What if: US marines vs Roman legions

[Felch]

If you haven't already, read Robert Leckie's 'Helmet for my Pillow' for an idea about how well the marines did when they were dropped off on an island and basically cut off from support.

You mean when the USMC seized Guadalcanal from the Japanese?

[kentonio]

You mean when the USMC seized Guadalcanal from the Japanese?

Yep, but what his account shows was the marines quickly losing discipline and morale and becoming increasingly desperate. That's not intended to denigrate an incredible achievement by them btw, but it does quickly cut through the 'superhuman marine' myth that some people have. Marines are just people who have had good training, cut them off from their support and they start to break like anyone else. Their training just means they break at a slower pace than most others.

[Elok]

So, Roman Legion versus 200 Sardaukar?

[Proteus_MST]

Romans will win...
at least if Paul is there and supplies them with weirding modules and training in their use

[Al B. Sure!]

Yep, but what his account shows was the marines quickly losing discipline and morale and becoming increasingly desperate. That's not intended to denigrate an incredible achievement by them btw, but it does quickly cut through the 'superhuman marine' myth that some people have. Marines are just people who have had good training, cut them off from their support and they start to break like anyone else. Their training just means they break at a slower pace than most others.

Conscripts vs. Volunteers. Remember that. Those Pacific War Marines were mostly conscripts. Our current force is 100% volunteer

[kentonio]

Conscripts vs. Volunteers. Remember that. Those Pacific War Marines were mostly conscripts. Our current force is 100% volunteer

Guadalcanal was 100% volunteers IIRC.

[Tupac Shakur]

So, Roman Legion versus 200 Sardaukar?

If it's just one legion, I think the Sardaukar would win. The Romans aren't going to figure out how to time their sword strikes to penetrate the Sardaukar's shield over the course of a single battle. This is also assuming the battle is hand-to-hand; if we allow the Sardaukar to use their lasguns, a legion wouldn't even be a challenge.

[Elok]

Thank you for not mentioning the weird film adaptation.

[Tupac Shakur]

The film is an abomination.

[Elok]

Never saw it. I was warned off.

[Lorizael]

But it's got Sting!

[Tupac Shakur]

When has that ever been a positive?

[The Mad Monk]

Had a falling out, did we?

[Lorizael]

[Hauldren Collider]

I read Dune. I actually didn't like it that much, I found it depressing. Never read any of the sequels, I hear they're pretty awful.

The only reason I'm grateful I read the book is I can recognize yet another class of sci-fi references on nerdy internet forums