Okay...I feel like a complete moron for even asking this, but...

In your experience, what has been the best way you've gained strength?? (Not mass or size...just raw strength). Lifting low reps/sets of high weight or high reps/sets of a moderate weight?? I need to work on my upper body strength (military training is lots of pushups, pullups, etc) as all the cardio I've been told to focus on has completely diminished any strength I used to have...I guess in a way I'm looking for ideas on improving muscular strength and endurance...

Any advice for this is appreciated...thanks in advanced!