Interesting article about Top Gun

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Good points, Bewolf. I would, however, take exception to the conclusion of masses of inexperienced pilots overwhelming the pros. Part of the American 100-mission (not 25 - that was just for bomber crews) rotation was to have the experts teach the novices what they learned. If you take any limited time-frame and compare the best pilots from any nation, you will find that within the same periods the scores were about the same.

Granted, but I was not thinking america here. The US played a role from 1943 onwards, and really came to to party only in 1944, at a time the war was basicly lost already. Thus I didn't really put them into the equation, else you are completly right. I do not consider our pilots that superior. It was just a combination of contributing factors.

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by Bewolf

Granted, but I was not thinking america here. The US played a role from 1943 onwards, and really came to to party only in 1944, at a time the war was basicly lost already. Thus I didn't really put them into the equation, else you are completly right. I do not consider our pilots that superior. It was just a combination of contributing factors.

Imo, the most definitive factor was the reliance upon small-unit leadership and innovative tactics, and the Germans have historically excelled at one if not both. Germany is not only home to the world's most superlative aerial aces, but some of the most renowned army and navy leaders as well. To this day, the U.S. military attempts to emulate the WW2 German style of tactical assessment.

It is my opinion that Germany's central location in Europe, and tumultuous history, have fostered a superior military tradition. Though it may not be apparent in the Bundeswehr today, it is clearly echoed in modern military tactics throughout the globe.

Forget for a moment the Nazi stigma and look at what Germany, time and again, did in the realm of military tactics.

Curious, isn't it? Considering that the old empire was a rather laid back construct when it comes to wars and agression. That only changed with Prussia entering the stage and consequently reuniting Germany under it's flag in a series of wars spanning from the 17th century on up until 1871.

Again, a lot of different aspects coming together here. Beeing in the middle of Europe with very different neighbours that had a tendency to use the regions of modern day Germany as their favorite battlegrounds (France in particular and the 30 years war deserve distinct mentioning here) certainly didn't help in developing a peaceful society in the long run. Thus it's not a real wonder military science was developed to such a high degree here, though it is debateable if this deserves positive credit.

I am personally amazed however, that Germany managed so well in the Navy field (within the limits of a rather small surface fleet). We've never been a sea power.

Anyways, I fear we are derailing this thread =)