Army

Army Corps at the Victory parade

The Gorkha Regiment marching contingent passes through the Rajpath during the 65th Republic Day Parade 2014, in New Delhi on January 26, 2014

Warring States or Western Han crossbow

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Riace bronzes - Statue A- Ancient Greek warrior

Relief Kolumna Trajana2

Army is a military organization primarily tasked with land-based warfare. Historically, armies have been one of the most important institutions for the defense and expansion of nations and empires. Over time, the composition, tactics, and technology employed by armies have evolved, reflecting changes in society, technology, and the nature of warfare itself.

History

The concept of an army dates back to antiquity, with the earliest organized forces appearing in Egypt and Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE. These early armies were composed of infantry and chariot units. The Roman Empire later revolutionized military organization and strategy, creating a highly disciplined and versatile army that allowed Rome to dominate the Mediterranean world.

In the Middle Ages, European armies were often composed of feudal levies, where lords would provide knights and soldiers in service to a king or emperor. The invention of gunpowder and the development of firearms in the late Middle Ages began to transform armies, leading to the decline of armored knights and the rise of professional standing armies.

The 19th and 20th centuries saw further evolution with the introduction of conscription, which massively expanded the size of armies. The World Wars demonstrated the destructive power of modern armies, with advancements in technology leading to unprecedented scale and lethality of military operations.

Structure

Modern armies are complex organizations, with a hierarchical structure designed to provide command, control, and support to its units. The basic unit of an army is the platoon, which is made up of squads. Several platoons form a company, which in turn can be part of a battalion or regiment. Multiple battalions or regiments form a brigade, and several brigades make up a division. Armies may also contain corps and field armies, which consist of multiple divisions.

Components

An army is typically divided into various branches and specialties, including:

• Infantry - Foot soldiers who form the backbone of any army, capable of fighting in all terrains.
• Cavalry (now mostly mechanized) - Units that move faster than infantry, traditionally on horseback but now using vehicles.
• Artillery - Units responsible for large-scale bombardment, using cannons and rocket systems.
• Armored - Units equipped with tanks and other armored vehicles.
• Engineer Corps - Specialists in construction, fortifications, and demolitions.
• Medical Corps - Responsible for medical care and evacuation of wounded personnel.
• Logistics Corps - Ensures the supply of ammunition, food, and equipment to the troops.

Modern Challenges

Today's armies face a range of challenges, from conventional state-on-state warfare to asymmetric warfare, including counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations. The increasing importance of cyber warfare and information operations has also led armies to adapt, incorporating cyber units and capabilities into their structures.

Conclusion

The army remains a crucial component of national defense and power projection for countries around the world. Its evolution continues in response to changing threats, technologies, and warfare doctrines, ensuring that armies remain effective in fulfilling their primary role of securing the state and its interests.