ABSTRACT
The key missing dimensions in all quantitative comparisons is the synergy between numbers, technology, tactics, and training—an area where Israel often has a significant advantage. Israel organizes its forces and military manpower in very different ways from those of its Arab neighbors, and comparisons of either total active manpower or total active and reserve manpower have only limited meaning in measuring military effectiveness. Where Israel’s reserves are the key to its effectiveness, the cost of maintaining Syrian and Egyptian reserve forces may actually reduce the total military effectiveness of each country by wasting resources on low grade forces that would be better spent on more effective units. Jordan is also reorganizing its land force deployments to improve coverage of the Iraqi and Syrian borders and provide a lighter border force to cover its border with Israel, which will emphasize border security over defense against Israel.
