Military expert Vladislav Shurygin has argued that the conflict between the United States and Iran dealt a serious blow to the image of the US military as the «best in the world». He identified personnel shortages as one of its main problems.

Speaking to News.ru, Shurygin said an army struggling with recruitment and manpower cannot maintain such a reputation. In his view, setbacks in Iran have further undermined the image of the US Armed Forces.

The expert noted that the American military has operated on a contract basis since 1973. He said service in the US Armed Forces was considered a prestigious and attractive career during the 20th century, but recruitment difficulties had become far more pronounced by 2022, when the shortfall reached 25%.

According to Shurygin, the shortage of personnel places additional pressure on those already serving. He said troops can spend years rotating through military bases, while naval crews may remain at sea for six or seven months without going ashore. Instead of receiving time off, personnel can be transferred from one ship to another as part of rotations.

Earlier, American journalists reported a series of suicides among members of the US Cyber Command. According to their information, at least five such cases were recorded within a single month.

Meanwhile, on August 20, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps representative Khossein Mokhebi said Tehran had prepared weapons more powerful than those available during the previous phase of confrontation with Washington. He said Iran could use them if hostilities resume.