Army

What Exactly Is an Army?

An army is more than just a group of soldiers; it’s the backbone of national defense and security. But what exactly does this term encompass? An army primarily refers to an armed force that fights on land, but its scope can vary widely depending on the country. In some nations, it’s synonymous with the land-based military branch, while in others, it includes all branches of the armed forces.

A Brief History of Armies

Armies have a rich and storied history that dates back thousands of years. Evidence of organized military forces can be traced to ancient civilizations like India during the Iron Age, where armies were among the largest in the world. Meanwhile, China’s armies were centered around crossbowmen and bronze bolts, showcasing the diverse strategies employed by different cultures.

The Spartan Army: A Model of Professionalism

One of the earliest known professional armies was the Spartan Army. These soldiers trained from a young age, dedicating their lives to war until retirement at 60. Their uniformity and discipline were legendary, with hoplites wearing identical armor, including round shields, spears, and helmets.

Philosophical Influences on Armies

The Spartan Army was not the only one influenced by philosophical works. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a classic in China, has been a guiding light for military strategy for centuries. Other countries like France and China have specific terms for different branches, such as Armée de terre (Land Army) and PLA Ground Force.

Medieval Europe: A Time of Motley Forces

In Medieval Europe, every aristocrat was expected to fight, leading to motley forces. The concept of ‘knight’ and ‘noble’ were initially interchangeable, with knights developing as a class driven by fealty and chivalry. Central governments revived citizen armies, with England having a centralized state.

The Rise of Mercenaries

In the Middle Ages, Italy relied heavily on mercenaries who dominated city-state armies. These mercenary companies led to relatively bloodless campaigns, relying on maneuver over battles. The Estates General passed laws in 1439 restricting military recruitment and training to the king alone, forcing mercenary companies to join the Royal army or face destruction.

Early Modern Nations: The Birth of Standing Armies

Early modern nations lacked funds for permanent troops, so they hired mercenaries during wartime. These veterans formed free companies that specialized in combat requiring longer training periods. Mercenaries became trainers and administrators, but states eventually took these tasks over.

The Centralization of Armies

The rise of centralized states led to the creation of vast bureaucracies to manage armies. This caused a series of revolts across Europe, including the Fronde in France and the English Civil War. The conflict ultimately led to the rise of absolute monarchy.

Financing Wars: A New Era

States learned to finance wars through long-term loans from national banking institutions, starting with the Dutch Republic. This transformation had great social impact, as defense rested on commoners rather than aristocrats. Aristocrats continued to dominate officer corps, but popular revolts required noble or gentry support.

The Modern Nation-State

Massive armies could be formed due to the inaccuracy of musket fire, leading to rapid swelling in army sizes. The drawing of men from across the nation into an organized corps helped breed national unity and patriotism, contributing to the development of the modern nation-state concept.

Diverse Recruitment

In Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and other territories, soldiers were recruited from diverse backgrounds. Before the English Civil War, the monarch maintained a personal bodyguard and raised locally raised companies to garrison important places. Noblemen and professional regular soldiers were commissioned to supply troops for foreign expeditions.

The American Revolution: A New Era

After the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army was disbanded, and irregular state militias became the main ground army of the United States. The first trained standing army in the US, the Legion of the United States, was established in 1791.

Prussian Reforms

In Prussia, peasants were required to serve for three months each year to bolster the regular ranks. Before Peter I of Russia introduced a modern regular army, Russian tsars maintained professional hereditary musketeer corps that were unreliable and undisciplined.

Modern Reforms

Peter I’s reforms introduced a modern regular army based on the German model with talented commoners given promotions and noble titles. In 1793, the term of service was reduced to 25 years, then later to 20 years plus 5 years reserve, and eventually to 12 years plus 3 years reserve.

The Ottoman Empire: Janissaries

The first Ottoman standing army were Janissaries formed from prisoners of war and slaves to replace tribal warriors. From the 1380s onwards, Ottoman ranks were filled under the devşirme system. China organized the Manchu people into the Eight Banner system in the early 17th century.

Conscription: A Tool for National Unity

Conscription allowed the French Republic to form the Grande Armée, and Russia retains a conscript army. A particular army can be named or numbered for distinction, with armies varying significantly in size and composition. In peacetime, Soviet armies were subordinate to military districts, while in wartime, they were subordinate to Army Groups-sized ‘fronts.’

As we reflect on the evolution of armies, it’s clear that they have played a pivotal role in shaping history. From ancient times to modern-day conflicts, these organized forces continue to be crucial for national security and international relations. The journey from small, local militias to vast, professional standing armies is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability.