Podcasts > Jocko Podcast > 497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

By Jocko DEFCOR Network

In this episode of Jocko Podcast, Willink examines the Battle of Iwo Jima, focusing on the preparation of Marine Corps forces and the effectiveness of their training. The discussion covers how three Marine divisions, led by World War I veterans, prepared for the invasion through specialized training programs and live-fire exercises, highlighting the importance of experienced leadership and thorough combat preparation.

The episode also explores the human dimension of the battle, including its physical and psychological toll on Marines. Topics include the Japanese defensive strategy, the staggering casualty rates among Marine units, and the impact of battle fatigue on troops. Willink discusses how Marine training proved crucial when junior officers had to take command after losses, and examines the strategic value of capturing Iwo Jima in relation to its human cost.

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497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

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497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

1-Page Summary

Combat Experience and Preparation of Marine Corps Forces

The Marine Corps' preparation for Iwo Jima was marked by experienced leadership and thorough training. The three divisions were led by decorated World War I veterans, with Major Generals Erskine, Cates, and Rocky commanding the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Marine Divisions respectively. While the 3rd and 4th Divisions were veterans of the Marianas Campaign, the new 5th Division included about one-third veterans, many from the Raiders and Paramarines.

Training was intense and specific. Captain Fields trained specialized assault squads, while Captain Severance focused on tank coordination. As Jocko Willink explains, live-fire exercises were crucial for creating combat-like conditions and developing disciplined responses under pressure.

Brutal Reality and Toll of Iwo Jima Battle

The Japanese forces maximized the island's challenging terrain, creating extensive defensive networks that withstood American bombardment. The battle's human cost was staggering: three Marine divisions suffered nearly 28,000 casualties over 36 days of combat. Individual units were devastated - Captain Fields' force of 250 men was reduced to just 17.

The psychological impact was equally severe. Dr. Kelleher identified two types of battle fatigue affecting troops: immediate fear from shellings and prolonged stress from exhaustion. In total, 2,648 Marines were evacuated due to combat fatigue, with many unable to return to combat.

Training, Morale, and Mental Fortitude in Marine Performance

Despite heavy losses, the Marines' training proved effective. Junior officers and NCOs successfully took command when senior leadership was lost, maintaining the offensive. Captain Ketchum noted that constant action left little time for fear, while Willink emphasizes how effectively new replacements were integrated into seasoned teams.

Significance and Consequences of the Iwo Jima Battle

The capture of Iwo Jima provided crucial emergency landing fields for B-29 bombers attacking Japan, though historian Ronald H. Specter debates whether this strategic advantage justified the enormous cost in Marine lives. The victory demonstrated the Marines' mastery of amphibious warfare and proved to be a psychological blow to Japanese forces, contributing to Japan's eventual surrender.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While experienced leadership is beneficial, it could be argued that reliance on World War I veterans may not have fully prepared the forces for the unique challenges of World War II's Pacific Theater.
  • Intense and specific training, while crucial, may not replicate the unpredictability and chaos of actual combat, potentially leaving troops unprepared for unforeseen circumstances.
  • Live-fire exercises, though helpful for combat readiness, carry their own risks and cannot completely mimic the psychological stress of real combat.
  • The effectiveness of the Japanese defensive networks might suggest that American intelligence and pre-battle assessments underestimated the enemy's capabilities.
  • The staggering human cost raises questions about the adequacy of pre-battle planning and whether alternative strategies could have reduced casualties.
  • The psychological impact and high number of evacuations due to combat fatigue could indicate a need for improved mental health support and resilience training for troops.
  • The ability of junior officers and NCOs to take command effectively is commendable, but it also highlights the heavy toll on leadership and the potential impact on long-term unit cohesion and effectiveness.
  • The notion that constant action minimized fear does not account for the long-term psychological effects that continuous combat can have on service members.
  • The integration of new replacements into seasoned teams, while necessary, may not fully address the loss of experience and potential decline in unit effectiveness.
  • The strategic advantage of capturing Iwo Jima for emergency landing fields must be weighed against the alternative of using other, possibly less costly, bases or strategies.
  • The debate on the justification of Marine casualties for strategic advantage is complex and involves moral as well as military considerations that are not easily resolved.
  • The assertion that the victory at Iwo Jima was a psychological blow to Japanese forces could be nuanced by considering the broader context of Japan's war situation at the time, including other factors that were contributing to their eventual surrender.

