Forget Modern Weapons who were the most efficient and feared soldiers or warriors ?

Question

A few come to mind, but what about the Zulu Warriors.

Answer 1

The Ghurkas, with their kukri knives. Fearless and ruthless.

Answer 2

The best overall?
That's a tough question.
I think you would have to separate the two as efficient and feared may be exclusive.
I think most countries have had at one time or another a most feared group of warriors.
Zulu warriors were certainly feared until the British overcame them.
The Mongols were without question feared and very formidable and the same can be said of the Vikings.
An example of a feared, but inefficient soldier would be the Japanese Kamikaze pilots. Nothing is more terrifying than someone willing to give up their life to blow up your ship or building or whatever. But, they lost good people by doing this and therefore it was very inefficient.
In spite of all their pomp and circumstance, I would have to say British soldiers are way up there for efficiency and being feared.
They conquered vast areas.
However, so did the Germans and the Russians and, of course we Americans.
What about the Vietnamese?
They fought off Chinese to gain independence, they fought off French and they fought off USA.
tc

Answer 3

Hello, Yes, they have been for the last 5 decades or so. I remember the late Bishop Fulton Sheen once saying back in the early 60's that Satan's cleverest ploy to date was letting the masses believe he does not exist as an entity but only a symbolic figure so people let themselves go and have at it foolishly thinking all is well. Cheers, Michael Kelly

Answer 4

As far as I'm concerned, the most efficient army in the world were the Spartans, they were the only force in ancient times to stop the advance of the Babylonian army, they were only defeated when their allies who were acting as a rear guard collapsed under attack, these were hereditary soldiers, trained from the time they could walk and talk, highly disciplined and organised.

Answer 5

Spartans.
Even though the upcoming movie '300' is over dramatized, Sparta was truly a warrior society. Sparta had the most powerful army in ancient Greece. Their military tactics are still studied today.

DD '73

Answer 6

Korean White Horse marines

Answer 7

In their time and culture, the Samurai were fierce fighters. Put them in any other time period or culture, and they would be killed rather quickly because they are not used to fighting "dirty" like most warriors. Combat was very honorable for the Samurai.

So, I say Samurai...with a little tongue-in-cheek.

Answer 8

The French Foreign Legion and the French underground. No I'm not French.

Answer 9

Saladin. He untamed Richard the Lion Heart. All the Crusaders went back to their homeland.

Answer 10

Here's a list I made up, off of the top of my head:
Spartans
Macedonians
Roman Legions
Mongol Hordes
Huns
Cossacks
Cherokee
Comanche
Aztecs
Armies of the Shogunates
Egyptian Charioteers