Japanese Army Discipline and Morale
Abstract
This document comprises a general report on the numerous problems of discipline and morale encountered in the Japanese Army. 1. The first section deals with crimes committed by army men against officers. Elaborate graphs and tables break the problem down into number and types of such crimes committed, comparisons as to frequency within given years and localities, rank of the men involved, and classification of the reasons for the crimes. One conclusion reached is that the Japanese are prone to get drunk. 2. The second section deals with the allied problems of communism in the army and of desertion to the (Chinese) enemy. A brief historical sketch of the growth of communism in the military service and of communist tactics is given. Case histories are included. Of particular interest are the cases in which Japanese soldiers have deserted to the Communist-led armies of China. Many were indoctrinated by the Chinese and sent back to their outfits to engage in propaganda work. 3. Section III deals with the problems of friction between civilians and the military. Root of the problem seems to be the high-handed, arrogant attitude of army men in their dealings with the civilian populace. 4. Section IV is a discussion of crimes (mostly financial) committed, presumably, because top officers have been lax in enforcing discipline. Many case histories are included. The entire report is a study in disaffection. As such, it may be of some value particularly to those interested in the problems of Psychological warfare.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 07, 1945
- Accession Number
- ADA438134