Today’s Top Ten Armies (Military Powers) in the World
This list of Top Ten Armies (Military Powers) in the world is subjective at best. Unless you looked at specific aspects and judged based on that criteria alone, the list cannot be definitive. One can look at a nation’s defense budget or the size of their enlisted members, or combine the two. Another area for consideration is the amount of armor a nation has inventoried including tanks, helicopters, aircraft and ships. This top ten took in a little of all of that, but it is still one perspective looking at the Armies around the world. Input and educational pieces on other armies not listed here, or any additional information that may have been omitted, are welcomed.
Before listing the top ten, one country fell just short of making the list, but certainly deserves to be mentioned – North Korea. They not only have one of the largest Special Forces in the world – 120,000 members – they have a very large inventory of armor.
10. Pakistan
Pakistan is known for their good upper leadership. Founded in 1947, their three branches of service totals more than 600,000 people – all volunteers. They have close 
ties to the militaries of the US and China. Pakistan’s budget of over $5 billion is smaller than all the other top ten militaries, but it does exceed the overall defense budget of a number of other countries around the world. While Pakistan has about the same number of naval craft as the United Kingdom (see below), they have more aircraft and helicopters and an incredible total of 9,000 tanks and armored vehicles. They have assisted the United States in their War on Terrorism by fighting the Taliban and the Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and along their own borders.
9. United Kingdom
British Forces include three branches of service, – the navy, the army and the air force. Below are some figures for the United Kingdom – the figures presented could vary slightly:
Active Military (including army, navy and air force) – 197,700- Reserve – 212,000
- Paramilitary – 152,000
- Aircraft and Helicopters – 1,800
- Tanks and Armored Vehicles – 5,500
Despite having one of the smallest numbers of active military, the militaries of the United Kingdom are a sustainable force and their SAS is among the world’s top Special Forces. Britain is a steadfast ally of the U.S.
8. Iran
Iran has one of the best small forces in the world. Half of this countries government’s income goes towards defense. Their modern day military was first founded in 1923 and currently boasts over 500,000 active members. In addition, its defense budget of $10 billion has allowed more aircraft than the US and UK combined and almost the same amount of aircraft and helicopters as China, a country with a much larger force and budget.
7. Turkey
Turkey’s Army dates back over 2,000 years. Their modern day militaries were not established though until 1920. Turkey has over 600,000 members in its military forces and its budget is close to $19 billion. This country comes in fourth for the total number of tanks and armored vehicles – 11,000 plus. All Turkish males – once they reach 20 years of age – are required to serve in the military. There are very few exceptions to this requirement.
6. Germany
Much of Germany’s notable military history began with the rise of Hitler. They were responsible for the start of WWII when they invaded Poland. When the war was over, the country divided and the West German Army was formed. It wasn’t until the 1990s the country reunited. Currently, Germany has more than 200,000 active military members who are well-trained and well-equipped. Germany boasts of one of the best tanks in the world – the Leopard II.
5. France
France’s military does not have the reputation as a super power, but its numbers would say differently. Their military totals over 360,000 members spread throughout their navy, air force and paramilitary branches. All three branches are very well rounded, but many feel their navy is bar far their strongest branch. France’s defense budget comes in just over $58 billion. Despite this impressive budget, it still has the smallest number of aircraft and helicopters than any other country on this list.
4. India
India has a more advanced Air Force and very-well trained Special Forces. They have four branches of military and also additional paramilitary units. Their active military 
has more than 1.3 million members. India has an additional 2.1 million in reserves and their paramilitary has 1.3 million members. In all, India has more than 4.7 million total members.
Despite their large number of service members, India’s aircraft and helicopter and tank and armored vehicle totals put them only in the center of the list of countries listed here and they do have the smallest naval craft fleet. Some estimates of nuclear warheads in India’s possession go as high as 80.
3. Russia
This former superpower still has a large amount of equipment in its military inventory. They have well over 1.2 million active military members and an additional 750,000 in 
the reserve. Their paramilitary total comes in at around 5,000. The total military budget for Russia is in excess of $64 billion. Only two countries have a higher military budget than Russia – the United States and China.
