Military Might

It is curious to note the changes in infrastructure that were necessary as Assyria began it's expansion. Although the country controlled a strong army it still had to contend with internal strife. Perhaps this is most clearly seen when the nobles rebelled because the spoils of war were being claimed by the king even though the nobles were providing much of the "funding" or more accurately the support for these military campaigns. Yet it seems that Assyria was able to overcome these internal strifes quiet consistently. It would only be when both strong internal and external threats were launched against Assyria that they were forced back.
The reason for Assyria's power is completely tied to it's efficiency in war. The country's military power seems to have stemmed both from a sophisticated infrastructure that took advantage of their numerical size and from the well equipped nature of their army (specifically the use of cavalry and chariots). It is curious to note that these are the same advantages that the American Army relies on today. The American Army continues to receive more financial support then any other military in the world insuring they are always the most sophisticated army on the battlefield, and their use of numerical advantages has allowed them to limit casualties in battle and insure success.
That being said there are still major differences between these two militaries. Although there have been some incidences of abuse or unnecessary violence over the last decade of war, they pail in comparison to the destruction caused by the Assyrian military. Indeed the destruction and terror that was caused by the Assyrian was crucial to the success their country had in dominated the region, while the US Army must maintain the highest of standards to ensure their success amidst foreign countries. It is an interesting and striking contrast.