*Each nation is assessed on individual and collective values processed through an in-house formula to generate a 'PwrIndx' score. When I was in the National Guard back in the 90's I had the opportunity to serve with some Brits who went on annual training with us as part of an exchange program. The British Army is your Army: in an uncertain world it is ever vigilant, always ready and steadfast in its commitment to the defence of the United Kingdom and its citizens. I found both of them to be crack troops that had lots of knowledge and tactical expertise, but I was most impressed with how they viewed. Our training prepares us for disaster relief operations and we are well practiced working in support of UK Government Agencies and Local Government for emergencies in the UK, or the Department for International Development (DFID) for humanitarian operations globally. It was as if they had outsourced their deeper brain activity to their NCO's. thanks. Britain headed the list two years ago, but was edged off top spot by the US last year. This is their way of saying that I was right and you were wrong. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued guidance for British troops and their families working in the EU, Gibraltar and the Sovereign Bases. Their training is superb and their belief in what they are doing for the good of the oppressed cannot be faulted. The reality during the 1970s was that the armed forces were being "hollowed out" by lots of small cuts, says Freedman. How well equipped is Britain today to defend itself both at home and overseas? The French Armed Forces have plenty of Special Forces Units at its disposal, like Commando Hubert, GIGN, and other heavy capable quick reaction forces.Same as in the U.S. military, it can be sorted in a manner of military tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3).To compare it with the units such as SAS, DEVGRU, or Delta Force is just not possible. It was announced that 1350 persons from … I wish the Russians did too:) However, as all myths, this is a dangerous one. You don't want Finns shooting at you (or stabbing; ask Mikko what is a pukoh and where he keeps his). The salute is a sign of respect, thought to date back to Roman times or medieval Europe. 'Aircraft Carriers' value includes traditional carriers as well as Helicopter Carriers. British Army was purposely put in areas of Iraq and Afghanistan where the fighting is less intensive and hostile than where the Americans are fighting. The purpose of the Ministry of Defence and our Armed Forces is to defend the United Kingdom, and Overseas Territories, our people and interests; and act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security. Topics. I mean, discipline is necessary but not on the expense of autonomous initiative and thought. 'Submarines' value includes diesel-electric and nuclear-powered types. As from the date of the announcement, the application for the British Armed Forces for all ranks and roles will be open to South African citizens 18 years and older. I dont think any body any where would dispute this. The Italian Ministry of Defence said Italy is engaged in 34 missions and 32 out-of-area operations in 22 countries around the world, while the UK Armed Forces are deployed on over 20 operations in more than 25 countries. Now, now don't be testy. However, most Brits have to understand that your views concerning your army are from reality and sometimes close to fantasy. Resist they did. On the structure of British armed force, they are less and less autonomous being more and more dependant of US support. In fact, although it pains us to admit that anyone is better than us at anything, there are a lot of Americans that would concede that the British Army and Royal Marines are the most disciplined fighting force in the world right now. At the end, British army is becoming a suppletive force which depends on NATO so USA. One of the most highly regarded and best equipped armies in the world, the British Army is proud of its heritage delivering success in combat through the courage and absolute commitment of its soldiers.Â. Up to a point. Based on what I've seen in documentaries, no-one shouts  as much as a US Marine drill sergeant. Are you thinking about the army in terms of a career or as a job? On the structure of British armed force, they are less and less autonomous being more and more dependant of US support. The British Army is your Army: in an uncertain world it is ever vigilant, always ready and steadfast in its commitment to the defence of the United Kingdom and its citizens. Mikko:  remarkable about the shouting, harrassment. Not like you will have to do anything difficult. the conduct of some individuals afterwards however. I believe most of the participants of these blogs and boards are Brits; therfore, their is hyper-bias--which is somewhat natural in all humans to do. Since they do not spend enough on national tools like deterrent or space assets, or autonomous projection power (lacking a real carrier for example) Finns are warriors punching well above their weight. I have nothing first-hand to say about British weapons systems or doctrines.. other than that they trained their troops to be far more trigger-happy than we did. Protecting the nation and its dependent territories will always be our first role.  Highly trained soldiers are ready to deploy anywhere at any time to meet a variety of challenges.  