US Army Doctrinal Effectiveness on Bataan, 1942: The First Battle
Abstract
This study examines the first battle of World War II: the defense of the Philippines on the Bataan Peninsula. Only those units properly equipped, adequately trained, and led by officers who were knowledgeable on the current doctrine are examined. A detailed narrative explains what happened. An analysis is then made to determine if those units used then-current Army doctrine, and whether or not the doctrine proved effective. Each of the battles described in the narrative is then matched against doctrinal guidelines to determine the effectiveness of doctrine. Doctrine proved effective, especially at the battalion and lower levels. Units performed poorly at division and corps more from a lack of practice than a failure of doctrine. Most tactical failures on Bataan can be blamed on leaders failing to follow doctrine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA147751
Entities
People
- J. W. Whitman
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College