Communication Intelligence In The Battle Of Midway

Intelligence. Communication Intelligence (COMINT) was the most common source of intelligence used in the Battle of Midway. Morse code was the primary transmittance of intelligence for both sides (A&E Networks, 2014). Neither side had an advantage in the equipment, but the US Commanders trusted the intelligence more. The US utilized decrypted Japanese radio intercepts to gain the advantage during the battle (A&E Networks, 2014). US Navy cryptanalysts had begun breaking Japanese communication codes in early 1942 and understood over 40 percent of the messages (You Tube, 2009). The Japanese Morse code were five digit codes comprised of letters and numbers. These five digit codes could represent one of 33,000 phrases (You Tube, 2009). Japans exact location, time and the order of battle for the attack was discovered by US cryptanalysts. …show more content…
Japan intercepted the message and relayed the message to their command (The National WWII Museum, n.d). The cryptanalysts confirmed that the location for the attack was the base at Midway by monitoring Japans transmittals. The lack of intelligence by Japan kept them uninformed about a new US base named Umnak near Dutch Harbor (The National WWII Museum, n.d). This derailed Japanese operational intentions to attack Aleutians because it was a miscalculation of US manpower and equipment.
Doctrine, Training, and Morale. Evaluating the difference between the US and Japan in regards to doctrine and training, shows Japan was strongest in this area. The Japanese had more training and combat experience and their leaders had better education and tactical knowledge. The majority of the Japanese fighter pilots were veterans from previous