fodder.
If you are having a technologically sophisticated army, each soldier will have to have significant training (probably at least one year) to become effective as more than cannon fodder. That would make the military commitment stretch to at least 3 years for it to become economically feasible.
If you choose the "vast horde" (China) model military, you will also greatly increase your taxes, in order to Pay, Feed, House, Clothe and Train said army. Their utility during peace-time will be limited. Even in China, they are going away from the 'vast horde" model, reducing the size of the military while inceasing its sophistication.
As well, a prepared, technically sophisticated military can always defeat a "vast horde", unless weaponry restrictions are in place (last refuge being nukes).
If you go for the "trained horde" (USSR) model, the equippage/training costs rise dramatically. The "trained horde" model would be likely to bankrupt the country with their demands.
So, how would you like 60% tax rates? |
