Not News. Should Be. Only Two Brigrades Combat Ready

[famousdayandyear]

General Odierno: Only two brigades now combat ready

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno said Monday that his greatest fear is to receive an order to deploy thousands of troops, because the service only has two combat-ready brigades right now.


(Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and Secretary of the Army John McHugh speaking at the annual meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army on Oct. 21 in Washington)

[famousdayandyear]

Can anyone provide a rough size estimate of a brigade?  Thanks

[EC]

Can anyone provide a rough size estimate of a brigade?  Thanks

For US forces, 2500 to 4000 personnel, including support units and logcom.

UK tend to be smaller units, about the 2000 level.

[DCPatriot]

Somehow, I am not the least bit concerned seeing stories and/or articles like this.

Always had the feeling that our weapons systems are so advanced compared to other nation's that nukes aren't really necessary.

I realize eventually any nation will require 'boots on the ground' to secure the peace among the people, but as far as responding to a threat?

If they can read a newspaper over your shoulder from orbit....they can incinerate you from there too.

Maybe it's growing up as a child in the 50's, where my B&W television showed me that the inside 30 minutes, the bad guys ALWAYS lost.   

[famousdayandyear]

Somehow, I am not the least bit concerned seeing stories and/or articles like this.

Always had the feeling that our weapons systems are so advanced compared to other nation's that nukes aren't really necessary.

I realize eventually any nation will require 'boots on the ground' to secure the peace among the people, but as far as responding to a threat?

If they can read a newspaper over your shoulder from orbit....they can incinerate you from there too.

Maybe it's growing up as a child in the 50's, where my B&W television showed me that the inside 30 minutes, the bad guys ALWAYS lost.   

Appreciate your view, DC. 

[famousdayandyear]

For US forces, 2500 to 4000 personnel, including support units and logcom.

UK tend to be smaller units, about the 2000 level.

Thanks for providing an answer to the question.

[EC]

My pleasure!

The reason for the difference is US Brigades tend (though not always) to be self contained units. UK are more mix and match within the regiment. Both approaches have benefits and drawbacks.

Edit to fix a typo. I hate typos.