Actionables

  • You can enhance your problem-solving skills by setting up a simulated obstacle course at home or in a local park. Just like the Marines trained for the challenging terrain of Iwo Jima, create a course that requires you to navigate through various physical challenges, such as crawling under ropes or jumping over makeshift barriers. This activity can help you develop quick thinking and adaptability in the face of physical and mental obstacles.
  • Improve your leadership and teamwork abilities by organizing a group activity where roles are assigned randomly. This mirrors the way junior officers and NCOs had to step up during the battle. For example, gather friends for a team-based game like a treasure hunt, but let a hat draw determine who leads each time. This can help you and your peers practice taking command and working effectively under different leadership styles.
  • Develop a personal resilience plan by identifying stressors in your life and creating a step-by-step guide to manage them. This strategy is inspired by the psychological impact and battle fatigue experienced by the Marines. Your plan could include regular exercise, meditation, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, as well as a list of supportive friends or professionals to contact when you're feeling overwhelmed. By having a plan in place, you can better handle stress and maintain mental well-being during tough times.

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497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

Combat Experience and Preparation of Marine Corps Forces

The preparation and combat experience of Marine Corps forces leading up to the battle of Iwo Jima played a critical role in their performance during the campaign.

Marine Corps Commanders' Extensive World War I Combat Experience

Commanders Decorated From the Previous War

Under the command of Schmidt, the three divisions at Iwo Jima were led by World War I combat veterans: Major General Graves B. Erskine led the 3rd Marine Division, Major General Clifton B. Cates commanded the 4th Marine Division, and Major General Keller E. Rocky was in charge of the 5th Marine Division. Their extensive combat experience from World War I proved invaluable at Iwo Jima. All the commanders had received high military honors like the Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart, which provided mental preparedness for the intense and savage battle ahead.

Assault Divisions Had the Right Training and Experience For Iwo Jima

Marianas Campaign Veterans

The 3rd and 4th Marine Divisions had gained crucial combat experience as veterans of the Marianas Campaign where they effectively demolished the Japanese 31st Army.

New 5th Marine Division: One-third Veterans

The 5th Marine Division, although engaged in combat for the first time at Iwo Jima, consisted of about one-third veterans, including former Raiders and Paramarines. Many company commanders were former Raiders or paramarines who had previous combat experience in challenging locations like the Solomons and Bougainville.

Marine Units Trained In Small Unit Tactics and Live-Fire Combat

Importance of Training and Role Clarity

To prepare for Iwo Jima, different regiments engaged in extensive training to ensure each Marine knew their role. Captain Thomas M. Fields trained a 15-man assault squad with specialty knowledge in using flamethrowers, bazookas, and satchel charges. Captain David E. Severance prepared his Marines to work in harmony with tanks, teaching them communication methods and having them experience marking targets and recovering casualties under fire. Similarly, Captain Fred E. Haynes’ regiment rehearsed on volcanic terrain like that of Mount Suribachi, and every Marine knew precisely what to do. They practiced movements, used white tennis court tape to outline control lines, and trained extensively with various weapons.

Live-Fire Training for Combat Readiness

Lieutenant Colonel Don J. Robertson organized a field firing exercise, executing a landing plan with artillery and close air support overhead. Live-fire training was emphasized for discipline and precision in close-quarters combat, with Maj ...

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Combat Experience and Preparation of Marine Corps Forces

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Counterarguments

  • While the commanders' World War I experience was valuable, the nature of warfare had evolved significantly by World War II, and reliance on outdated tactics could have been a potential weakness.
  • The experience gained in the Marianas Campaign, while relevant, may not have fully prepared the Marines for the unique challenges and fierce resistance encountered at Iwo Jima.
  • The presence of veterans in the 5th Marine Division is positive, but the two-thirds of the division without combat experience might have faced a steep learning curve under the extreme conditions of Iwo Jima.
  • Extensive training in small unit tactics and role clarity is crucial, but it cannot replicate the unpredictability and chaos of actual combat, which could lead to deviations from planned operations.
  • Live-fire training, while beneficial for combat readiness, carries inherent risks of accidents and casualties, which could deplete forces before actual engagement with the enemy.
  • ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance decision-making skills by playing strategy-based video games that require quick adaptation and role clarity. Games like "Starcraft" or "Civilization" demand that you adapt to new scenarios and understand the specific roles and responsibilities of different units, mirroring the adaptability and clarity of roles emphasized in military training.
  • Improve your crisis management abilities by participating in local emergency response workshops. These workshops often simulate real-life emergencies, allowing you to practice discipline and decision-making under pressure, akin to live-fire training without the danger.
  • Develop a personal discipline routine by setting ...

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497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

Brutal Reality and Toll of Iwo Jima Battle

The Battle of Iwo Jima stands as an emblem of the brutality and human cost of war, leaving a mark not only in terms of casualties but also on the psychological well-being of the soldiers involved.

Japanese Forces Fortified the Island By Maximizing the Terrain

Japanese forces, recognizing the island's formidable terrain and exploiting its soft interior rock, prepared a disciplined defensive plan. The challenges of Iwo Jima's terrain forced American troops to conduct a direct assault. High surf, steep slopes, and volcanic sand created challenging conditions for the Marines during the D-Day landing. Despite the Marines on the ground having access to a considerable amount of fire support, including artillery, rockets, and naval gunfire, the Japanese defenses withstood the bombardment due to their well-constructed bunkers and tunnels.

