Defending an Achilles’ Heel: Evolving Warfare in the Philippines, 1941–1945

Authors

Robert S. Burrell, Joint Special Operations University

Abstract

The Pacific War during World War II provided valuable lessons in military strategy and the importance of unconventional warfare. Japan’s aggressive expansion in the 1930s and 1940s left to a major conflict with the United States over control of the Philippine Islands. Japan’s advancements in naval technology, including the largest battleships and superior night combat tactics, allowed them to invade the Philippines in December 1941. Filipino resistance against Japanese occupation grew, with various local groups using guerilla warfare tactics to fight back. These resistance movements played a crucial role in opposing Japanese forces. Intelligence operations were also vital. U.S. submarines supported the guerillas by delivering supplies and transporting personnel. The success of these submarine operations and local resistance efforts shows the importance of adapting military strategies to changing circumstances. When conventional defense was not possible, supporting local resistance proved to be an effective alternative.

Recommended Citation

Burrell, Robert S. (2024) "Defending an Achilles’ Heel: Evolving Warfare in the Philippines, 1941–1945," Joint Force Quarterly: Vol. 113, Article 19.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/joint-force-quarterly/vol113/iss1/19