Development of Jungle Warfare Doctrine

The Australian Army faced significant challenges in developing effective jungle warfare doctrine during World War II, particularly against the Japanese forces in the Malayan campaign. The initial unpreparedness stemmed from inadequate training and resources, which led to disastrous outcomes for Australian troops unaccustomed to jungle combat. Reports from the battlefield indicated a urgent need for camouflage uniforms, automatic weapons, and improved communication systems, yet these requests often went unaddressed at command levels. This gap between on-ground realities and high command decision-making severely affected the combat readiness of troops destined for the harsh environments of New Guinea.