I have no doubt that the French have some specialized units that can be ‘ruthless’...but they are definitely not a strong military power.
Their military expenditures are very small relative to GDP, they are primarily a defensive force (only have one aircraft carrier), and without NATO they could not conduct large scale combined arms operations outside of their borders.
France is a typical NATO member...and they have let the US do most of the heavy lifting for a long time. They can’t just flip a switch and ‘turn on’ a powerful military machine.
You are, of course, entitled to your own opinion.... and the French are sending their ONE aircraft carrier (how many deployable do WE have? Hmm?? How many deployable does the RN have?) on forward deployed offensive operations. I wonder if we could REALLY conduct large scale combined arms operations outside of our borders? I fear that the next time we see such operations, they’ll be in CONUS.
France has experience in fighting in Africa. Recently putting the "Osama Bin Laden" of Africa (About Zeid) on ice. Operation Serval showed both strengths/weakness of French military. No aerial lift capacity. Relied on US. Troop shortage. In the midst of changing individual weapons (La Famas).
Not sure if the recent attacks will cause the French government to turn the military around or not.
I have no doubt that the French have some specialized units that can be ‘ruthless’...but they are definitely not a strong military power.
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France is a Nuclear Power ranked 6th in Military strength in the world regardless of it’s small size as a country. (Put France inside of Texas and have over 1/4 of Texas left over.)
Their Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle is on its way to render more than a slap in the face to ISIS. They have a strong Air Force, strong Naval Force, strong Ground Force. They’re capable of far more than you think.