Top 10 Largest Armies in the World

An army is a significantly sizeable structured assembly of people. They are trained and armed in defense of the country they are serving. Armies, in times of war, fight on land. It is their expertise to defend the nation on land. As the increase of turmoil between countries and nations arise all over the world, increase in protection and defense becomes a priority to all governments. Territories and interests are some of the things that armies need to protect in a nation whether the disturbance may come internally or externally. The size of an army is one of the criteria in determining the power of a nation. Its size directly refers to the number of its personnel in service. Other decisive factors of one’s army may also include technology, capabilities of members, training, composition, and organization.

10. Israel

In 1948, Israel Defence Force was organized. Service from both sexes is of persistent requirement. In fact, they are the only nation worldwide that oblige this requirement. Very few were given an exemption to serve in military. They are maintaining more than 100,000 service force. United States remains to be one of their greatest allies. Such a support is needed for they constantly encounter conflicts with Palestine and Lebanon. The Six-Day War and the Arab-Israel War are also part of their military history.

9. Germany

Who will ever forget the rise of Hitler? He is the popular German in the histories of the world who was responsible for starting the World War II when they attacked Poland. Germany had undergone a division of state after the war. That was the birth of the West Germany Army. In 1990s, there came a reunification of the state and the Germany Army was combined once more. Today, more than 200,000 soldiers are in active duty.

8. Russia

One of the most significant changes in the military history of Russia is the foundation of the Russian Ground Force in 1992. The number of their servicemen has always been in major size. Service in their army is obligatory. With a very stable size, they were known for their power to conquer. In 1991, they even outnumbered United States before the tragic drop of the Soviet Union.

7. Turkey

For over 2,000 years now, the Turkish Army has been around. They are one of the few armies during World War II that remained neutral. In 1990s, they were involved in the Turkish Independence which was the biggest dispute then. Wars were fought along its boundaries as with Greece, Russia, France, Italy, and Britain. In Turkey, military service is a must.

6. United Kingdom

The British Army was founded in 1661. Ever since then, they have become part of battles like Revolutionary War, Napoleonic War, World War I, and World War II. They have fought in the Gulf War also. On September 11,2001, the threat of terrorism flared up as the Global War and the British Army and the US Army worked together to fight outside attacks. Presently, they are strong with 200,000 soldiers.

5. Pakistan

Pakistan’s Army was organized in 1947. With a force of more than half a million members, it became one of the largest armies in the world nowadays. United States is an ally to the Pakistan Army. Together they fight terrorism mostly brought by the Al-Qaeda and Taliban of Afghanistan. They have fought well during The Gulf War in 1990s. Afghanistan and India have been a constant threat to their peace.

4. United States

In 1775, the United States Army was established. Primarily, it was organized to wrestle in the Revolutionary War. Being an ally to several countries worldwide, the U.S. Army was involved in almost every war that had happened in the history of the world. Its force is a combination of more than half a million soldiers in active duty, and over half a million also of National Guard and Reserve soldiers.

3. India

The Indian Army primitively started way back Stone Ages. Today, they are identified as the country with the largest number of volunteers worldwide, making them acquire over 1 million of active duty soldiers. Their way to their very own independence was fought in war. Historically speaking, they have set Pakistan as their target to war for several times.

2. North Korea

In 1939, the North Korean People’s Army was founded. It has a vast fighting force of over one million members. Not to mention the great power from their reserve unit. Adding them together will produce over seven million soldiers. All are ready and prepared when called to active duty. According to their history, Vietnam War and Korean War are two of their major fights.  And as of this day, contention is still present between South and North Korea.

1. China

The People’s Liberation Army of China has the most prevalent number of soldiers in the world. They have more than two million soldiers. Their force was organized in 1927 and had been through wars like the Sino-Japanese turmoil, Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II. All Chinese men over 18 years old are required to join their army.