> 2021-09-22

There are several interesting takeaways from Victor Davis Hanson’s The Second World Wars [1]. The whole work is presented from a numerical viewpoint and basically offers “accountant’s lessons” from the war. Here are some that stood out to me.

Emphasize support resources

• Massive production of basic support vehicles and robust supply lines were a constant focus for the Allies throughout the war
• “Boring” things like unarmed and unarmored trucks were essential in ensuring sustainable campaigning

Produce fewer similar models

• Axis powers often focused on building next-generation weaponry which necessitated significant development costs and iteration cycles
• Producing fewer models of solid-quality equipment was more cost effective and efficient

Accommodate soldier profiles

• Understanding what makes the soldiers “tick” and adjusting what resources are provided accordingly is a strategic advantage
• Knowing that many U.S. servicemen were midwestern farmers accustomed to mechanical work meant giving them tools that they could tinker with and maintain was a long-term sustainability investment

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