True. maybe it would be better to think of a single battle. Although the Isandlwana example shows that even superior weapons aren't always decisive if the enemy has the advantage of numbers, or perhaps terrain or even tactical surprise.
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Has A Soldier's Equipment Ever Proven Decisive?
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Roman Times - use of "phalanx" tactics utilizing the short sword, short spear and large shield was decisive.
Agincourt - The English use of the longbow to defeat the French was decisive.
WWI - Use of machine gun hampered all attacks and was decisive in blunting the attack strategies of all combatants.
Gulf Wars - Allied utilization of night vision equipment and GPS was decisive.
- just a few thoughts -Last edited by Bowman; 23 May 07,, 02:37.
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Originally posted by aktarian View PostHoplite armor and long spears proved decisive against lightly armoured Persians several times.
Prussian breech loaders vs muzzle loaders
Swiss helberds and pikes proved decisive against Austrian knights (OK, terrain helped as well)
Pike when used correctly also allowed Swedes and Spaniards to carry the day
Archery with superior bows allowed Mongols to defeat enemies more then ones. Ditto for english with longbow
Correct use of RPG-7 allowed Chechens to win New Year's battle
Use of MANPADS by Mujahedeen forced Soviets to change their doctrine and limited their air mobility
NVG allow user to operate at night as well
As far as MANPADS, the Mujahids brought down more aircraft with heavy machine guns.In Iran people belive pepsi stands for pay each penny save israel. -urmomma158
The Russian Navy is still a threat, but only to those unlucky enough to be Russian sailors.-highsea
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Hannibal did wonders with elephants. Alexander found them formidable but was able to overcome them.
How about the flamethrower. Really helped against Japanese holed up in caves on Pacific islands.
Most of Germany's wonder weapons were either impractical or too late. The 80mm (or was it 80 cal)big bertha took 2 weeks to set up and wore out a barrel every 100 shells. Their giant tanks sank into dry ground...etc.
The crossbow and all sorts of seige weapons made a difference in their time.
Even something simple like flintlocks on British naval cannon in place of match and tub made a big difference.
But as some have mentioned, skill and training often makes the difference.
The Knights Templar during the later crusades had somewhat conventional equipment, but were so well trained and fearsome that they routinely attacked and won even when outnumbered 20 to 1.
British naval captains who regularly drilled their gun crews with live ammo
did better in sea battles.
Interesting subject, Terence.To be Truly ignorant, Man requires an Education - Plato
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