If we replaced all the soldier in WW2 with soldier of today. Would we have won WW2?

AN Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 02:06:07 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2020 9:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 09:50:03 -0400

Tough call. The WW2 Generation fought for ideals and had a certain tenacity to accomplish the mission. Today's generation.....while we certainly have better equipment/technology, not all of us are here to fight for one goal. We may have won...but it probably would have been an uglier victory.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Jun 2 at 2020 9:51 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 09:51:21 -0400

Yes, more than likely. Why? Because all the training we have now is based on the trials and errors of WW2 through Vietnam through modern times. A lot of old-timers will say that the modern military is "soft" compared to when they were in, but in reality we've never been better trained than we are now thanks to science and technology advancements, as well as the benefit of looking back on history.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 2 at 2020 12:08 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:08:13 -0400

Unfortunately its like apples and oranges. They fought for ideals and could see the consequences of failure. They fought for the duration- for some 4+ years. with little or even no leave. The population supported them and suffered for them. These days, it seems more about - what can I get, where is my electronic hookup, when can I go on leave, whats in it for me. The population does not/probably won't suffer to support us, and tell our people that rotations maybe 2-4 years and they will freak.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 2 at 2020 12:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:26:36 -0400

I think you mean if we put the typical MIL of today back in time to do the job with the tools of the time, what's the result? People forget that WW2 was almost won in Europe by the Germans in the early stages. If they pressed and wiped out the Brits and French at Dunkirk, then it'd be a different story. I think the issue is more of the physical, mental, and character differences between the average now vs. then. I'd have to say the "now" would have many more problems. Kids are much softer today than back then. Boys manned up quickly out of the Depression. An interesting indicator would be the comparison of Battle Fatigue vs. PTSD. What percentage just ate it and lived a fairly full life in spite of vs. now? The other aspect is to take a look at recruitment policies aside from the draft. Back then it was "we only take real men". Now it's "to hit a certain body count, how low do we have to go"? An interesting checkpoint is 'Nam. Halfway between WW2 and now. You can see the erosion because of a very unpopular war. It also hit at the time when drugs, free love, and youth rebellion was at a periodic peak. These late Boomers and early Gen X's are frequently still lost to this day.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 2 at 2020 12:28 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 12:28:03 -0400

Considering the "greatest generation" were over 60% draftees who were forced to act and the millennial armed forces are 100% volunteers with over two decades of conflict, I'm inclined to grant the sobriquet to the millennials.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jun 2 at 2020 2:33 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 14:33:44 -0400

My dad was a WW2 veteran, 10th Mt. Div. 87th Mt. Inf. Reg. He served 20 years from about 1940 to 1961. I knew him as a loving, hard working father, who was trying his best to be a good disciple of Christ. However, the more I learn about his service in WW2 I know that he was once a hard core warrior, very hard core. He would sneak into German fox holes and bring back one alive for interrogation. Personally, I don't think I could ever be that cool and cold. They were tough men and I have not seen that kind of toughness since I left Ft. Bragg back in 1983, when all our senior NCOs had CIBs from Vietnam.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 2 at 2020 3:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:59:41 -0400

Yes. Generations will rise to the challenge. From the revolutionary war to Afghanistan, they were fought by new generations.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2020 6:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 18:20:18 -0400

Well we "Won" WW2 with soldiers back then, i believe we would still win with soldiers of today.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 2 at 2020 11:31 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 23:31:04 -0400

Excuse me Mr Nazi, as you can clearly see I have waved my time out card here. I can see the old news reels now telling us how the the fighting trans gendered fighters of the 666 Division just capture Rabual. Or better yet "Why do I have to take the pill box?" Yeah not visualizing this one.