Preparation of US Armed Forces for the war with Japan: plans and reality

Abstract

The article examines general aspects of the preparation of the United States Armed Forces for the war with Japanese Empire from 1906 until 1940. It is shown, that the origins of war plan were related to the US internal politics while the end of war plan is closely related to changing foreign policy of the United States. Problems, that faced US military planners during developing and preparing for the implementation of the war plan against Japan, are revealed. A general assessment of the work of US military planners on the development andpreparation for the implementation of the plan of war against Japan is given. Thus, the overall strategic concept of the US war plan against Japan has generally endured a test of time, indicating the high level of professionalism of US military planners. However, actual implementation of these plans was hampered by many problems. It is shown, that such a complicated matter as strategic military planning should take place based on country-specific guidance clearly defined by the political leadership, taking into account diplomatic realities and actual capabilities of the country’s armed forces. Strategic plans should not be “things in themselves” – they should be reviewed regularly and, if necessary, changed according to the actual situation

Keywords

• preparation of us armed forces for the war with japan
• war plan orange
• us armed forces
• strategic planning
• pacific ocean theater during world war ii