Too broad a question. They are excellent in some regards, they are very poor in others. On a whole >Navy, Army, RAF, RM< (note Specials excluded) not a chance. With the SF' included, they're pretty damn good, yeah.

DJ MARK.

Reply 7

username62978

America

Reply 8

Icemanuk

i agree with djmark, how can you define this? do you mean all rounder or for specific tasks are you including equipment or the troops?

Reply 9

skisimon

There is a huge difference between being the best and being the best equipped. I don't know about the other two, but the Royal Navy are still revered despite an ageing fleet of semi-adequate ships and equipment. That is why FOST takes lots (and lots) of money off other navies to train them to our standard by putting them through BOST. (These other navies include the USN, who almost without exception admit to being pushed harder than ever).

Even in terms of capability it varies considerably. Again using a RN example, as that's what I know, we have a minesweeping capability which is light years ahead of any other navy's. We also have very strong (if not numerous) fleet protection capabilities (especially against small craft). The USN on the other hand, naturally, have a particular strength in force projection. Hence, during both Gulf Wars the RN cleared mines and then acted as the escorts for the USN's capital ships. In the first Gulf War for instance, HMS Gloucester shot down a Silkworm missile aimed at USS Missouri - this was the first confirmed missile on missile engagement in naval history.

I suspect that it is also fair to say that in the RM and Paras, we have two of the most professional and successful regular troops in the World.

Anyway, someone with more of an Army or RAF background please step in to discuss from your view-point.

Reply 10

dave_perry

I agree you cant really answer this; as it is too broad. However I sincerly belive that the British Armed Forces are the best. Every british force lacks in numbers compared to other nations...ie...America, although ours strive to have excellence (you only need to talk to and meet some of the servicemen and women). I have no doubt in my mind that if the numbers were equal we would beat anybody in a conflict.

Reply 11

StormShadow

You can't single out any armed force for being the best. Maybe you can single out particular branches for for being the best in there speciality, such as the British SF, Swiss Air Force pilots (feel free to add more, these are just of the top of my head) but not the whole armed force.

Reply 12

Lady Venom

For a force that's overstretch and underfunded, I think we're pretty dam good. SF guys are *the* elite and I would have to say that the talent of the RAF pilots is right up there and possibly the best considering the airframes we fly in comparison to say the USAF.

Reply 13

babes_and_bootnecks

I wouldn't say our SF are the best. I mean, they can never see where they're going or know what they're shooting at with those stupid black rectangles always hovering in front of their eyes :gasp:

Reply 14

Herr Stamper

I would say the Royal Marines are the best of any nation.

Reply 15

Icemanuk

babes_and_bootnecks

I wouldn't say our SF are the best. I mean, they can never see where they're going or know what they're shooting at with those stupid black rectangles always hovering in front of their eyes :gasp:

think someone has been playing counter strike too much