Michael
Think Tank Analyst
- Jan 5, 2024
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- 783
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The ranking of military forces is actually meaningless. It is merely a tool used by some news organizations, think tanks, and research institutions to deceive the public. Of course, some military forces also use this method to request funding from the government.
As military enthusiasts, we should just observe and not argue about who is stronger or weaker.
The U.S. military’s operations in Afghanistan ended with a complete withdrawal. The U.S. military did not achieve its expected goals; the Taliban achieved theirs. Therefore, it can be judged that the Taliban won this war. However, we do not believe the Taliban is stronger than the U.S. military. Why?
In military strategic assessments, in addition to weapons and equipment, many other factors influence the outcome of a war:
The determination of the decision-makers. If a country’s military decision-makers are filled with divisions and cannot make decisions quickly and effectively, it will severely impact the combat effectiveness of the military. In fact, many countries' military decision-makers currently include both doves and hawks.
The fighting will of soldiers. This is something everyone should understand, so I won’t go into detail.
Logistical support capabilities. When war comes, whether it is possible to provide enough weapons, ammunition, and supplies to frontline soldiers on time is a very complex and large issue. Can supplies be continuously provided from domestic production or external purchases? Are there sufficient and safe transportation routes and means?
Strategic wisdom and tactical command. Does the commander have sufficient wisdom and strength?
Adequate reserve forces. Numerous painful lessons tell us that when war comes, “soldiers” seized from the streets will not help in the war; they will only consume more resources and equipment.
As for weapons and equipment, they are just amplifiers. When an army has completely lost its fighting will, even the most advanced equipment will not help; it will only accelerate its demise—when these people are killed or captured, this advanced equipment will help the enemy defeat them more quickly.
As military enthusiasts, we should just observe and not argue about who is stronger or weaker.
The U.S. military’s operations in Afghanistan ended with a complete withdrawal. The U.S. military did not achieve its expected goals; the Taliban achieved theirs. Therefore, it can be judged that the Taliban won this war. However, we do not believe the Taliban is stronger than the U.S. military. Why?
In military strategic assessments, in addition to weapons and equipment, many other factors influence the outcome of a war:
The determination of the decision-makers. If a country’s military decision-makers are filled with divisions and cannot make decisions quickly and effectively, it will severely impact the combat effectiveness of the military. In fact, many countries' military decision-makers currently include both doves and hawks.
The fighting will of soldiers. This is something everyone should understand, so I won’t go into detail.
Logistical support capabilities. When war comes, whether it is possible to provide enough weapons, ammunition, and supplies to frontline soldiers on time is a very complex and large issue. Can supplies be continuously provided from domestic production or external purchases? Are there sufficient and safe transportation routes and means?
Strategic wisdom and tactical command. Does the commander have sufficient wisdom and strength?
Adequate reserve forces. Numerous painful lessons tell us that when war comes, “soldiers” seized from the streets will not help in the war; they will only consume more resources and equipment.
As for weapons and equipment, they are just amplifiers. When an army has completely lost its fighting will, even the most advanced equipment will not help; it will only accelerate its demise—when these people are killed or captured, this advanced equipment will help the enemy defeat them more quickly.