From the onset of human civilization, humans have a tendency to hold power and have control. In the primitive years, loyalists to a tribe were seen as the force to reckon with. As civilization progressed there were designated and trained people to carry out fights or to defend - they were later called armies. In today's times in the world of cyber warfare and economy and education - designated as weapons for power and control a country's might also rests majorly on its army.
The army unlike the previous time is now equipped into various segments - technology, combat, mechanics, intelligence. Here is a list of 10 countries with highest number of active military personnel in the world.
#10 Egypt
Officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt, the country
is in the strategically significant zone spanning from the edge of African
continent (neighboring Libya - west, Sudan - south) to the Asian continent
(edging close to the conflicted Gaza strip of Palestine and Israel – divided by
Mediterranean Sea).
The military is influential in the political and economic life of Egypt and exempts itself from laws that apply to other sectors. It enjoys considerable power, prestige, and independence within the state.
The armed forces were formed between 1805-1809 and comprises of Egyptian army, navy, air defense forces and air force. Egyptian Army uses a variety of weapon systems and vehicles from United States, Russia, and other national suppliers.
Supreme commander: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Percentage GDP spent: 1.22%
Active Personnel: 438,500
Wars fought: 2011 Sinai insurgency
1977 Libyan Egyptian war
1973 10th of Ramdan war
Special forces: Egyptian Thunderbolt Forces - Unit 777, Unit 999
Intelligence Unit: Homeland Security Egypt (Internal)
General Intelligence Service aka "Mukhabarat"
#9 Vietnam
Officially called the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the 15th
most populous country in the world lies in the eastern part of South East Asia.
Neighbored by Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar to the west and Indonesia to the
south, Laos and China to the north. Owing to a prolonged war post second World War Vietnam
had fought for its independence from France and Japan. As further as 1976
Vietnam saw extreme devastation due to war between North and South Vietnam
backed up by Soviet and USA.
The Vietnam People's Armed Forces was founded in 1944 and consists of the Vietnam
People's Army (VPA), the Vietnam People's Public Security and the Vietnam
Self-Defense Militia. The VPA is the official name for the active military
services of Vietnam, and is subdivided into the ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard and the Coast Guard. Vietnam has both internal suppliers as well as suppliers from other countries to fulfil arms and ammunition requirements.
Supreme commander: President Nguyen Xuan PhucPercentage GDP spent: 2.3%
Active Personnel: 482,000
Wars fought: 1997 Clashes in Cambodia
1975-1992 War against rebellions and insurgents
1987 Thailand-Laos border war
Special forces: PVA Special Forces aka Binh chung Dac cong
Intelligence Unit: General department of state defense (Internal)
General department II aka Tong cuc II(External)
#8 South Korea
Officially the Republic of Korea , the country shares its
border with North Korea, China and Japan. In 1950 South Korea was invaded by
North Korea and the onset of Korean war begun. This was supposedly the first
major conflict as a result of cold war between Soviet and United States of
America. The war saw approximately 3 million lives being lost. South Korea has
taken giant leaps in turning itself as one of the worlds leading countries when
it comes to health and education along with economy.
Republic of Korea Armed forces aka ROK Armed forces were
formed in 1948 formally, tracing its routes way back to 1919 to the then army
called Korean Liberation Army. The army has further branches – Army, Navy, Air
force, Marine Corps and Reserve Forces. The suppliers are largely internal and
outside suppliers include EU, Israel, USA and UK.
Supreme commander: President Yoon Suk-yeol
Percentage GDP spent: 2.67%
Active Personnel: 599,000
Wars fought: 2001- 2016 Afghanistan War
2003- 2011 Iraq War
1990- 1991 Persian Gulf War
Special forces: Republic of Korea Army Special Forces aka Black Berets
Brigades Eagle, Flying Tiger, Pegasus, Ghost, Golden Bat, Black Panther
Intelligence Unit: National Intelligence Service
#7 Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran is located in western Asia.
Iraq and Turkey to the west, Azerbaijan and Armenia to the northwest and
Afghanistan, Pakistan to the east. The
country is home to the oldest civilization of the world. After a major shift of
power from the Shah of Iran to Rhollah Khomeni as a result of the Islamic
Revolution or the 1979 revolution. Several conflicts and wars resulted in Iran’s
derailing of economic progress; however the nation has restructured itself and
is recently in the news for sanctions issued by America over use of nuclear
fuel.
The current army has been formed in 1979, however the
origin of the same dating back to thousands years ago. The Islamic Republic of
Iran Army, known as the Iranian Army or Artesh has its own joint staff. They
are further divided into branches of Ground forces, Air Force, Navy and
recently developed Air Defense Force.
Supreme commander: The Ayatollah -Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei
Percentage GDP spent: 2.10%
Active Personnel: 610,000
Wars fought: 1970 - 1976 Dhofar Rebellion
2003 African Union Mission
2016 Syrian Civil War
Special forces: 65th Airborne Special Forces Brigade aka Niruye vizheh.
Takar division, Imam Hossein Brigade, Hazrat Rasul-i-Akram brigade
Law Enforcement Force aka Yegan Vijeh.
Intelligence Unit: Ministry of Intelligence aka SAVAMA
#6 Pakistan
Officially, Islamic Republic of
Pakistan, the country is situated in South Asia and was formed in 1948.
Surrounded by their biggest geo political rivals India to the east and
Afghanistan to west. Neighbored by Iran in southwest and China in northeast. Pakistan
is home to many ancient civilizations of the world, Pakistan was under monarchy
of Queen Elizabeth II until it declared itself as Republic in 1956. The country
of Pakistan has had several dictators/ army generals in the past and is now a
nuclear power.
The armed forces of Pakistan are the sixth largest in the world in terms of numbers in full-time service came into existence in 1947. The armed forces comprises of three uniformed services—the Army, Navy, and the Air Force, and are backed by various paramilitary forces.
Supreme commander: President Arif Alvi
Percentage GDP spent: 4%
Active Personnel: 654,000
Wars fought: 1996-2001 Afghan civil war
1999 Kargil war
2004 Fifth Balochistan Conflict
Special forces: Pakistan Army Special Service Group or SSG aka Maroon Berets
Commando Battalion -Zilzaal, Al-Samsaam, Babrum, Yaldram, Rahber
Intelligence Unit: Inter-Services Intelligence aka ISI
#5 Russia
The largest country in the world in terms of
area covering almost 1/8th of earth’s inhabitable mass is the Russian Federation. Russia shares boundaries with with 14 countries, and has eleven time zones. Russia was bigger till
1991 when it was Soviet Union – 17 countries came into existence post the
Soviet era. Constant wars and conflicts
with regards to protecting their territorial sovereignty has been a large part
of the history of Russia. Russia is one of the largest exporters of arms and produces
most of its defense needs. Russia is currently in news for the situation in
Ukraine.
Russia is a nuclear power and has world’s
largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world. The Russian Armed Forces founded in 1992 and finding its origin back
to 1721 are divided into the Ground Forces, the Navy, and the Aerospace Forces.
Two independent arms of service: the Strategic Missile Troops and the Airborne
Troops are supplements to the armed forces.
Supreme commander: President Vladimir Putin
Percentage GDP spent: 4.1%
Active Personnel: 1,014,000
Wars fought: 2009- 2017 Insurgency in North Caucasus (Chechenya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino Balkaria)
2014 Russian annexation of Crimea
2021 Russo-Ukrainian Crisis
Special forces: Spetsnaz
Intelligence Unit: Federal Security Service (FSB)
Main Directorate of Special Programs of the President (GUSP)
Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR)
Federal Protective Service (FSO)
Main Intelligence Directorate (G.U.)
#4 North Korea
Officially the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is often referred to as the isolated country of the world. Reason for the same largely being the dictatorship regime that has continued from the inception of the country in 1948 after the end of World War II. Shtykov served as the first Soviet ambassador, while Kim Il-sung became premier. The Kim dynasty still rules the country.
The country shares the border with China and Russia to the north and South Korea to south. The means of production are owned by the state through state-run enterprises and collectivized farms. Most services—such as healthcare, education, housing, and food production—are subsidized or state-funded.
