The Japanese Campaign in Malaya: December 1941-February 1942, A Study in Joint Warfighting

Abstract

Joint warfighting doctrine has continued to evolve since World War II, and most recently has become an issue of substantial focus and development within the U.S. military. Today it is recognized that the significance of joint warfighting is its potential for overwhelming effect, in today's terms, the means by which the full measure of U.S. military power can be brought to bear effectively in any crisis. In fully understanding the concept of joint warfighting the first question to ask is what makes joint warfighting joint. The formal answer is found in current doctrine that says that joint warfighting exists when it involves forces of two or more Service departments; they are effective when the unique strengths and advantages of their forces are successfully integrated and focused. It works better than a nonjoint approach, which can be proved through historical analysis. A number of historical examples can illustrate and reinforce the efficacy of joint warfighting. One such example is the Japanese campaign against British Commonwealth forces in Malaya during World War II. During that campaign the Japanese applied the tenets of joint warfare doctrine in defeating the British.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA421611

Entities

People

  • David J. Mollahan
  • Edward Mayer
  • Ross A. Victor
  • Thomas J. Devine

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Reconnaissance
  • Air Force
  • Air Power
  • Aircrafts
  • Doctrine
  • Far East
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Islands
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Reconnaissance
  • Second World War
  • Terrain
  • Training
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.