They're not the most well equipped, but the army of the confederacy has spirit, and has the know how. Seen by the other major powers as a rag-tag motley of inadequates, the CSCN and Pact breakaways have tested their mettle against the pirate scourge, and then themselves in a their own war. Tactics and grit is what drives these soldiers to victory, because when you can't rely on your expensive gear and AI assistance, you gotta rely on nothing else but your own wit and determination.