ace

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    I seem to recall a pretty well informed Britt also mentioning that the USMC has more tanks and possibly armored vehicles than the British Army as well.

    From what Van Poop said some pretty glaring omissions as well. I'd be tempted to rate it in at least 3 categories if I were making a list:
    1) Defensive
    2) Local power projection
    3) Intercontinental power projection.
    and possibly
    4) Special weapons (NBC)

    At least from what I've been reading I agree it's hard to justify Russia being rated above China especially if nukes are not considered.
     
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  10. belasar

    belasar Court Jester

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    I too thought China would come ahead of Russia, also thought the Korea's and Israel would rate a little higher, while the UK would fall out of the top 10.

    Didn't realize those Bearskin hats were such a force multiplayer!
     

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    Last edited: Apr 17, 2019
  11. von Poop

    von Poop Waspish

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    The Notes & Disclaimer are fun...
    "Historical & entertainment".
    Which is of course fine in itself, but why a news source would bother giving it serious credibility over other more considerate sources puzzles a little.
    Anyone might think it's a handy thing to pump out Listicles, fill space, & get hits with...

    In a UK context; The Wavell Room can be very interesting on modern (& sometimes WW2) stuff, RUSI also pumps out some interesting things (People from there usually come across as solid/informed in interviews etc.).
    I find it tricky to really follow much in depth from other countries. Often hard to pick out the bollocks from the good without local context/s. UK Defence Journal is usually pretty interesting for News, though.
     
  12. green slime

    green slime Member

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    I too believe Russia is vastly overrated. What it has is, is some recent real operational experience (Crimea, Syria) that China may lack.
     
  13. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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