
Originally Posted by
Glom
The only episodes I can think of that showed ground forces were 'Nor the Battle to the Strong' and 'The Seige of AR-558'. In the former, we didn't see them in combat, it focused more on the hospital. The latter was one in which the Defiant offered relief to a Starfleet crew trying to hold a captured Dominion communications array. Nog got his leg amputated if that helps to identify it. Stuart, can you give us your thoughts on 'The Seige of AR-558'?
The best way to evaluate this is to look at how Starfleet and their enemy handled this, then compare with how a modern army would deal with the situation when replacing either side. I’d like to acknowledge two sources for this that are invaluable. One is Michael Wong, author of the website Stardestroyer.net that is a wealth of information on both Star Wars and Startrek, the other is Colonel Supatra Soavapop of the Royal Thai Army, an old friend and a skilled infantry officer.
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If the modern infantry replace the Jemhadar, its even worse. The Starfleet forces land and get blown apart by mortar fire. Without fragmentation protection or counter-battery fire and too ill-equipped to take the offensive they’re slaughtered and surrender within hours. Commander Sisko is arrested and executed because his conduct is an offense against good taste. Dr Bashir is executed (same grounds). Nog is summarily executed for being annoying.