"Oldest Regiment in the World – still in service
Sweden have managed to avoid war since the last conflict they were involved in – The Napoleonic Wars between 1802-1815, but before that period in history it used to be one of the most belligerent nations in Europe.
At the height of it's power, around year 1658, the Swedish Empire completely dominated the Baltic Sea, by holding territories in Northern Germany, Poland, Latvia and Estonia, territories in western Russia and Finland, thus creating a virtual "Mare Nostrum" of the Baltic Sea. At this time, Russia didn't even have access to the Baltic Sea. Sweden was a major power in Europe, comparable to those of France, Great Britain, Spain et al.
In the thick of the many battles stood always the King's own elite regiment – The Royal Swedish Life Guards. This regiment dates it's origins back to the year of our Lord – 1521 – when a bodyguard was set up for the then King Gustav Eriksson, more commonly known as Gustav Vasa. 16 steady men from Dalecarlia were entrusted with the life of the King. Thus the regiment is the world's oldest, still serving, military unit…"
Main page
link
Armand
shows us that you don't need money to have great bases.