Analysising reasons for Japans loss in Battle of Midway
ANALYSING REASON’S FOR JAPAN’S LOSS OF BATTLE OF MIDWAY
While having learnt about the US lessons, it is imperative that we dwell upon the reasons for Japan’s loss at the Battle of Midway.
A single ,unambiguous of aim is the keystone of successful military operation. While the Japanese final aim of defeating the US forces was very clear, however the execution of it wasn’t. The leadership was not sure whether they wanted to do. The original concept was to use the invasion of Midway as a means of luring the enemy fleet for a decisive battle. However the aim wandered during the battle from bombing the midway to attacking the enemy fleet. The subordinates were nit sure what the main aim was and the forces tried to do a bit of both and unfortunately failed in both.
Concentration of force involves application of decisive synchronised force to realise the intended result. Nagumo , instead of massing his naval asset into what could easily have been the most formidable naval task force ever, decided to scatter its forces. The objective of the northern force was to effect a diversion of the main thrust, however it proved to sacrifice the sure advantage of concentration of force.
Complex Plan: Yamamoto’s plan was a complex one. It was in stark contrast to a simple plan of Nimitz. The war order from the Japanese admiral spanned through 100’s of pages and it was difficult for Nagamu, the operational commander , to grasp the exact intentions of his commander and thereby was unable to execute the plan correctly.
Secrecy: The Japanese offensive plan was deciphered well in advance by the American forces. This was possible as Americans, through sustained efforts, were able to decode the radio intelligence which was available to them. The Japanese were not aware of this capability and they relied heavily on radio intelligence to pass on most of their information. Thus the Japanese plans lacked secrecy and in effect surprise which is an important principle of war.
While having learnt about the US lessons, it is imperative that we dwell upon the reasons for Japan’s loss at the Battle of Midway.
A single ,unambiguous of aim is the keystone of successful military operation. While the Japanese final aim of defeating the US forces was very clear, however the execution of it wasn’t. The leadership was not sure whether they wanted to do. The original concept was to use the invasion of Midway as a means of luring the enemy fleet for a decisive battle. However the aim wandered during the battle from bombing the midway to attacking the enemy fleet. The subordinates were nit sure what the main aim was and the forces tried to do a bit of both and unfortunately failed in both.
Concentration of force involves application of decisive synchronised force to realise the intended result. Nagumo , instead of massing his naval asset into what could easily have been the most formidable naval task force ever, decided to scatter its forces. The objective of the northern force was to effect a diversion of the main thrust, however it proved to sacrifice the sure advantage of concentration of force.
Complex Plan: Yamamoto’s plan was a complex one. It was in stark contrast to a simple plan of Nimitz. The war order from the Japanese admiral spanned through 100’s of pages and it was difficult for Nagamu, the operational commander , to grasp the exact intentions of his commander and thereby was unable to execute the plan correctly.
Secrecy: The Japanese offensive plan was deciphered well in advance by the American forces. This was possible as Americans, through sustained efforts, were able to decode the radio intelligence which was available to them. The Japanese were not aware of this capability and they relied heavily on radio intelligence to pass on most of their information. Thus the Japanese plans lacked secrecy and in effect surprise which is an important principle of war.