The Worst Disaster: The Decisive Point and the Fall of Singapore

Abstract

Britain allowed Japan to seize the island fortress of Singapore by neglecting the decisive points associated with Singapore's defense. Analysis of Britain's defensive preparations reveals several complexities associated with decisive points. Decisive points can emerge. These new decisive points may be difficult to identify and even more difficult to prove to strategic commanders. One new decisive point may lead to another and updated planning is required with these decisive points in mind. Also, emerging decisive points elevate risk. With the emergence of a new decisive point, the commander's objectives grow without an immediate and comparable increase in forces. Finally, an operational commander may not be able to act on a decisive point due to political or strategic reasons. As demonstrated in the defense of Singapore, neglect of decisive points can lead to military disaster.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 06, 2007
Accession Number
ADA476613

Entities

People

  • Don C. Murray

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Defense Planning
  • Department Of Defense
  • Disasters
  • Economic Development
  • Far East
  • Geographic Regions
  • Geography
  • Military Operations
  • New York
  • Second World War
  • Singapore
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • War Games

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies