Granted this is still several years off if it does happen.. but there is talk about a unified military for the EU. Talk about a powerful move if they can pull it off... ideas? comments? I just want some civilized informed opinions about this.
2006-11-21 07:02:37 · 14 answers · asked by pip 7 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Wow, an intelligent question on YA.
If this were to happen, a unified military for the EU would be an extremely potent force with a broad spectrum leadership.
It will be interesting to see how alliances would play out. If the EU military was unified, would England for example be allowed to ally with a non EU nation in a military campaign that the rest of the EU condemns?
2006-11-21 07:11:28 · answer #1 · answered by sprcpt 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless they go with a unified language to match you are looking at a unified military in name only. The principles of combat:
1.) Shoot
2.) Move
3.) Communicate
If you cannot do the last effectively, you are suckin'. Now, perhaps they can just go to a unified language for the military (similar to how English is the universal language of aviation). The other problem is the potential for socialism that many European countries are so fond of to rear its ugly head. Some nations have a more proficient, better fielded, better funded military than others. Do you let the weak wallow, not forming an effective part of the team? Do you attempt to standardize equipment across the board? If you are trying to train and equip everyone nations army to the same standard (albeit different sized forces) where is money coming from? Whose equipment do you use? It's a good play for them, but for it to be effective from a military stand point they need to more than half a$$ it. Otherwise they will have a unified military that cannot talk between major maneuver units and cannot fix or use one another's equipment. That's fine if you just want to give the UN a new name and a different uniform, that's no good if you actually have to fight.
2006-11-21 07:10:31 · answer #2 · answered by DJL2 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although it would be a great way to bring a geographical area together under one umbrella, much as NATO has, I do not think this will pass in our generation due to the fact that there are still nations in the area that are hesitant to use the Euro over their own currency.
Granted, money is one thing and protection is another. However, the nationalistic fervor that still rings strong and true in countries like France, England and Germany will have a hard time trusting the other's troops if an all-out invasion were to occur (hypothetically speaking). Love of country and want to protect one's own country, family, and friends will reign superior over protection of the region.
I also believe, to contradict myself a bit, that if there is a large enough outside threat, then the area will come together as one and militaries would have to work hand in hand with NATO forces. It would be beneficial for each countries militaries to join ranks with NATO, so that there would be one single command and no over-stepping.
However, as long as there are internal threats in Europe (terrorists), than nations are better off defending themselves and cooperating in terms of intelligence information.
2006-11-21 07:12:14 · answer #3 · answered by Derrik K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter what, the EU will continue to depend on the U.S. for protection from the rest of the world, making a unified military superflous. A unified military for the EU -- makes me wonder what kind of uniform . . . hmmm, the blue smurf hats are already taken. They'll have to come up with something else. Maybe little Viking caps with horns.
2006-11-21 07:07:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's hard for me to imagine the French and the Germans giving up their own military power for a unified military.
The only way I can see this happening is if the Muslims are so strong in Europe that they unite to fight a common enemy.
2006-11-21 07:10:02 · answer #5 · answered by Sean 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't see it happening myself.The EU countries are too divided politically.
I do find interesting some of the responses you have had.
"Europe depends on the US for protection."Where were the US when Britain was fighting in the Falklands or the terrorism in N.Ireland.
"The US could take them out in a couple of weeks if necessary"Like they've done in Afghanistan and Iraq?
Some Americans seem to be under the misapprehension that superior numbers equal a better fighting force.It hasn't worked for you yet.
2006-11-21 07:19:18 · answer #6 · answered by rosbif 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would be unlikely. They have too varied customs and beliefs to unite for long in the military. It comes down to each individual involved in the process. How about you out there with military experience? Would you have problems sharing a barracks or digging in with someone whose opinions are anathema to you?
2006-11-21 08:05:14 · answer #7 · answered by debop44 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel sure that the UK would not be interested. European youth are to lazy to be a part of such an army. And if it did happen the US could still take them out in a couple of weeks if it were necessary
2006-11-21 07:10:47 · answer #8 · answered by rallman@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It seems farther along than you think, but each country is also keeping it's own forces. There actually is a joint German-French brigade already. The Eastern European countries are joining NATO and getting more standard equipment.
2006-11-21 07:23:15 · answer #9 · answered by Eric 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting idea. However one major problem is who would command the troops. Would France be willing to send their troops to war and have them be commanded by the Germans and vice versa? Unlikely. Also, what if Spain wanted to go to war, but France and Germany didn't. Who would decide?
2006-11-21 07:09:44 · answer #10 · answered by jim 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