If by pressing is to denote an obvious threat, then yes they are not. They are not the sappers in the wire, they are the supply, spec ops, and mortar crews if you will. fallowing the fall of the Soviet Union, one aspect I found most troubling (although this realization took several years) was the obvious lack of the predicted WHOLESALE desertion of Russian special forces. At an estimated Cold War strength of 30,000, the Spetsnaz would have made itself a rather nasty headache in the 90's; mercenaries of that training level, without Mother Russia to (sometimes) pay them, would have been a nightmare to contend with.
"As far as technology goes in warfare, it certainly has been a huge factor throughout most of history... If one is willing to use it..."
Not only being willing, but skillfully and in sufficient quantity to properly do the job. But without the will to do so, yes you are correct, useless.