Estimating Enemy Capabilities and Intentions: The Sword Cuts Both Ways

Abstract

This paper presents the planned U.S. invasion of Japan (1945) as a case study demonstrating the important of the 'estimate of enemy capabilities' to the operational planning process. In the final months prior to the Japanese surrender in August 1945, the Allies were alarmed to note Japanese reinforcement of the planned invasion sites. The Japanese had correctly assessed their enemy's capabilities and intentions, and significantly complicated the final stages of allied invasion planning. Had the invasion been executed, the Japanese strategy of exploiting American 'war weariness' might have succeeded. The lesson is equally applicable to today's operational planners: the enemy is estimating your capabilities and intentions - if he is correct in his assessment, he can counter, disrupt, or seriously complicate your mission.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 08, 1994
Accession Number
ADA279503

Entities

People

  • Robert G. Presler

Organizations

  • Naval War College

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  • Air Platforms
  • Counter IED
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

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  • Air Force
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  • Amphibious Operations
  • Bombing
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  • Department Of Defense
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  • Military Operations
  • Naval Operations
  • New York
  • Nuclear Bombs
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  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Strategic Security Studies