Operational Failure of U.S. Submarines at the Battle of Midway - and Implicationsfor Today

摘要

U.S. submarine operational failure led to tactical insignificance at the Battleof Midway. This was a remarkable outcome since interwar U.S. policy, submarine design, and fleet exercises dictated fleet support by submarines. From today's view this failure is neither unique to a platform nor specific to an operation. It can and does cross all services. The operational failure at Midway resulted from the failure to abide by the operational art factors of synergy, simultaneity and depth, anticipation, and leverage. These were compounded by failure to provide adequate C31 system operational support. These failures were a consequence of the submarine force, and the Navy, not adequately addressing and training on operational art during the interwar years. Today, Navy doctrine and training still have not adequately addressed operational art though it is an essential part of joint warfare. The present use of exercises designed only to test and build tactical proficiency of air, land, or sea forces risk the same type of operational failure in future wars. Suggestions on developing operational art proficiency through innovation as a function of today's forces, budgets, and training technology are presented for consideration.