An issue nobody has brought up is the probably superior fitness of the Romans.
Marines, while they are fit by modern standards, just might not measure up. They generally rid into battle.
Roman legionaires marched 20 to 25 miles every day, carrying 60 to 80 pounds of gear apiece, then build an entire fort before turning in for the night.
Not to knock our Marines, but how many of them could keep this up week after week, then be fresh enough to fight hand to hand all day, the rough equivalent of NFL football but with no timeouts or breaks?
Conditioning is one thing, but I don’t think that Marines would be less fit. Diets are so, so much better. I’d be more worried about mental fitness. Much of the Marine doctrine is to be a part of the whole system. Cut off from that system would be very hard to adapt.
Conditioning is one thing, but I don’t think that Marines would be less fit. Diets are so, so much better. I’d be more worried about mental fitness. Much of the Marine doctrine is to be a part of the whole system. Cut off from that system would be very hard to adapt.
Why would they do that and surrender all their advantages?
The strike capability of a MEU, including the air assets and artillery, would obviate the need to march to, say, Capua, and fight. You take Rome, expend some ammo smashing the first army that comes near you, and then send one jet or Cobra to pound out the forum. City father's quickly realize they can't resist, and you're in charge.
You don't need to conquer and hold the entire body. Just the head.