Is it true that one British soldier is worth three American soldiers on the battlefield.?

Question

The British army is reknown for its superior training and effectiveness in combat. I've been told that they are the best soldiers in the world, worth three American combat troops in the field. Is there anyone out there who has any reason to think differently?

Answer 1

Yes, if not more so.

And before I go any further, I am not British. I am a Canadian soldier. And I think that the ratio is pretty much the same for us.

For one thing, while US soldiers do qualify as professionals, they are overspecialized, too rigidly trained and too constrained by the trappings of rank and far too reliant on their technology to get the job done.

Canadians and Brits, on the other hand, are versatile, highly trained, multi-tasking, cross-trained and polyvalent entities, trained to think by themselves and to improvise if things don't go quite according to plan. And without all of the advanced toys and support that the US forces enjoy, we rely more on our heads and our training than on some uptown gadgetry. This is where instinct, experience and just simply good heads on our shoulders come into play.

Also, we do not have a "reach this rank by this time or you're gone" sort of system. It's not rare to see E4/E5 equivalent soldiers with over 15 years in. This does not denote stupidity, just that this particular soldier might not be suited for leadership roles but is very skilled in his little slice of the military, let it be infantry, technical work, anything really. Also, US rank progression is too fast, and it takes a lot of people with next to no command abilities in positions of authority and they can't even run their own section efficiently.

Answer 2

Who exactly told you this? The first words or thought that comes to mind is "how fu*king asinine". The SAS is an outstanding part of the British Army. But then again the US Army Special Forces are tremendous soldiers.

What kind of pri*k, a$$hole or bit*h would say this or actually believe this? American and British soldiers are dying on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you or the person who told you this 3 to 1 concept also believe that 3 US soldiers should or need to die for each Brit?

When I was a field artillery officer I served with British troops and found them to be effective and motivated. But superior to the the men I commanded; no. I spent 18 months in Iraq working for the DoD and again found them to be excellent and dedicated soldier...but superior to the US troops I also worked with; no.

Apparently you and or the clown who told you this BS needs to be reminded that we are allies, working toward the same objective and both US and British soldiers (and even former US military men as me) can die with the same impartiality.

Answer 3

humorous, if the different of what the asker is calling replaced into suggested, there could be greater than a number of human beings going "lol, yeah, we practice those British sissies and that they nevertheless won't be in a position to get it good" yet no, you're saying what you have suggested, so which you greater suitable be waiting for a raping via American satisfaction, alongside with lack of awareness. The SAS are between the main eliet interior the worldwide, and that i might think of that they have got given some tacticts to the yankee infantrymen, yet i does no longer bypass so a techniques as to declare that that experienced the U. S. military.

Answer 4

Hey, first of all, im a brit and its true...our soldiers do kick ***. Though I have no idea how someone came up with the statistic that 3 americans = 1 brit that just seems a bit stupid and over simplistic. Theres already a really good answer about training by some canadian dude which seems plausible, but I guess my point is about the way that brittish soldiers have acted in Iraq. British troops built up good relations with thee Iraqi people where possible - handing out chocolate rations and acting within the limits of the geneva convention. On the other hand there have been repeated abuses of Iraqi civilians and POWs by american troops, generally not the best way to keep the peace. I know this is probably a really small majority of american troops, and I have respect for all people out in that hell hole, but the american war effort does seem to come across as superior and rightious, where as other countries seem to be more professional. Just my opinion though.

Also the guy who made a joke about brits crashing helicopters...pretty sad dude, people died, its pretty tactless making a joke out of them.

Answer 5

just look at the evidence...... Britain ruled the world with an empire upon which the sun never set. It marshalled the whole polyglot, polythiest conglomorate with a mere handful of soldiers but it was here that British soldiering matured. Developed and honed for centuries it became the awesome training which each soldier in the British forces receives before he or she is sent out to defend the nation. The Americans by comparison are unsubtle, overspecialised, underskilled and sometimes downright reckless.Blue on blue fire is the sort of ugly term which follows the yanks into battle. The biggest joke of all is that the so called US army believes it has "won" several wars which are viewed retrospectively as messy defeats, see Vietnam and the present Iraq War. What a shame the war machine in that country has ended up destabilising the world yet again.

Answer 6

No, I do not think differently.. Did your Commander tell you that? Or a Telly spot? Just curious. Hopefully this won't turn into another invasion like scenario, like the Germans did. I personally think the British are superior in every way of life, which is reflected in their manner of speaking, mannerisms as a whole, and their attitudes towards others in general. Which must be a poor reflection upon us Americans self-esteem if you think about it, and this must show in our lack of tenacity on the battlefield, and our willingness and ability to get the job done. I was only a US Marine, and I worked along-side many British in a few exercises, and all of us Marines agreed on one thing, you British intimidated us with your aura of combat readiness, knowledge and overall toughness. I hope that others who think, and act, differently, will forgive the lesser qualities of action that the US Marines have, compared to the British troops, so the job gets done.

Answer 7

Well after reading these responses I now believe in the "Ignorance is Bliss" saying. Mr Canadian, We are very specialized I agree, and it is because of that, America is the world power of today. Additionally, it would take about 5 soldiers, 2 marines and an A-10 about 3 days to take over the entire Canadian country.
For the response about the French winning the revolution, read your history. The French didn't show up until the British were already trapped by the Americans. All the French did was create a sea blockade so the British could not escape. Also, The French have the Arc de'Triumph. Have the French ever won a war in the modern world? Nope.
As for the Best, I say we line up on the field of battle and have at it and see who is the last standing. Until that happens, we will just have to speculate.

Answer 8

Have anybody heard of Douglas Bader he had no legs but he was a great British soldier.I dont know why people bring up the American revolution all the time because unless you are an American Indian then all your desendents came from Europe,so at the time of the revolution their was no Americans only the rif raf from England that nobody wanted..

Answer 9

LMAO
One "Enlisted Terminal Attack Controller" is worth an entire regiment of British solders.

Air Force A1C James Blair coordinates air cover for Army 10th Mountain Division soldiers during an operation in the Sroghar Mountains of Afghanistan.
Official USAF Photo
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2004/01/200401206a_72.jpg
An A1C is an E-3,,,,,, LMAO

Answer 10

AHEM...well....first - man for man, who cares whos better. I would hope both made it out alive, but... I think a U.S. Marine is todays most capable and effective combat soldier in the world. But I don't wanna go beyond my point and my opinion, so I hope I'm not pis ing anyone off- thats not my objective.
I totally disagree with anyone who says one is worth 3 of another- no matter how you mix it.
A marine goes by strict code of brotherhood that does not end when you leave service, in fact its said to be carried into lives beyond...once a marine always a marine.
I have never been a marine, but nonetheless I do admire them for their courage and strength against odds. Read history...its all there.
I support my troops...whether I want them in the war or not.

Oh, by the way Canada- thanks for the instant potatoes, and yeah Rik Emmett rocks!