Ranging from support to the Police following a terrorist attack, to specialist capabilities such as bomb disposal and intelligence experts, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, we are always ready to serve. they killed or wounded many argentinian men and lost none themselves. If on the other hand you are refering to events in 1982 you are demonstrating considerable ignorance firstly the falklands was defended by a 45 Booties and about 100 local volunteers. The dozens of bombs that exploded on the base in the first five days of my embed with a British infantry platoon punctuated those claims. Operations in the land environment cannot be conducted in isolation of the Air, Maritime and Cyber domains; the Division is the first and optimum level at which all these strands are pulled together. This may be by working with partner nations in Iraq and Afghanistan to deliver world class training and assistance, reassuring our allies with soldiers deployed forward in Eastern Europe, or supporting the fight against poaching in Africa. The British army is well trained and well equipped with Challenger 2 main battle tanks and Warrior fighting vehicles. Finland still designs and makes their own smallarms, as they did in the WWII era and who knows how long before, no small feat for a country their size. In the UK, saluting the Armed Forces is considered a mark of tradition for individuals within the Armed Forces. The UK has a leading role in the 67-member Global Coalition committed to defeating Daesh. Leader/Killer/Gentleman in one neat package. Increased education has not translated into an increased ability to think outside the box. British forces deploy to Sierra Leone. Or, you know, Regular Modern Great Britain. American commanders have complained about the British Army not being able to accomlish their key objectives in Iraq and Afghanistan. i will not voice my own opinion until others have had their say (in order to prevent bias views on my part, no ones perfect) Have you dealt with US Marines? That's coming from a Finn. Britain - in fifth placeaccording to the Global Firepower survey - has a relatively modest number of tanks, aircraft and warships. 2020 StrategyWorld.com. It also flies the Apache gunship. Well, it looks like we can, but more to the point...the big British plan in Basra was apparently to suss out the locals and find out who to outsource their authority to. fitness levels having been eroded becuase most units were mechanised - this was some thing that would raise its ugly head a few  years later for the Soviets in Afghanistan. See, the training we did with the Brits concerned all sorts of peace-keeping and peace-forcing duties. They shouted and ran around and did all sorts of disciplinary stuff we found a bit funny and unnecessary in the business of killing, - officers seemed far more distant from their troops than is the case with Scandinavian troops, - privates violently out-of-hand when drunk, and drunk when allowed. Individually kind people but somewhat harsh when in group. 1)  See everybody telling you the Brits are UNDERFUNDED, JTR? You had all the horses, you could have done any number of things. FS:  Somebody whack him, his needle's skipping in the groove. The Division is designed to overcome threats across the full spectrum of operations including all hybrid threats in the same time and space. It is in the UK’s interest to tackle the causes of instability, fragility and conflict, and to respond rapidly to prevent them – or deal with the instability and conflict that does emerge. 3) Most recently, surrendering to the Iranian navy. I do think American armed forces overall surpasses the Brits--especially in training and officer competance. Maybe it builds team spirit and tests mental endurance.. Well I suppose I have to explain that a little. Despite this, it’s not clear exactly why the Armed Forces have not progressed much further than discussing the issue for at least 100 years. The British Armed Forces, also known as Her Majesty's Armed Forces, are the military services responsible for the defence of the United Kingdom, its overseas territories and the Crown dependencies. The British Army is actively engaged in operational duties across the globe. Maybe the captain was indecisive or lacked authority and had to phone up the chain to 10 Downing to get the word on what to do with his thumb? On the men themselves, British army is top quality. Colonel Kemp served from 1977 to 2006 and was Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan in 2003. The Brits were trained to use their rifles and solve all sorts of situations either with force or through demonstrating force. A standing Army provides depth; as well as conducting complex war fighting, it is the same highly trained soldier who helps support the NHS, deals with floods and trains partner forces abroad. The British Army was called on to fight around the world, starting with campaigns in Europe in 1940. Bollox the hellmand province is one of the worst areas of afghanistan, Bsara was no picnic either - i seem to recall american posters on these boards pointing that out in the past. By 1815, with the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo Britain had risen to become the world's dominant superpower, and the British Empire subsequently presided over a period of relative peace, known as Pax Britannica, until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. Since they do not spend enough on national tools like deterrent or space assets, or autonomous projection power (lacking a real carrier for example). Were the Brits worse? China's armed forces makes a lot of headlines these days, with 2.3 million active military personnel and the world's second largest defense budget. Haven't you got a cocoa plantation to rob or something? The British Army has many uses, though it is primarily a war-fighting organisation to protect the nation and, if required, fight the nation’s enemies with absolute commitment.  Within hours soldiers from the Air Assault Task Force can react to a potential adversary through to a full response from the Warfighting Division with thousands of soldiers and vehicles under command.  Operations could be conducted independently, with NATO, or with key allies like the US and France. … so yeah i would like to know what other people genuinly think of our military, especially what America has to say on it, seeing as Britain and America are so often compared. Listen, nobody actually expects anything of the Royal Arny except "two, and two more later." Troops provide vital aid to Caribbean islands, Explore our current and ongoing operations, https://www.linkedin.com/company/british-army. France surpassed the US and Britain as the world’s top soft power, according to an annual survey examining how much non-military global influence an individual country wields. They also promote the UK's wider interests, support international peacekeeping efforts and provide humanitarian aid. Brits all proud of rocking the town in their berets and sneering - Brits always sneering for some reason - at the US troops in helmets, armor, sunglasses, etc. According to Global Firepower, the total military personnel of Italy is 267,500,while that of the UK Armed Forces is 192,410. but there are armys like the Russians who, although they've been hurting financially and sufferred from severe cutbacks, are fierce. I think as no one was within a 1000 miles of it in 1700 and dot when the spanish claimed it . The Royal NAVY, on the other hand, is not supposed to SUCK! I always hope our motivation for national defence lies in the love for the country, not in thinking we are good at it. In a real shooting war there hardly is such a thing as a "trigger happy doctrine" (just bad aim). This statistic displays the total number of personnel employed in the armed forces of the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2020, by military branch. The privates were often quite clueless when off-duty and without leadership. Upon the Act of Union in 1707, the armed forces of England and Scotland were merged into the armed forces of the Kingdom of Great Britain. points 2. it only took 100 or so days to retake the falklands, but that is fair enough seeing as they were over 8000 miles away from home, 3 as for surrendering to the iranians well yes they did, but is you only have your rifle when heavy machie guns are being pointed at you, i think you would surrender too, and besides a firefight may have sparked and international incident. NAVAL FORCES - Values derived from multiple sources. We are the Nation’s insurance policy able to respond to a wide range of tasks with Regulars and Reserves held at short notice, ready to respond to crises in the UK or overseas such as natural disasters. This joint process utilises attributes, performance and potential to assess Service personnel within their current roles, determine individual aspirations and viability as future leaders. But that is neither a pro or a con, just a feature. You are just going to have to live with it till the next time, then you sink the ruddy woggish pigboat, and everybody's happy again. A TROLL it is Mate, lets drink to it. Between 1707 and 1914, British forces played a prominent role in notable conflicts including the … The British army has looked bad for some of its actions: 1) Surrendering Falklands without firing one shot  2) Taking a long time to retake the falklands 3) Most recently, surrendering to the Iranian navy. The British Army has deployed to the Caribbean to provide immediate assistance with the humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane Irma. Even then, their have been criticisms that the Brits could not maintain control, take key objectives, quell the insurgency on their ow. Find the contacts you need for recruitment, media enquiries and more. It holds a PwrIndx* rating of 0.1717(0.0000 considered 'perfect'). So I have only a very very filtered knowledge on them. Mental health is improving in the Armed Forces, as in 2018/19 just 2.7% of UK armed forces personnel were assessed with a mental disorder at the MoD Specialist mental health services - a significant decrease from 3.2% in 2015/16. It was held at one time that by virtue of experience the Brits held the edge, i would be suprised if there was mch in it either way. Persistent engagement overseas enables an entry point for broader British interests, particularly in support of the National prosperity agenda. It is not, and it doesn have some quality people. - superbly professional and friendly officers and NCO's. Finland messed up the Soviets back before that was popular. Sharp discipline and top quality leadership is understandable when a country has a history of fighting abroad and in circumstances where their own independence is not threatened (you can't rely on internal motivators for too long). sorry is this a serious criticism - it took nearly a bloody month to get to the falklands, I would say that retaking the Falklands was a magnificent  feat of arms (and a godly amount of luck). The building where many British forces live is frequently hit. Brits were nowhere near but I mentioned it since I experienced it first hand. A standing Army provides depth; as well as conducting complex war fighting, it is the same highly trained soldier who helps support the NHS, deals with floods and trains partner forces abroad. Do you recognise the challenges and benefits of life in the forces? Army; Comments are subject to … Against the might of an argentine invasion force, they were never going to offer more than token resistance. Despite being bad plan, leading to empowerment of the wrong people and degeneration of the scene. British military personnel disembark from an RAF C-17 Globemaster at Lungi International Airport near Freetown in Sierra Leone, September 2014, at the start of Operation 'Gritrock'. that is an embarrasment  - on the other hand as we are not at war with Iran and as shooting at the Iranians would have caused a major incident perhaps the decision was the best one. being a British myself i would like to know what people from other countries think of our armed forces without all of the competition of "which country has the best army" etc. how good is the british armed forces Defence Reviews, such as those in 1957 and 1966, announced significant reductions in conventional forces,[25] the pursuement of a doctrine based on nuclear deterrence,[26][27] and a permanent military withdrawal East of Suez. Background The main British Army campaigns in the course of the Second World War. Britain's armed forces are struggling to maintain numbers. - the average British private seemed to be a bit...  confused in life in general. I dont think theres a force out there that can match the US at division and above - small unit tactics are a little more subjective. Learn how the armed forces work in Merry Old England. Winning or losing is one thing, but you don't give up without a fight! 2)  Basra was rather a pity. It may be there the British Army isn't as fierce and whose training isn't as great as others. people always talk of how their countries armed force is the best. The British Army is currently deployed across the globe on numerous overseas operations and harnesses specialist experience and capabilities to tackle the multitude of problems. The British Army does not simply react to world events.  We are persistently engaged around the world to help shape the environment and prevent conflict in the future. Lions led by donkeys. Quite many had relevant experience under their belts and it showed. I quite never understood the point in the shouting thing; it's like the NCO is publically celebrating his inability to form trusting relationships with subordinates. But the Brits don't like when people change plans, so...  Of course that can be laid on the politicos, not the troops themselves. thanks for your view but i will have to dissagree with you especially on point 1. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably already been considering joining the British army. But let's move on. The British Armed Forces are the armed forces of the United Kingdom.The British Armed Forces are officially called Her Majesty's Armed Forces, and they are sometimes called the Armed Forces of the Crown. incidently go look up south georgia the marines resisted there yo. The defence secretary has said £16.5bn is “enough” to modernise the armed forces but refused to say how much of the new defence funding would be taken from the overseas aid budget. The Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces is … I've received training from British officers and trained alongside British troops for couple of weeks in '98-'99 (so way before modern conflicts). On the men themselves, British army is top quality. All rights Reserved. 1.0 Introduction The Armed Forces of the United Kingdom utilise a joint appraisal report process for both officers and other ranks across the Service branches. I'm not saying that the British Army is bad. See, lowered expectations. The British Armed Forces recruitment process. Locals cite Iranian influence behind the attacks, while British officers say this is the most IDF’d base in Iraq. No offenses. Happily for you, Fifi, the French are nowhere anybody can see them. For 2020, United Kingdom is ranked 8of 138 out of the countries consideredfor the annual GFP review. The landings couldnt be conducted till the british had air superiority  that also took time. Plan was followed. � 1998 - Officers and NCO's form a backbone I wouldn't want to mess with, but men seemed to be led through blind obedience rather than through empowerment. Are you a Paki? The British Armed Forces is made up of three parts: the British Army, the Royal Navy (and the Royal Marines) and the Royal Air Force.. My main comparison points are naturally the Finns, but also the Norwegian, Swedish and Dutch troops. But what are the key things you need to think about before making the decision and committing yourself to life in the armed forces? Really my impression was that the performance of the british units was at least on a par with the other allied forces serving in Afghanistan. Oh, you can't get to know people that way! The attacking forces landed on the island were out numbered and had to march through some of the worst terrain possible as most ov the transport assets had been lost. I think youre being a tad harsh. If you are shooting too much for a Finn's taste, you are indeed trigger-happy.). But the army, as a whole, is have not distinguished itself on the battlefield for quite sometime. Many of  Britains contempories did not think Britain could retake the falklands, and many felt there troops couldnt have done the Yomp to Stanley. 3rd (UK) Division forms the backbone of the British Army’s response to any threat to the Nation or national interests and is comprised of over 27,000 soldiers and 3500 vehicles. Their training as a whole is perhaps the most brutal of all armed forces. The modern workforce is the most educated and qualified that the British Armed Forces have ever had access to. some provide facts to back their claims some are just plain bias. 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