Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article

To: USAF80

Years ago, I read that in the American Civil War, there were almost 10 front-line combat troops for every support person in the rear. In WWI, this ratio had changed-there were now about 3 support troops for every 10 front-line soldiers. In WWII, there were more than 3 support/10 front-line. By the time of Vietnam, there were nearly 5 rear area support personnel for every 10 soldiers. Today? a ratio of 3 support troops for every 1 front line soldier.

from a quick scan from the internet ... not my figures


41 posted on 01/07/2013 1:18:18 PM PST by alphadog (2nd Bn. 3rd Marines, Vietnam, class of 68)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies ]


To: alphadog
Today? a ratio of 3 support troops for every 1 front line soldier.

I'd say your figures are correct for current times except it's more like three contractors for every front line trooper. In Iraq the contractors outnumbered the active duty force.

They cut the active duty force so much that it is the only way to do business these days. The good thing is that most of the contractors were active duty at some point.

45 posted on 01/08/2013 4:55:20 AM PST by USAF80
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 41 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Bloggers & Personal
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson