Patrols, Pilots, and Coastwatchers: Reconnaissance and Operational Art in the Southwest Pacific
Abstract
As the United States entered the Pacific Theater in World War II, it lacked substantive reconnaissance doctrine and had yet to codify the concept of operational art. Regardless, in the summer of 1943, MacArthur and Halsey launched a two-pronged campaign to isolate Rabaul and seize the initiative from the Japanese. The operation, codenamed Cartwheel, represents close cooperation between two commanders who individually applied ideas associated with today's doctrinal concept of operational art. The research examined what role reconnaissance performed in shaping MacArthur's and Halsey's practice of operational art. Different reconnaissance assets and limited guidelines led to diverse and ad hoc implementation methods to support their planning. Although applied differently, reconnaissance activities supported each commander's use of the elements of operational art to arrange tactical actions to achieve a strategic objective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1070944
Entities
People
- Jeffrey L. Bernasconi
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies