War Department

Handbook on Japanese Military Forces War Department Technical Manual

Created during WWII by the War Department, the Handbook on Japanese Military Forces was intended to familiarize command staff with nearly every aspect of Tojo's war machine. Originally classified "restricted", the Handbook was created from the best intelligence that the OSS and other military information sources could offer. It contains comprehensive information and analysis of the Japanese military system, and includes chapters on recruitment and training, field organization, tactics and fortifications. It also contains a description of Japanese insignia, uniforms and equipment. This includes discussions of mechanized forces and weapons from small arms to mortars, artillery, vehicles and tanks, as well as naval and land-based aircraft. Additional chapters describe the Special Forces and Military Police. While some of the details within this book may bear review in light of history, it remains one of the most comprehensive compendiums of information about the Japanese forces ever assembled. Although it was declassified after WWII, it's never been easy to obtain a copy of this book. This high quality reprint includes all the original text, diagrams and photographs from the final October, 1944 edition.