FAST TANKS AND HEAVY BOMBERS: INNOVATION IN THE US ARMY 1917-1945

(Subject: History & Development of Warfare - General) The US Army entered WWII lacking Germany’s blitzkrieg approach of coordinated armour and air power. It was organized to fight two wars - one on the ground and one in the air. Johnson believes that the army’s unprepared state was caused by its culture and bureaucracy, and their impact on the development of weapons and doctrine. The tank became captive to the conservative infantry and cavalry branches, whilst the airplane’s development was channeled by air power insurgents bent on creating an independent air force. The tank’s potential was thus hindered, while air power advocates focused mainly on strategic bombing, neglecting the mission of tactical support for ground troops. (Published: 1998) (Publisher: Cornell University Press) (ISBN: 0801488478) (Pagination: 288pp) (Condition: New in card cover storage wear. ) UL-XXXXXX