If a major conflict started (apart from Russia-Georgia) that threatened the US, could the US cope right now?

Question

Ok, before I hear all this 'we are the world US defiance', seriously with the strain in Iraq on the US Military, their now growing commitment to Afghanistan (as a way out), if a hostile Nation of any real size mounted an Insertion against the US or her nighbours, would the US be ready and how long could they remain strectched so thin?

Answer 1

The United States is really strained at the moment with Iraq and Afghanistan and the threat with Iran. They may have the troops but the troops are tired.

And one has to wonder if they were really organised and had enough man power why on earth have they lowered the entry standard letting ex cons, drug addicts, people with low education and overweight people join.

As an Australian this is a European issue, EU needs to get involved, rally together and confront Russia.

US would be stupid to act and set of Russia.

Simply put with your scenario if they pissed off Russia they would be in big trouble, as i can really see Iran rallying behind Russia. And the US frankly does not have suitable man power to deal with 3 wars at once.

But as we saw with S/11 a country does not need to set up a full scale attack against the U.S. 3 planmes brought the country into a shock, like having your face slapped.

All you need is some evil men or woman walking into the major U.S ities and spreading antrax, bam no need for a country to get in deep p**p.

Answer 2

We (England) would certainly play a part in your defense. Also, there would be other member's of NATO helping you, so you would be safe, as would most member's of NATO.  

Answer 3

you would be amazed about how fast america would come together in tough times. look at 9/11 the racism stopped people helped one another for months didn't matter what race you were. we were there for one another. wait until a war really comes around and we are defending the home land. things will be the same as in 9/11. i will fight beside you if you will fight beside me. remember every other house is loaded with guns and ammunition. so they won't be fighting the US army they will be fighting the civilians. we won't worry about geneva convention or any other bulls... rule. just hope your accent in your talk doesn't sound like our enemy you will be dead...

Answer 4

Let's see.... fewer than 200,000 troops in Iraq, a tenth of that in Afghanistan, and a military force of 3 MILLION....  ummmm... do the math!

Answer 5

There are no hostile nations of any real size other than the United States.

Answer 6

Without using tactical nukes, we would have trouble sustaining a long war.

Answer 7

Absolutely!  For starters we have the best technologies in the world!

Answer 8

Absolutely.

Counting the non-deployed troops and the veterans, we have more than enough personnel and equipment to defend the homeland. Then when you factor in the armed citizen, any invading nation would be repulsed in a short time.

Canada would more than likely stand ready to defend us if needed.

The UK would undoubtedly assist by providing delaying actions and counter strikes with their military forces,

And we have many troops posted around the world. Those troops would be used to counterattack an invader.

With our allies and our dispersed bases, we already have a potential invader surrounded.

We would more than likely loose a few sea ports and airports to destruction, but we would win the war.

Answer 9

Even with George W in charge of the US at the moment, it would be virtually impossible for there to be a state or organisation large enough to be a real threat to the US.

As the world's only superpower, and with globalisation becoming even more far-reaching, any state or organisation of any real merit would risk huge economic fall backs of they were to cut ties with the US (presuming they had some in the first place).

China is probably the US' biggest competitor (and biggest threat, in terms of economy and trade), but even they would be highly unlikely to start a conflict with the US because of their reliance on trade with the US. Were these trade agreements suddenly to stop, it would not only hurt the US economically, but also China. In a big way.

Military sizes do play a big part in this, however, and the US and China have two of the biggest in the world, with China making use of its biggest resource: people.

Answer 10

I think US can do little in that part of the world. Confronting Russia is not as invading Iraq. I think the west will not be able to do a lot in that area at a time when US is busy in Iraq, Afghanistan, not forgetting that the situation with Iran is heating up. Russia will take South Osetia and Abkhazia and nothing will happen for sometime.