We all know when it comes to houses that location is everything. And it turns out that when it comes to a country’s defence that geography is also vital.
The USA might have one of the world’s biggest armies, it might also have the most advanced and expensive nuclear weaponry – but it’s actually where the country is situated that gives it such a huge defence against invasion.
This is a topic that’s been picked up by a number of military experts with America website Military.com expanding on the topic.
It explained: “Real estate is all about location, location, location.
“It turns out, so is global military supremacy. Sandwiched by two oceans, Great Lakes and vast deserts, the United States is insulated from external aggression. Meanwhile, large, navigable river networks and enormous tracts of arable land have allowed the U.S. to grow into the arsenal of democracy.
“Millions of Americans armed to the teeth with their own private weapons doesn’t hurt, but geography is the real reason for America’s ongoing superpower status. It’s also the reason it could never be successfully invaded by an outside force.”
The geographic advantages that the continent has are multiple as the author of the article on Military.com, Blake Stilwell, explained more.
Its two oceans – the US is sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean – are excellent insulation. Any invader would have to deal with the US Navy’s aircraft carriers and submarines before they get any further.
An invasion of the US would also mean that soldiers would have to come through Canada or Mexico – which would mean crossing some truly treacherous terrain.
Next on the list? The American continent is absolutely vast. Invading armies would be forced to cross east-west. And finally the US’ topography itself can also be a nightmare.
Meanwhile on this side of the pond, it’s been claimed that British Armed Forces have been pushed into a “supporting role” in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran because they lack the weapons needed, according to defence experts.
Sir Ben Wallace, former defence secretary, has claimed the UK’s RAF Typhoon jet fighters do not have the weapons they would require to drive an attack.
He added that the UK’s Type-45 anti-missile destroyers would also be unable to respond effectively. Retired Navy commander Tom Sharpe told The Telegraph this was due to “40 years of underfunding”.
Global security threats facing the UK have grown in recent years, but recruitment for the Armed Forces is struggling. According to data, fewer than one in 10 applicants end up joining the British Armed Forces. Figures showed 74,000 potential recruits of the 137,000 applicants gave up because the process took too long.
In March, MPs warned the UK would become increasingly reliant on allies due to a £29bn black hole in defence spending.