WAR DEPARTMENT
               OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF
                    WASHINGTON
 
                                                                                     February 24, 1942.
 
MEMORADUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:                                                                                     
                                Subject:      Report by General Wavell on Japanese
                                                      Tactics, Technique and Equipment.
 
     The following is a brief of a very interesting report
that has come to us from General Wavell, on the above subject:
 
     "The main object of an army is to fight. This idea
is the foundation of all training. It has been proven by the Japanese themselves that they are not
just imitators of the procedures of others. For example, they have made important advances in the
development of landing techniques which include the designing and manufacture of specially
constructed landing craft carriers, landing craft and assault boats used in landing operations.
 
     "The Japanese have demonstrated that they are quick to take over the techniques of
foreigners which they see suitable for their own characteristics and special requirements. It is
evident that they have made a close examination of the Nazi battle experiences of 1939. In Malaya
modern techniques were displayed by : (1) The close cooperation of supporting arms with the
infantry, especially in the cooperative action of light artillery and mortars. (2) By the use of
radio-phone there has been effective cooperation of air forces with ground forces. The fact that
the army has its own air arm facilitates this cooperation. (3) The Japanese have made use of great
noise as an adjunct to their fighting and use live mortar bombs and fire crackers. (4) Trees are
made use of as fire positions to give advantage over ground-bound opponents.
 
     "Among other improved techniques of the Japanese is the skill they have shown in
repairing bridges. Speedy advances have been successfully made by reason of their ability to
remove obstacles, especially for tank units. Thorough training of engineer units is evident.