Who has the world's second most powerful conventional military?

Question

My guess is that it would either be Britain, Russia, China, or Israel. Feel free to pick one or ranks them in regards to
1) Equipment
2) Training
3) Experience

-number of nuclear weapons don't count!

Since this is a subjective question, I will put it to a vote.

Answer 1

1 - United States of America
It's manufacturing capabilities coupled with sheer numbers, advanced technology and nuclear capabilities keep the US on top. 48/60

2 - Russia
Though dwindled since the Cold War, Russia's numbers and nuclear capabilities keep it on top as the second most powerful army in the world. 37/60

3 - Israel
Manpower, sheer numbers and experience rank the Israeli armies among the top in the world. 35/60

4 - Germany
Surprising to find Germany this high on the list but it maintains a stellar peacekeeping force for itself - plus it does not maintain any costly overseas stations. 33/60

5 - China
Overall numbers and the possibility of nuclear capability rank China high on the list, but the fact remains that most of the force is untested in global conflicts, their equipment remains dated and forced conscription takes its toll. 32/60

6 - France and Pakistan Tie
France maintains units for self-defence and peacekeeping missions of its former colonies. Other than that, its primary force is more for its own protection than anything else, having been invaded by Germany twice in the 20th century. Nonetheless, its nuclear capabilities, strong commitment to maritime and defense, and a steady military keep it in the top ten. 31/60

Pakistan's recent experience as a US ally and its build up against India help it score well. It combats internal terrorism regularly but none-the-less maintains support through the US. 31/60

7 - South Korea
Build up over recent years and following up on their own military technology avenues, South Korea is a major player in todays military world. It's support from the US doesn't hurt its ranking either and the provided equipment and training gives it an edge over its northern aggressor. 30/60

8 - Iran
Iran's manpower and supposed nuclear capability rank it in the top ten, but its dated equipment and lack of recent experience bring it out of the top 5. 29/60

9 - India
The build up against Pakistan continues but the Indian armies use dated equipment and lack any recent major military engagements. Nuclear probablity helps its rank. 29/60

10 - UK (Britain)
Once a strong proud world power, the UK maintains a simple fighting force keeping the US as a major ally. It has allocated units in a few global hotspots. 27/60

Answer 2

What people appear to be forgetting here is that the question didn't ask which country has the best military, which is subject to all the vagaries of opinion and patriotism; the question asked which was the most powerful. This means that the answer is overwhelmingly the United States. Adam, you must either be an American that is so ignorant of military history that you're ignorant of your own ignorance or an ignorant Something-Other-Than-American, which would be my guess. Either way, you have no idea what you're talking about. Yes, perhaps the U.S. infantry's training is sub-par when compared to, say, the U.K.'s, but it is certainly far closer to the top of the list than it is to the bottom. Also, training isn't everything. It absolutely is important, but well-equipped soldiers of slightly inferior abilities will likely be at least equally matched with less well-equipped soldiers with better training. Of course, that is debatable based on the degree to which their equipment and skilled are unequal, but it doesn't really matter because infantry power isn't everything either. Infantry is really the only aspect of the modern military where the United States' superiority is contestable. The U.S. Air Force is devastating, (as are most Air Forces) and they have a large advantage in numbers, which is the most important factor in air combat since the ability to move units isn't an issue with functional aircraft and USAF training is top notch, so that's a no-contest as well. As far as Naval power goes, the United States is the only country to have a truly global Naval force, ever. Many other countries, most notably England, have had overwhelming regional power, but none have been capable of displaying similar dominance all over the globe. Some will argue for England on this point, but they are misguided. Yes, Britain did have some influence all over the world when they were the keepers of the world's most powerful Navy, but it wasn't nearly as pervasive as the United States'. I will, however, say that for their respective time periods I would make the argument that Britain's power was more impressive because they lacked the technology that the world now has access to. The U.S. Navy can now track every single military ship in the world via satellite, a feat which has put them on top of the list. They also display power over civilian craft, and do a lot of trade regulation in foreign waters. I'm not saying that this is a good thing wither geopolitically or morally, but whether it is conscionable has nothing to do with how well it exhibits the USN's power. The rest of the countries on the list's positions are more debatable, but it's a delusion to entertain the idea of any other military being at the top of the list, so I felt I had to jump in and set that straight.

Answer 3

China, although lacking in experience, it succeeds in your other requirements far beyond the Number Two conventional military force, the United States. Now if you want to know who has the most effective and dangerous military in the World it is the US because of its' navy.
Lets look at your suggestions: Israel could not defeat Hezbollah in their 32 day conflagration. Russia has all but eliminated it large standing army due to finances. Most of Russia's defense budget goes to their Navy. Britain, without nuclear weapons would have a problem protecting their islands from the current German military.
Conventional warfare is just about finished on this planet. Iraq and Afghanistan has taught both the Russians and us that the next major conflict in the world will be handled by nuclear weapons. And oh yes, in 30 years, the military of the European Union will be second only to China in its conventional forces.

Answer 4

I would go with

1) Russia-they still have some great equipment (though it is deteriorating quickly.

2) Britain (power projection capability, well trained, and are actively involved in several conflicts)

3) Israel (more experience and a fully trained population, along with US equipment)

4) China (hasn't proven itself yet, though it could easily move up the list)

Answer 5

Second most powerful? I'd say it's a close race between Russia and China.

I'd give the edge to Russia for having the technological edge, known tactical nuclear capability, a better equipped Air Force and a Navy capable of sustained blue water operations...

Answer 6

I don't know, but probably the UK or Russia. China is probably good too, but there are probably a lot of countries higher than Israel. Like Germany and France. Keep in mind that Israel is a really tiny country.

Answer 7

It's either Britain or China. As the UK has the world's second highest defence spending and second most powerful navy that puts it up there. China has obvious reasons.

Answer 8

Britian, Israel....the rest are too close to call and most of the time people will base their answers off of total numbers in strength.

Answer 9

The United States! Spent too much on big tag items and not enough on troops!

China, by sheer numbers. But actually I would put them at #1!

North Korea

and I will throw in Russia!

Answer 10

i would say Mexico. I mean look at them!!!! They have "officers" in every mexican restaurant around the world. Have you ever been to a large city that doesnt have a mexican restaurant?