An Unknown Future and a Doubtful Present: Writing the Victory Plan of 1941

by Charles E. Kirkpatrick

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An Unknown Future and a Doubtful Writing the Victory Plan of 1941 covers the work of then Maj. Albert C. Wedemeyer, the principal author of the Victory Plan. In just forty-eight months America raised and equipped a modern army seemingly overnight, a feat that owed much to sound military planning. As Wedemeyer makes clear, mobilization transcends purely military matters and must be understood to embrace the capacity of nations. His work underscores the fact that even in 1941 warfare had become so vast in scope, so expensive, and so technologically complex that nations could never again afford to maintain in time of peace the armies needed in time of war. The conclusion seems The United States Army must keep mobilization planning at the center of all its military planning. Military planners and all those studying mobilization and logistics will benefit from processes Wedemeyer and his colleagues used in reaching their decisions on the units and material needed. The Victory Plan provides a clear picture of how they approached the challenge of preparing for modern war.  This text includes photographs, footnotes, a bibliography, and an index.

This book may appeal to military leaders, active duty soldiers, strategic analysts, and students researching the reform of military operations and future military planning priorities for War and Politics courses as part of American Government, Social Studies, or History high school credit requirements, or military science, political science courses or leadership course certificates. 

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Genres: World War II, Nonfiction, History, Military Fiction

170 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 1991

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ This is an outstanding explanation of the effort to produce America’s baseline plan for defeating Germany during WWII. The focus is on the process of developing the plan during a time of serious uncertainty regarding social and political opposition to any discussion of war. I found the detailed description of the formal military education and self-development program of the plan’s author (Wedemeyer) as very interesting. The bibliography is presented in narrative form, by major subject area, with detailed explanations about the individual books listed. Both of these sections are valuable for anyone planning a life-long learning program in the profession of arms.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent academic history of the planning that led to US Army force balancing and production decisions--the sort of thing that wins wars and interests military professionals and strategists rather than the more "exciting" battlefield exploits. It really a great piece of work that shows not only what decisions got made, but more broadly how they got made, which is the best way to learn the lessons history has for us.

[Christopher T Galvez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work provides a great strategic outline and approach to planning for great power competition. The value is in the clarity of thought and sequencing of outputs. As a result of the strategies, priorities, and constraints described in the process, a simple and concise plan of sufficient detail was produced. This plan and clarity of thought enabled the US and its allies to compete and win.

[Peter Crampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate book on planning and strategy

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Kirkpatrick provides excellent insight into the planning for United States mobilization prior to and during WW II. He brings to light the educational background and character traits of then-Major Wedemeyer, the author of the Victory Plan. Kirkpatrick's text works through the questions a chief planner must answer as he develops an understanding of the problem.

I highly recommend this book to any military or business planner–anyone concerned with how to go about solving a large problem.

[Rich]

A history of how the American Victory Plan of 1941 was written. Although the plan was the work of many staff officers, it was led by Major Albert Wedemeyer.

The Victory Plan went far beyond military mobilization, including economic and industrial planning that would be required to support this vast endeavor.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and easy read but is short on detail. Great summary of the victory plan however.

[Nate Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent example of complex problem solving distilled into 170 pages. An enjoyable, quick read that provides insight into strategic level planning without a large investment of time.