a numerically inferior force (the US / Russia) up against an adversary (North Korea + China / Ukraine) funded, armed with modern tech by a powerful entity (USSR / NATO)
and the point I'm trying to make is that it is laughable to compare fighting a modern military to Iraq and Afghanistan
This includes all the security apparatus.
Police (quite numerous), prison guards, military cadets, security services and, of course, National Guard and Armed Forces. But from those many are guarding bases and other important objects, training, staying in reserve, etc.
The fighting force is much smaller than those 700 thousand.
They're still not totally comparable. US was having to force project across an ocean while Russia seems to be having issues just past its boarders, despite being geared towards land wars, judging by their lack of progress and signs of logistical desperation in abandoned camps.
Much of Ukraine's equipment is Soviet era just like Russia's is. USSR was a direct belligerent in the Korean War, not just a supporter like NATO is.
Prior to the start of this conflict Russia had superior numbers and pounced before Ukraine mobilized.
Russia also has the massive advantage of being able to strike from their own and neighboring territories without retaliation.
Constant nuclear-whining is preventing NATO from performing air interventions like the USSR saw fit to do during the Korean and Vietnam war.
Too many differences in variables. Russia's incompetence alone does not make this comparable.
and the point I'm trying to make is that it is laughable to compare fighting a modern military to Iraq and Afghanistan