Let’s start with the fighting part of the equation. Are we truly the world’s greatest fighting force, not only at this moment, but as measured against all militaries across history? If so, on what basis is this claim made? And what does such triumphalist rhetoric suggest not just about our national narcissism, but Washington’s priorities? Consider that no leading U.S. politician thinks to boast that we have the finest educational system or health-care system or environmental policies “that the world has ever known.”
But this claim seems to be universal. How often do we hear mealy-mouthed British politicians claims that WE have the best fighting forces in the world? How do they know? How do they measure? They don't. They just open their mouths and flannel. I'm betting that the Turks give out with the same polish; and the mad dog Israelis (in spite of Hizbullah). Maybe every country with a standing army puffs up its soldiery with such hyperbole. Or maybe its just the nations addicted to invading other sovereign territories.
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