The current known Russian force was first founded in 1992, but Russia’s military history dates back to as early as 863. Between the ages of 18 and 27, all male Russians are drafted into the country’s service for a period of 12 months. A few exceptions, such as being a student or the parent of two or more children, serve as exemptions to this otherwise steadfast rule.
Russia is known to have the largest number of nuclear warheads on hand, but most of them are not active.
2. China
Founded in 1927, the People’s Liberation Army of China has more than 2.3 million 
active service members in its military making it the largest active force in the world. With a reserve of 800,00 and a paramilitary of 1.5 million, in all, China has more than 4.5 million military members. China’s defense budget of $129 billion is continually increasing each year by an average of 12 to 15%. This total makes it the second largest defense budget in the world – second only to the United States. China is believed to house as many as 240 nuclear warheads.
1. United States
The US military has history dating back to 1775 when it first formed forces (Continental Army) to fight in the Revolutionary War. The US Army has been involved in every major world war as well as the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism.
The defense budget for the United States is more than the combined totals of the previous nine countries coming in at over $689 billion. The US has just over 1.4 million active military members, another 1.4 million reserve members and 11,000 in its paramilitary. The US ranks second behind Russia in the total number of warheads, but it does have the largest number of active warheads. The United States leads in the overall aircraft and helicopters – 21,000 – but is just barely ahead of China with its total of tanks and armored vehicles. The United States also has an impressive 12 aircraft carriers in its fleet.
This list of today’s top ten armies (military powers) in the world, certainly sheds light on the overall power of these nations given their impressive numbers in members, equipment and budget.
Step close and get a sense of the strength of the cold metal on AFHMs authentic, fully restored, fully operational battle tanks, which are prominently displayed throughout the museum. Get a sense of the combat they endured throughout their service. Take a moment, put yourself in the turret – feel the power, feel the fear, feel the pride.
Lt. Colonel Creighton Abrams – Top WWII Tank Commander for the United States – Using M4 Sherman tanks, Abrams and his crew are credited with destroying an estimated 50 German armed fighting vehicles. Abrams military career continued on through the Korean War and Vietnam War. The XM1 – a US Army main battle tank was named the M1 Abrams in honor of Creighton Abrams. Abrams reached the rank of Four Star General before retiring in 1974.
General Heinz Guderian – Germany’s father of armored blitzkrieg – Guderian is known for heavily utilizing the blitzkrieg strategy during World War II, a strategy which greatly assisted with Germany’s successful invasion of Poland in 1939.
Major General Stanislaw Maczek – Superior Polish armed forces field commander – Maczek led armored units in World War II from its onset in 1939 until it ended in 1945. He played several key roles in the war, including the capturing of Wilhelmshaven in May, 1945.
Captain Michael Wittmann – Led Germany’s most lethal tank attack of WWII – Captain Wittmann’s kill record includes 138 tanks, 132 antitank guns and a countless number of vehicles. He is most famous for an attack in June of 1944, when he devastated as many as 14 tanks, 2 antitank guns and 15 additional vehicles a 15 minute time frame.
The B-17 Flying Fortress is a well-known aircraft from WWII is best remembered for the strategic bombing missions over Germany focusing on industrial and military targets. The Norden bombsight (which was top secret during World War II) was used on these missions to ensure accurate hits of the intended targets. The B-17 could fly higher than any other aircraft of its time and, even though it was a bomber, the plane was equipped to properly defend itself. The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress dropped more bombs than any other aircraft during WWII. It dropped more bombs over Germany than all other bombers combined.
Focke-Wulf Fw-190 – This single-engine German aircraft from WWII is referred to as one of the top fighters of all times. The Fw-190 made a significant impact in the skies over Europe and was feared by many of its counterparts. The versatility of the aircraft allowed the German Air Force Luftwaffe to use it as a fighter, fighter-bomber and as an anti-tank aircraft.
