I say British Army is the best in the world.My friend says the Israeli army would beat us in combat.Yes or no?

Answer 1

The Israeli Army is way over rated.

They haven't had sustained combat in over 30 years.

Compare that to the American Army and British Army who have sustained combat in Afghanistan and Iraq the last 5 years.

Which means, the leadership of both the British and American Armies from fire team leaders, squad leaders to company commanders on up are all blooded soldiers who know what combat is all about.

Now compare to the Israeli Army, where no one under the rank of General has any sustained combat.

They have some soldiers who have been blooded, but nothing like the Brit or Americans forces have.

Just imagine comparing the British Army or the American Army in 1939 to the British Army or American Army in 1945.

The British Army and American Army in 1945 were one of the best trained fighting armies the world has ever seen.

Because of the years of combat experience they had.

Well the same applies today.

The American Army and British Army have learned all the hard lessons that can only be learned in combat.

The Israeli Army Soldiers haven't.

It's just been to long since they have had to fight.

Answer 2

Ok, My respects to everyone above who has answered, BUT you all keep talking about manpower( Manpower is not everything, all it is a statistic) and equipment (and of which Britain has the best and also for every kind of terrain), when there are many other factors that would decide an outcome, Intelligence for one, knowledge is worth more than many conscripts.

And would the Israelis hold their nerve as such as the way a British soldier would? Most likely no as they are forced into it, where as a British serviceman has volunteered his services out of his own freewill.

I mean no malice to the Israeli army when I say that, but they may have superior numbers and be economically supported by the US, but if a situation arose between the UK and Israel, the US if they couldnt find a way out of the situation would back the UK for the reason that we are her greatest ally, we are of better economic value. They may not backthe UK with military strenth but will cut relations and all trade military or otherwise immediately.

But what is meant by combat? War or a skirmish ( and the entire Israeli army wouldnt be involved in a skirmish)

Skirmish most probably No, Britain would win due to our tactics although it is open to the circumstances, a War, Yes Britain would be triumphant

Answer 3

On open ground we would win as we are more used to fighting land battles rather than urban skirmishes.

As far as special forces go again we would win, we taught both the US and Israel their tactics ( there is a permanent but unmentioned SAS presence in Israel)

Dessert warfare...they would beat us hands down. When I went to the gulf in 1991 I was advised to buy Israeli kit (boots etc)......they live in the dessert so it makes sence to use whats been proven to work.

Airforce.....I don't think they would beat us, yes they have very good cutting edge kit and are American trained and are in a combat situation almost daily BUT we consistently beat the Americans at all categories ie precision/target awareness etc and we slap the yanks back to bed during red flag exercises.

However I do admire their take no nonsense attitude and the fact they invest in their men and equipment. If we had the same amount of investment in our forces then we would be the best bar none.

Answer 4

I would have to say the Israelis. Only due to their beliefs. When they go to war, they believe whole-heartedly in what they are fighting for. Every last soldier. Think of the wars they have been in since their creation. They defeated 3 different nations in a span of 6 days using make-shift munitions in some parts. That is pretty impressive.
The US has also trained and supplied many of the Israeli forces. They know our special forces tactics (as do the Brits). However, they also know their guerrilla tactics they have learned from having to do so many urban battles lately.

The Brits are great, but I think the Israelis are a more fearsome bunch.

Answer 5

I heard somewhere that it was a three way tie between the US, the British, and the Israelis

but since both the US and the British sells weapons to the Israelis

and I know there are several people "loyal to Israel", who are vital to the economy of the US

It would be close, but given that the US backs them up again, that the Israelis would definitely have the upper hand

Answer 6

Why are so many obsessed with making comparisons over the abilities of nation states' armies to beat each other. These are specious because there will never be a circumstances where the British forces are engaged in combat. Surely it is better to examine abilities and capabilities in terms of how good an ally the foreign forces are likely to be. It is not a case of whether we can beat them, more a case of can we trust them to get on with the task.

Answer 7

No way.
The Isrealis are shockingly pathetic.

They have one every war with massive behind the scenes US support. Alone not possible to win.
Their "Staff" Sergeants promote mutual masturbation among the males as a measure of increasing comradery.

I'd be far more worried about the French in their frocks.

Real armies to watch out for (no order) North Korea, China, Iran, Saudis, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnamese, Russia maybe Pakistan.

The others are all crap- no experience, no modern weapons, no joint training, no track record, etc.

Answer 8

Both these fighting forces are respected worldwide.
Both have similar training regimes.Its probably fair to say that the Israeli army is more battle hardened and single mindedly dedicated to defeating the enemy.Of course they live with the constant threat that all of their neighbours and beyond, seek their total annhialation.
However,I believe firmly that the world class training of our officers would compensate for any disadvantages.

Importantly,Israeli civilians wholeheartedly support their troops and the necessary military action.If only the loony left liberals here would do the same then we wouldnt be lending comfort and support to our enemies,ultimately costing allied lives.

Answer 9

Contrary to what many people beleive. The british Army is the best trained and in theory the best equipped.* Yet in such a conflict the meagre ~140,000 British troops wouldnt stand a chance against a country where all (i think) 20 + year olds are conscripted into the army.


*We have the best equipment just nowhere near enough of it.

Answer 10

You know I've still got to go with the Brits being man for man the best in the world!

But that said - Hats off to any country that has got as many reservists as Israel. Mandatory national service and after that a reservist until 42 (I think it's 42)
You gotta be impressed with that really. Bonus points for sheer grit! We could do with some of that in Britain