JOINT BOARD ESTIMATE OF
UNITED STATES OVER-ALL PRODUCTION
REQUIREMENTS.
IV. MAJOR STRATEGY OF THE UNITED STATES AND ITS ASSOCIATES. 22.
(Cont'd)
the principal strategic method employed by the United States in the immediate future should be
the material support of present military operations against Germany, and their reenforcement by
active participation in the war by the United States, while holding Japan in check pending future
developments. Necessarily, only small Army contingents are now sufficiently equipped and
trained for immediate participation in offensive operations.
23. Except in the case of Russia, the principal strength of the Associated Powers is in
naval and air categories. Naval and air power may prevent wars from being lost, and by
weakening enemy strength may greatly contribute to victory. By themselves, however, naval and
air forces seldom, if ever, win important wars. It should be recognized as an almost invariable
rule that only land armies can finally win wars.
24. It is out of the question to expect the United States and its Associates to undertake
in the near future a sustained and successful land offensive against the center of the Germany
power. It being obvious that the Associated Powers can not defeat Germany by defensive
operations, effective strategic offensive methods other than an early land offensive in Europe must
be employed. These methods may be found in a continuation of the economic blockade; the
prosecution of land offensives in distant regions where German troops can exert only a fraction of
their total strength; air and sea offensives against German military, economic and industrial
resources; and the support of subversive activities in the conquered territories Strategic methods
to be employed against Japan (assuming her in the war) should be a strong defense of Siberia and
Malaysia; an economic offensive through blockade; a reduction of Japanese military power by
raids; and Chinese offensives against the Japanese forces of occupation.
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