BLUF

The US' victory at Midway was due to a superior strategy and a very high level of tactical leadership.

Summary

KEY POINTS:
  • Historian Craig Symonds described the Battle of Midway as "the most complete naval victory" since Lord Nelson's triumph at Trafalgar.
  • Even if Japan had won at Midway, the US likely would still have emerged victorious in the war due to its substantial industrial capacity to replace lost carriers.
  • The defeat at Midway was catastrophic for Japan.
  • Holmes highlights the exceptional tactical wisdom and strategic leadership demonstrated by the US Naval commanders during the battle.
  • At the tactical level, commanders were allowed flexibility and were advised to avoid putting the fleet at risk from enemy attacks unless they could inflict greater damage on the enemy: this was known as "the principle of calculated risk."
  • The principle of calculated risk led to a significant victory at Midway for the US Navy.
  • Readers are encouraged to consider the implications of Spruance’s high-end tactical leadership and whether its lessons could be applied to today's Air Force.
  • Recommended reading on the Battle of Midway includes Craig Symonds' "The Battle of Midway" and Jonathan Parshall and Anthony Tully's "Shattered Sword."
Learn the lessons from Midway and apply to today's joint fighting force.

References

MILITARY HISTORY: INDEX of PAGES AND COLLECTIONS ON THE RAAF RUNWAY