[Axenolith]

I really have a hard time seeing a loosly organized bunch of individuals project even defensive naval power, widespread air defense or a multi-divisional armored formation.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

I really have a hard time seeing a loosly organized bunch of individuals project even defensive naval power, widespread air defense or a multi-divisional armored formation.

I would've had a hard time believing that a bunch of farmers, storekeepers, shipbuilders, and windbags masquerading as part-time militiamen, bitching about not getting paid, bitching about crappy duty, and even picking up and leaving defensive posts when their enlistments were up could defeat the world's strongest superpower. But it happened.

[IMHO]

I really have a hard time seeing a loosly organized bunch of individuals project even defensive naval power, widespread air defense or a multi-divisional armored formation.

The Japanese never invaded the US mainland due to the fact that "there is a rifle behind every blade of grass" (paraphrased quote by some Japanese Admiral). This worked as well for the Swiss in WWII, and the minutemen in the Revolution