This forum hasn't been in use a whole lot lately, so I thought I might try to get something started. To get some debate going, I tried to keep the question very broad intentionally (even though I personally would prefer a more focused discussion on, say, the War of Jenkins' Ear or the battle for the Tumar Posts ).

There's been a few threads on the great commanders of history, but in many cases, these generals were blessed with an extraordinarily proficient fighting force to lead. Rommel's DAK included highly motivated soldiers infused with a superb (and uniform) tactical doctrine. Wellesley (or Wellington) had an army made of the "scum of the earth," but it was more steadfast in battle than any other force in Europe at the time. In your opinion, which fighting force (or forces if you wish) was the best in history?

Nic

Both allied and german Airbornes
The Waffen-SS, espcially the Wiking with a relatively clean history
The torpedo bomber crews

Easy...Roman legions circa 150AD. I once read a book about some of their achievments and they were amazing. No fortress was too defensible for them. They just moved mountains to get to the front gate.

Besides these are men that lived and breathed war for decades. I so want someone to make a real historical movie about Rome at it's height. Gladiator was good of course but it was just one big battle.

Jim

hmmm jim whats that book?

Id love to read that one sometime.

but I have to agree with dave on the airborn units in wo2 both german as allied!

and what about the zulu army? that kicked the british out of their land.

as seen in the movie "Zulu"
no guns still ass kicking!

I'm probably being very biased here being a Brit, but I'd nominate the Special Air Service [SAS] and also the Parachute Regiment. Both units have fighting histories that few other regiments can equal.

i agree brandy dog, but would like to add the sbs, and marine commandos.
all these units have proved themselves superior to all others since thier formations
but then again im biased too! hehe
cheers
joe

How about some of the irregular forces, the American Indians, the Zulu, the Afghan tribesman? These guys fought enemies with vastly superior firepower and, in some cases, fought them to a draw.

I submit the Zulu Warriors and Khan's Hordes - which nearly seemed unstoppable...

Gunnie

I'd like to add the Flying Tigers to the mix.

Since no one is being ashamed of showing their biases I think I will add the Canadian Corps of World War One. Along with the Australians, they formed the spearhead of the assault out of Amiens, which proved to be the turning point of the war (of course, cudos to the Brits for stopping the Germans there in the first place). In a war like WWI, it's pretty amazing that any force could have the record the Canadians did.

Nic

I would like to throw the Tuskeegee Airman into the mix. Not only did they overcome the predjudice of the time, but came out with one of the finest combat records for not losing one Bomber they escorted to Enemy Fighters.
but that just my two cents.
paul

P.S
What a great question

Geez, How could I forget about the Marines. Especially the ones in Chosin reservoir. And I don't believe I would say that. But also them Foreign Legions that jump into Diem Biem Phu when it was under seige.

lol folgore did you also see that documentery on discovery channel?

I loved what the canadians did @ that battle

Im gonna write them down for me also.

I am firm believer that the best force fielded by the US Army was the Ranger Force during WW II. It was a bold, innovative experiment that reaped huge benefits. Discontinued after the War, it briefly revived during the Korean Conflict that wanned. It was brought back to life through the establishment of the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, Georgia and sustained to the day as one of the toughest schools in the Army. In the post Vietnam era, the Army established three Ranger battalions which are still the pride of the force.
"Rangers Lead The Way"
Ranger Class 5, 1969
DJ

I have to go with the Romans, too. Just the engineering accomplishments of the legions were amazing. Hadrian's Wall and the ramp at Masada are two examples that quickly come to mind. If anyone wants a quick concise read that covers just about every fight force mentioned already in this thread I highly recommend John Keegan's "A History of Warfare." He covers everything from the stone age to nuclear weapons in about 450 pages.

Shaun

I would have to say the Canadian Corps in WW1. They held the allied line during the first gas attack when the French colonials ran. They spread out and held the line and counterattacked. They took Vimy ridge when the Brits and French couldn't after several trys.
I also think the US-Canadian Special Service force was a great unit too in WW2.

HastyP

HastyP--- good observation about the First Special Service Force. Outstanding fighting organization. Their record of accomplishments is impressive to say the least.
DJ

Hey, what about the Spetsnaz? Are they pretty good, or what?

~Chip :-)

Good question. Their reputation is certainly that of a well disciplined tough bunch of boys. They did well in Lebanon getting back kidnapped Russian civilians. They did that little exercise in the Moscow theater getting rid of the Checken rebels. If anyone know more please chime in...
DJ

Spartans. Then the Romans. At their prime, the Romans conquered their world. Of course it led to their downfall but, it was fun while it lasted...

Steve

So far it looks like the Romans are the favorite, and I must agree that they were pretty darn good. Special forces are obviously up there, but on a smaller scale. It's also nice to see the Canadian Corps getting a little recognition.

Desperately thinking for something else to add, I shall put forth the English armies of Crecy and Poitiers. They were well ahead of their enemies both technologically and tactically and produced some amazing victories against large French forces.

Nic

I also agree that Spartans. A whole nation army, with war as their way of life.

Danmo

Stonewall Jackson's "foot cavalry". They'ld walk their rumps off covering incredible ground just by marching then enter into those massive bloody battles. Having been a reinactor, let me tell you folks, that equipment is heavy and those boys were mainly shoeless to boot.

Just an added comment: They didn't receive special training, nor did they have super equipment, they just did it on pure guts and love of country.

Well my money goes with the US Army of today. While all mentioned are very good examples of a well trained fighting force . It seems to be slipping buy that the recent operation Iraqi Freedom did some amazing things! While I know not every one like the fact it happened, lets look beyond it and look at some numbers! Germany invaded Poland on 1 Sep 1939 and basically 4 weeks later it had conquered Poland with an Area of 120,664 Square Miles with over 15,000 KIA. This was the first Blitzkrieg and it changed the world. Lets Jump ahead about 64 years and shift to Iraq (With an Area of 167,924) with both a larger Army than Poland Fielded in 1939 and quite Armor Heavy which was defeated in detail with Less than 4 Combat Divisions and less than 300 KIA . Now those Numbers seem to say very Well Trained to me?
Just My 2 Cents
Jeff Larkin

I'd go for the Poles during WW2 mean attacking tanks with calvary takes some guts and then finding their way to the UK and continuing to fight also the polish home army during the Warsaw uprising Oh and not forgetting todays British Army we might not have the best kit but we have showed the world in the past 30 years how to fight and win :-)