S E C R E T Control of the MARSHALLS 3.0 months Relief by garrison force 1.5 " Rehabilitation in HAWAII .75 " Training new replacements and rehearsals for CAROLINES 1.0 " Movement, HAWAII to MARSHALLS and preparation for assault on PONAPE .5 " TOTAL 6.75 months d. It is estimated that forces required for capture of the MARSHALLS are as follows: (1) Ground 2 Infantry Amphibious Divisions, reinforced (2) Air 2 Groups, Bombardment (H) 2 Groups, Fighter Carrier-based aircraft in 4 CVs and 4 ACVs (72 VT, 192 VSB, 156 VF) (3) Naval 4 BB, 4 CV, 7 ACV, 8 CA, 8 CL, 63 DD, 24 APA, 44 LST, plus landing craft. e. The following forces will be required to garrison the islands: (1) Ground 1 Infantry Division, reinforced 10 Defense Battalions (2) Air B (H) B(M) VF VSB VT Total Land-based 72 72 221 108 72 545 Seaplanes 72 VP 24 VS0 (3) Naval 18 PT, miscellaneous craft. - 14 - |