Highly selective special forces remain small even when they receive considerable public attention and political support. Emphasizing these comparatively inexpensive units can leave armed forces without the large formations required for a different kind of war. The SAS comparison also shows why a unit's title does not establish its headcount: 'regiment' describes organizational arrangements and seniority without guaranteeing conventional regimental strength. Personnel totals also change when support staff are included. The surrounding Star Wars discussion applies the same distinction to combat experience concentrated in elite units instead of spread across a force large enough for the next war.
Notable Point · 4:16:00-4:18:32
Why special forces cannot replace mass formations
The SAS example distinguishes elite capability, organizational titles and personnel totals from the mass formations needed for a large war.