Ilyushin-2 Shturmovik – This WWII Russian aircraft is known for its incredible record in destroying enemy tanks, which earned its reputation as the #1 anti-tank aircraft in the world. The Ilyushin-2 Shturmovik also maintains the record as the highest manufactured aircraft design in aviation history. Stalin considered this aircraft crucial to the Soviet military.
Junkers 87 Stuka – This two-seater aircraft, flown by the Luftwaffe, was known for both its dive bombing capabilities and its successful anti-tank capabilities. One Luftwaffe ace alone destroyed well over 500 Russian tanks with the Stuka. The downside of the Stuka was its lack of maneuverability and defensive armament; as a result, it required a heavy escort of fighters to successfully complete its missions.
Messerschmitt Bf-109 – The Bf-109 is often described as one of the greatest fighter aircrafts in aviation history. The earlier developed Bf-109 was developed as an interceptor and would eventually be modified to be used as a bomber escort, a ground-attack aircraft and a reconnaissance aircraft. This distinguished aircraft, flown by the German Luftwaffe, served on all European fronts of World War II and was considered their single, most important aircraft fighter.
Messerschmitt 262 – Though this aircraft did not receive flight status until late in the war, its design actually began before WWII. The Messerschmitt 262 was introduced in April of 1944 and was considered an advanced aircraft by WWII standards. However, its overall impact on the war itself was minimal. The design of the Messerschmitt 262 was used by German scientists in future prototypes, which were being created at that time with speeds up to Mach-1. Because of its late introduction into the war, few of the original aircraft were manufactured.
Mitsubishi A6M Zero – Though originally perceived by the Americans as an inferior fighter, the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero proved itself a worthy match. The Zero became a dominant fighter aircraft during the first two years of the Pacific theater and was known for its maneuverability and long range. Along with its firepower, the A6M remained unmatched until the American carrier-based fighter F6F Hellcat came into service. The A6M retains its title as one of the most agile aircraft ever manufactured.
North American P-51 Mustang – The USA’s P-51 Mustang, a long-range fighter and fighter-bomber, was introduced in 1942. The aircraft was used throughout World War II, and pilots of the P-51 Mustang are said to have shot down over 4,900 enemy aircraft. The performance of this aircraft is responsible for regaining air superiority, which up until the P-51, was believed to have been dominated by the Luftwaffe. Many consider this P-52 Mustang the top fighter of World War II.
Supermarine Spitfire – A historical combat aircraft, the WWII British Supermarine Spitfire was a fighter aircraft which served in all combat theaters of WWII. Used by the RAF (Royal Air Force) and other Allied countries, the Spitfire was the only fighter aircraft Britain produced throughout the war. This single-seat aircraft saw action in the European, Pacific and other theaters of WWII and was known for its high victory to loss ratio. Many consider this WWII Supermarine Spitfire one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Vought F4U Corsair – The F4U Corsair was known for its air supremacy during WWII in the Pacific theater. Used as both a carrier fighter and a ground attack aircraft, the F4U outclassed the Japanese Zero. Japanese pilots actually considered the Corsair to be one of the most formidable American fighters of WWII. Due to its high speed capabilities and its maneuverability, this spectacular aircraft continued in service into the Korean War serving mainly as a fighter-bomber.
Conclusion
surgical operating tent manned by a surgeon appropriately dressed holding original medical instruments. Another unique addition to this display is an M21 ambulance which has been fully restored and – as every other piece is in the museum – is fully operational. In the back of the ambulance lie three wounded soldiers waiting to be treated. Note, these soldiers are fully equipped and presented as they would have been when they left the battlefield for transport to the aid station. In addition, this diorama houses a large display case featuring an assortment of authentic instruments, bandages and other field gear.
fully self-contained, working medical hospitals. The first deployment of a MASH unit occurred during the 
MASH units continued to operate into the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. By 1997 though, the final MASH unit in South Korea was disbanded and worldwide, the last deactivation of a MASH unit occurred in Febraury, 2006. Just prior to the deactivation, the unit was sent to Pakistan to assist with the relief operations after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. While here, the US State Department purchased all the tents and medical supplies of this MASH unit and donated the entire unit to the Pakistani military. The donation was estimated at a value over $4.5 million.
One of the most feared weapons of World War II, the King Tiger Tank (also known as Tiger Tank II) donned an almost impenetrable front armor. Produced by Henschel, the King Tiger was introduced into action on the Eastern Front in May of 1944. This tank design housed a crew of five. The main gun specification of the King Tiger was to be a variation of the 88mm anti-aircraft gun, capable of destroying enemy tanks from a great distance. The velocity of this gun was about 1000m a second when firing an amour piercing round. The gun’s accuracy allowed it to pierce 150mm of metal armor even if the tank’s position was more than 2 kilometers away from the intended target. The shell’s ability to travel at about 2200m in an estimated 2.2 seconds (and sometimes even faster) meant this tank had the capability to destroy enemy tanks from a distance, keeping the Tiger out of enemy range.
The roots to the modern M1911 A1 can be traced all the way back to the original World War II 1911 pistol, which has been active within the US military since its inception over a decade ago. The M1911A1 is a single action, .45cal pistol, which does not require manual cocking for each shot fired. Some feel the single action is an overall drawback for this weapon, but the smooth trigger pull actually allows for greater accuracy than those that are designed with double-action.
the Armed Forces History Museum. Here, reality awakens within, as you marvel at the weapons and feel the power housed throughout this extensive gallery. Authentic weapons – including a 1911 pistol – from around the world dating throughout history can be witnessed in this astonishing collection. The oldest piece on display is a very rare bayonet from the Revolutionary War.
The M1911 was the design vision of the infamous John Moses Browning, a well-known gunsmith of the early 20th Century. His original 1911 design was influential in the development of the several other pistols, including the Heckler & Koch, HK-USP.
The Declaration of Independence is divided up into five parts:
The United States became involved in WWII after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The bombing was in retaliation for the United States refusing to trade items Japan desperately needed to assist them in their war with China. The attack at Pearl Harbor claimed over 2,000 lives. A total of eight battleships were either damaged or destroyed severely impacting the Pacific Fleet. It was the only battle that took place on American soil. The United States entered the war and began fighting on two fronts – Europe and the Pacific.
Young men in the United States signed up by the thousands for military duty. Patriotism was at an all-time high. The war was in the fore front of everyone’s mind. All citizens became involved in the war at some level. Military themed posters were distributed throughout the United States encouraging the conservation of the resources needed by the military to fight a successful war. Rubber, oil, gasoline, coffee and many other day-to-day items were being curtailed and food was being rationed. Automobile production ceased beginning in February of 1943 in order to use the manufacturing plants to produce items needed for the war. Women entered the work force to assist with making these much needed items.
A huge demand for aircraft existed during WWII. Countries continued massive production runs and were constantly evaluating performance and safety with practicality and firepower making adjustments to meet and exceed the air power of the enemy. Several aircraft rightfully earned their place as being synonymous with WWII. The B17 Flying Fortress, the P51 Mustang, the P40 Warhawk and the British Spitfire just to name a few. Advancements made throughout this time period were staggering and set the pace for future prototypes and continued advancement in military aircraft.
Step close and get a sense of the strength of the cold metal on AFHMs authentic, fully restored, fully operational battle tanks, which are prominently displayed throughout the museum. Get a sense of the combat they endured throughout their service. Take a moment, put yourself in the turret – feel the power, feel the fear, feel the pride. 
Military vehicles were used throughout the war for transporting troops, carrying infantry, artillery and anti-aircraft weaponry. Halftracks were popular due to their versatility. They were equipped with regular wheels on the front of the vehicle, which allowed for easier steering, but the back of the halftrack had caterpillar tracks. These would help with propelling the vehicle merging the benefits of the cross-country abilities of the tank with the easier handling of a wheeled vehicle.