Standing Army

Definition

A standing army is a permanent, professional military force that is maintained in peacetime as well as wartime, ensuring a nation's defense readiness at all times. This type of army allows for more consistent training, organization, and discipline compared to temporary forces raised only during conflicts. The establishment of a standing army played a pivotal role in the formation of powerful empires and state control throughout history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The rise of Sargon and the Akkadian Empire saw the early establishment of a standing army that allowed for more effective military campaigns and territorial expansion.
2. A standing army provided Sargon with the ability to control his empire through rapid deployment of troops to quell rebellions or defend against invasions.
3. The Akkadian standing army set a precedent for later empires, illustrating how a professional military could contribute to centralized authority and administrative efficiency.
4. The innovations in military organization and strategy that came with the creation of a standing army improved communication and supply lines during campaigns.
5. The presence of a standing army also facilitated the development of new technologies and tactics, shaping how empires managed their territorial ambitions.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of a standing army influence Sargon's ability to maintain control over the Akkadian Empire?
  • The establishment of a standing army under Sargon significantly enhanced his ability to maintain control over the Akkadian Empire by providing him with a professional and loyal military force. This allowed for swift responses to internal rebellions and external threats, ensuring stability across vast territories. As a result, Sargon could project power effectively and secure his authority, reinforcing the centralized nature of his rule.
• In what ways did the administrative innovations accompanying the standing army improve military effectiveness in the Akkadian Empire?
  • Administrative innovations that came with the standing army included improved logistics, communication, and training protocols, which collectively enhanced military effectiveness. These innovations allowed for better resource management during campaigns, ensuring that troops were well-supplied and strategically positioned. Additionally, consistent training helped develop skilled soldiers who could adapt to various combat scenarios, further increasing the army's overall combat readiness.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of Sargon's standing army on subsequent empires' military strategies and governance structures.
  • Sargon's creation of a standing army had profound long-term impacts on subsequent empires by establishing a model for professional militaries that influenced governance structures across history. Later empires adopted similar models to enhance control over conquered territories and ensure rapid deployment capabilities. The emphasis on a permanent military force shaped not only military strategy but also reinforced centralized governance, leading to greater stability and resource allocation in imperial administration.

Related terms

Professional Military: A military composed of career soldiers who are trained and paid to serve full-time, contrasting with conscripted or volunteer forces that may be temporary.

Logistics: The detailed coordination of complex operations involving people, facilities, and supplies necessary for maintaining an effective military force.

Military Bureaucracy: An organized system of government management within the military that ensures efficient operation and administration of defense policies and resources.