North Korea follows Songun, or "military first" policy, for its Korean People's Army. North Korea is a nuclear superpower. Formed in 1948 the army comprises of Ground Force, Naval force, Air and Anti air force, Strategic force and Special operation force.
Supreme commander: Marshal of the Republic Kim Jong-un
Percentage GDP spent: 24%
Active Personnel: 1,014,000
Wars fought: 1967- 1969 Vietnam War
1966- 1969 Korean DMZ Conflict
2001 Battle of Amami-Ćshima
Special forces: Korean People's Army Special Operation Force (KPASOF)
Intelligence Unit: Reconnaissance General Bureau(RGB)
#3 United States of America
Located in North America, consisting of 50 states, United
States of America is the third most populous country in the world. The United
States is the most technologically powerful and innovative nation, especially
in artificial intelligence, computers, pharmaceuticals, and medical, aerospace,
and military equipment. The U.S. dollar is the currency most used in
international transactions and is the world's foremost reserve currency,
Formed way back in 1775, the armed forces consist of six
service branches: the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and
Coast Guard. In 2019 the military budget of USA was highest in the world. USA
is a nuclear power and along with Russia is the largest procurer of nuclear
weapons. The United States has an established structure of foreign relations, and it had the world's second-largest diplomatic corps in 2019.
Supreme commander: President Joe Biden
Percentage GDP spent: 3.5%
Active Personnel: 1,388,100
Wars fought: 2003- 2011 Iraq War
2002- Present Intervention in Yemen
2001- 2021 War in Afghanistan
Special forces: Army Green Berets, Night Stalkers, Rangers
Navy SEALs, SWCCs
Marine MARSOC, RECON
Air Force Special Tactics
Intelligence Unit: Central Intelligence Agency(CIA)
Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR)
Intelligence Branch (IB) under FBI
#2 India
Republic of India, a country located in south east Asia is an emerging economy and country in the world. Sitting between conflicted neighbors China in north along Bhutan, Nepal. Pakistan to the west and Bangladesh in the east. India has been a federal republic since 1950, governed through a democratic parliamentary system. It is a pluralistic, multilingual, and multi-ethnic society. India is also the second most populous country in the world.
Indian army origin dates to being one of the oldest
histories. The modern form originated in the British colonial era in 1892.
India remains one of the largest importers of defense equipment with Russia,
Israel, France, and the United States being the top foreign suppliers. India is
also building up its domestic defense production to meet demands. India is a
nuclear power.
Supreme commander: President Droupadi Murmu
Percentage GDP spent: 2.4%
Active Personnel: 1,455,550
Wars fought: 1989 Insurgency of Jammu and Kashmir
1999 Kargil war
2020–2021 China–India border disputes
Special forces: Para Special Forces (Army)
Marcos (Navy)
Garud (Air force)
National Security Guards (NSG)
Special Protection Group (SPG)
Intelligence Unit: Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
Intelligence Bureau (IB)
National Investigating Agency (NIA)
#1 China
People's Republic of China, the country in East Asia, is one of the world’s most populous country and a superpower. China spans five time zones and border fourteen countries. After the fall of Qing dynasty in mid 19th century and the China was devastated by emigration, paying penalties and exploitation by Britain and Japan. In 1912 the Republic was formed and in 1949 the current reigning system of governance. China was able to structurally develop itself in to what it is today – leader of economy, industries and major technology.
Formed in 1988 the People's Liberation Army Special Operations Forces is divided further into Ground force, Navy, Air force and Rocket force. The building up of China's special forces represents a shift in the country's operational thinking, from an army-dominated force structure to emphasizing integrated joint operations, with a flexible elite force.
Supreme commander: General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping Percentage GDP spent: 5%
Active Personnel: 2,185,000
Wars fought: 1996 Third Taiwan Strait crisis
2017 China India border standoff
2020–2021 China–India border disputes
Special forces: Para Special Forces (Army)
Leishen (Thundergod) Commando Airborne Force
Blade Commandos(Rocket force)
Falcon Commando Unit, Snow Leopard unit (Police)
Intelligence Unit: Ministry of State security aka MSS
Minister of Public security
Security Information Service
And that was the list readers. Thank you for all your support and do let me know if you want any specific topic covered.
Cheers !
Infometric !
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