Alright guys, just out of curiosity i'd like to know everyone's opinions on the Brit army, how well they perform, train etc. Don't pull the punches...

Well, as I see it, you have a very good army. And the RAF is definetly one of the top 5 AF in the world.

I believe the best in the world, I know that has been a topic of annoyance an almost peurile, even petty arguements over who's best, but most brits are too modest to say it around anyone else. The thing is unlike most country's (e.g. US) Britain has a strong warrior culture which supports the best training around. This in collusion with the fact that we are also the most flexible army mainly because in the past we have had to do much with very little. This means a completely different viewpoint on the part of the soldiers and a completely different attitude (mainly because of a more empathetic yet fiercer culture).

OK. As i said, i think your soldiers are among the best, I really dont want to use the phrase "the best" since its a close one. Plus my grandfather was in the british army during WWII, so i sympethize with the UK. Now, as to the RAF, as I said, it makes the top 3, but between the USAF, RAF, and IAF, its a damn close match.

The British have always had a fine army. Ever since... well way back lol. They were always known for the precision and obedience which I think they are still known for today. They definitely would play a huge part if another world war broke out because of there discipline. But on a 1-10 for Brits army I give a 9.

Well, i do agree with sherman on the RAF matter, but as for the army - well it is in no way a "close one", and i can see you are obviously showing your own patriocy, but an example that best illustrates the point i am trying to make is that in Iraq, when senior army commanders are making decisions about coalition involvement, they consider most regular brit army regiments more effective than US SF (not regarding the amount or quality of your kit though) in terms of purely combat effectiveness. As for the rest of the nations in Iraq, the standard is poor comparitively and was illustrated well when the Lithuanians withdrew, leaving their civilian contractors to be captured by poorly trained and equiped Iraqi militia.

Well, compared to lituania, your immensly better, but i wouldent say tha tregular british troops are superior to US army or Marines. I agree that your infantry is better then the Israeli Infantry, but as far as the Armour, i think we are better(acctually, i think we are the best.)

Originally Posted by sherman105

i think we are better(acctually, i think we are the best.)

No I am!


Hi Ben, Welcome to the forum.

I worked aboard one of your ships, the HMS Albion, when I was on Exercise Joint Winter 04 here in Norway.
http://www.military-quotes.com/forum...pic.php?t=1177
http://www.military-quotes.com/forum...pic.php?t=1002

I'm quite impressed of the professionalism of the british soldiers and officers.

But one thing that didn't impress me was you MREs...

when senior army commanders are making decisions about coalition involvement, they consider most regular brit army regiments more effective than US SF

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Ah God .. kids. *wiping tears* Let me know when you learn the differences in missions, capability, etc. Then, perhaps you'll have an informed opinion.

The problem here is defining the term 'best' and I suspect it will never be agreed to everyone's satisfaction. The three nations refered to already, Britain, the US and Isreal are all very different Army's born out of different histories, doctrines and, perhaps most importantly, out of different budgets. I have never had the pleasure of serving alongside the Isrealis (although I once met the most beautiful female Armoured Infantry Company Commander), but I have spent some time up at Fort Lewis with the Americans.

My experience was that the US Army is just different from the British Army, better at some things, worse at others. Their logistical chain and use of close fire support is something that we 'borrowers' can only dream about. Their mobility around the battlefield, on both ground and air, enables them to be able to, if they had the inclination to, fully employ maneouvre warfare in its purest form. They do however have their weaknesses. They are not particularly good at 'thinking outside the box', not are they able to switch from warfighting to peacekeeping at the drop of a hat, something the Brits are the best at the world in due to policing the Empire and the last thirty years in Northern Ireland. Certainly I got the impression that force protection in the US Army was paramount whereas in the British Army it is balanced against setting the local population at ease and winning them over to you.

Maybe just different Armies, with different strengths and weaknesses and different mindsets.