Battle Resulted In Horrific Marine Corps Casualties

The Marines fought valiantly through very difficult conditions, with small unit training allowing junior officers and NCOs to take the lead as higher-level command was lost. The 28th Marines managed to cut the island in two swiftly, but the divisions suffered extensive casualties of 22 officers and 500 men on the first day. Casualties continued to mount sharply throughout the battle. By its end, three Marine divisions, engaging in 36 days of intense combat, suffered nearly 28,000 casualties. "Company B128 went through nine company commanders," signaling the extent to which units had their men heavily depleted. The high turnover of leadership exemplified the relentless attrition of forces during the battle.

Captain Fields began with 250 men, but only 17 remained with him by the end. Captain Ketchum’s company started with 133 marines and ended with just nine. These stark numbers reflect the brutal toll of the battle.

Psychological Toll Immense; Widespread Combat Fatigue and Exhaustion

The mental strain on the troops was enormous, with 2,648 Marines evacuated due to combat fatigue, a condition from which many did not recover enough to return to the front. "They no longer expected to survive," capturing the harrowing mental state of troops who witnessed relentless violence. Dr. Kelleher identified two kinds of battle fatigue: one arising from the immediate fear of shellings, which resulted in 99 cases on D-Day alone, and another from prolonged stress due to sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

These hallucinations posed dangers to the unit, necessitating the evacuation of the affected troops. The company commanders, unaccustomed to dealing with this leve ...

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Brutal Reality and Toll of Iwo Jima Battle

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Battle of Iwo Jima took place during World War II in 1945 between the United States Marine Corps and the Imperial Japanese Army. It was a significant battle due to the strategic importance of the island for both sides. The intense fighting lasted for 36 days, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. The battle is remembered for the iconic raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, captured in the famous photograph.
    • NCOs: NCO stands for Non-Commissioned Officer, a military rank given to enlisted personnel who have leadership responsibilities over other soldiers but are not commissioned officers.
  • Bunkers: Bunkers are fortified underground structures used for protection during warfare, providing cover from enemy attacks such as artillery or bombings.
  • Attrition of forces: Attrition of forces refers to the gradual reduction in the strength or effectiveness of a military unit due to casualties, desertions, or other losses over time.
  • Malingering: Malingering is the act of pretending to be ill or injured to avoid work or duty, especially in a military context where soldiers may feign illness to escape combat duties.
  • The Battle of Iwo Jima resulted in significant casualties, with three Marine divisions suffering nearly 28,000 casualties over 36 days of intense combat. The turnover of leadership was high, as units experienced heavy losses, leading to multiple changes in command positions. This turnover and loss of experienced leaders added to the challenges faced by the Marines during the battle.
  • Combat fatigue, also known as battle fatigue or shell shock, is a psychological condition resulting from the extreme stress and trauma of combat. It can manifest as symptoms like anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and emotional numbness, impacting a soldier's ability to function effectively in battle. Troops experiencing combat fatigue may require evacuation for treatment and rest to prevent further psychological breakdown. The mental strain of warfare, compounded by prolonged stress, sleep deprivation, and witnessing violence, can lead to long-lasting psychological scars even after the physical battle ends.
  • The evacuation of Marines due to combat fatigue involved removing troops from the front lines because of severe mental strain caused by the relentless violence and stress of battle. This co ...

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497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

Training, Morale, and Mental Fortitude in Marine Performance

The battle of Iwo Jima stands as a testament to the training, morale, and mental fortitude of the Marines who fought there. The Marines' tactics and unbreakable spirit played pivotal roles in their victory over a formidable enemy, signaling their resolve and capabilities in amphibious assaults.

Marines' Tactics Paid Off On Iwo Jima

Training Kept Marines Cohesive and Proactive Despite Leadership Losses

The Marines' ability to adapt to various roles and operate all weapon systems was critical during the battle of Iwo Jima. Intense training included scenarios where key team members were taken out of action, requiring others to step up. Junior officers and NCOs were trained to lead and make decisions, demonstrated by the impressive action of the 28th Marines who swiftly bisected the island even with command losses. The battle, though taxing, confirmed the effectiveness of Marine Corps' tactics and small unit training.

Junior Officers and Ncos Led Assault When Commanders Were Lost

The heavy fighting at Iwo Jima took a toll on the leaders. With some battalion commanders wounded, killed, or relieved, it fell to junior officers and NCOs to continue the assault. Captain Ketchum noted that the non-stop action left little time for fear, emphasizing the front-line reality that often pushed junior ranks into leadership roles, such as an artillery forward observer commanding a company or sergeants leading platoons.

Marines' Morale and Purpose Remained High Despite Losses

The Marines' attitude shifted dramatically from past campaigns, with their unbreakable will and firm belief empowering them to ask not if they could hold, but when they would finish the job. Willink speaks to the integration of replacements, arguing for the spread of new recruits amongst seasoned teams, and recounts successful field promotions demonstrating exceptional morale and determination.

Captai ...

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Training, Morale, and Mental Fortitude in Marine Performance

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While the training of the Marines was undoubtedly rigorous, it's important to consider that training alone may not account for all aspects of combat effectiveness; factors such as the quality of leadership, logistics, and enemy capabilities also play significant roles.
  • The adaptability of Marines is commendable, but it's also necessary to acknowledge the psychological toll that such adaptability demands, especially when soldiers are required to take on roles they may not be fully prepared for due to the loss of comrades.
  • The high morale and purpose of the Marines, while crucial, might not fully encapsulate the range of emotions experienced by soldiers in combat, including fear, doubt, and trauma, which can also affect performance and long-term well-being.
  • The integration of replacements can indeed boost morale, but it can also present challenges, such as reduced unit cohesion and the need for additional training to bring new recruits up to speed.
  • The psychological effect of victory is significant, but it's also important to consider the long-term psychological impacts on survivors, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may not be immediately apparent.
  • Mas ...

Actionables

  • You can enhance your adaptability by learning a new skill outside your comfort zone, such as a language or instrument, to train your brain to handle new challenges and roles. This mirrors the Marines' ability to adapt to various roles, as learning something new can improve cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in unpredictable situations.
  • Develop a personal contingency plan for your projects or goals, identifying potential obstacles and designating alternative leaders or points of contact. This strategy is inspired by how junior officers took charge when commanders were lost, teaching you to prepare for unexpected changes in leadership or direction in your own endeavors.
  • Create a victory journal ...

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497: Lessons About Human Will and Those Who Don't Break. "Combat Leadership at Iwo".

Significance and Consequences of the Iwo Jima Battle

The Battle of Iwo Jima remains a stark example of the intensity and sacrifice involved in World War II, offering lessons about strategy, warfare, and the human cost of conflict.

Iwo Jima: Emergency Landing Fields For B-29s Attacking Japan

Iwo Jima’s capture was a significant event as it provided an emergency landing ground for B-29 bombers attacking Japan. The island's seizure enhanced the strategic bombing campaign against Japan, offering a place for damaged aircraft to land safely, potentially saving the lives of many B-29 crew members. But this strategic advantage did not come without a high cost; the number of casualties was profound, with the count reaching 13,665 by the time the first damaged B-29 landed there.

Strategic Value Debated Over Marine Lives Cost

The strategic value of Iwo Jima has been debated, particularly in light of the heavy loss of Marine lives. Some historians, like Ronald H. Specter, have gone as far as to argue that the "sacrifice" of three Marine divisions might have been a "strategic error" if the war had continued in the manner expected, pointing towards a profound cost-benefit analysis that has been at the heart of military debates surrounding the battle.

Iwo Jima Showed Marines' Mastery of Amphibious Warfare and Will

The victory at Iwo Jima demonstrated the Marines' mastery of amphibious warfare and their unyielding will to overcome the enemy. Despite the high casualty ...

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Significance and Consequences of the Iwo Jima Battle

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The strategic necessity of Iwo Jima as an emergency landing field for B-29s has been questioned, as the majority of B-29s that landed there could have reached other bases or were too damaged to be of further use.
  • The argument that the capture of Iwo Jima was a strategic error due to the high cost in lives could be countered by the perspective that the long-term strategic benefits, such as providing a base for fighter escorts, were significant enough to justify the operation.
  • While the capture of Iwo Jima was a psychological blow to Japanese forces, some historians argue that it had a limited impact on the overall morale and fighting spirit of Japan's home defense forces.
  • The assertion that the battle contributed to Japan's eventual surrender might be challenged by the view that Japan's surrender was more directly influenced by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's entry into the war against Japan.
  • The idea that the victory at Iwo Jima showcased the Marines' mastery ...

Actionables

  • Reflect on personal and societal values by writing a short essay or journal entry about a time when you or your community faced a difficult decision with significant trade-offs, similar to the strategic decisions made at Iwo Jima. Explain the choices, the sacrifices involved, and the outcomes. This activity helps you understand the complexity of decision-making in critical situations and the impact of those decisions on individuals and groups.
  • Create a simple board game or card game that simulates resource management and strategic planning, inspired by the logistical challenges of the Battle of Iwo Jima. Players could be tasked with balancing the need for victory with the minimization of casualties, providing a hands-on way to grasp the intricacies of wartime strategy and the value of each move.
  • Volunteer for a local cr ...

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