EFL
Demands for expanding the international force in Iraq are unlikely to be met with greater numbers of troops from Europe — not only because America’s traditional allies lack the political will, but because they also lack the courage troops to fight.
A common moniker for Europe is that it is an economic giant, a mental midget, and a military midget. While many European militaries are transforming and modernizing, few European countries have significant armies. For one, those countries don’t spend the cash needed to maintain large numbers of soldiers. Two, much of the money that is appropriated goes to salaries and training for conscripts, who are only in uniform for nine to 12 months and can do little to expand each nation’s capabilities.
Less welfare may getcha headed in the right direction. But I digress...
Britain, which many analysts say it is in a league of its own in Europe, has long had a professional army. Gardiner estimated that the British could deploy 40,000 to 50,000 troops in a combat theater if needed. |