In both oral and written instructions, the Japanese have placed great emphasis on such subjects as “military discipline,” “improving morale,” “reforms in the service,” “improvement of fighting power,” “dying for the Emperor,” and “brotherly teamwork” between individuals, units, and the various arms and services.
However, the state of morale and combat qualities desired by Japanese leaders are frequently missing. This is borne out by our observers in the field, by documentary evidence, and by prisoners of war.
The good characteristics of the individual Japanese soldier are summed up as follows:
    a. Physically, he is hardy and strong.
    b. In prepared defenses, he usually is tenacious unto death.
    c. He is bold and courageous, particularly when his comrades are around.
    d. Because of good training, he is generally “at home” in the jungle.
    e. His discipline (especially fire discipline) is usually good.
The poor characteristics may be summed up as follows:
    a. He is usually subject to panic when confronted by the unexpected.
    b. He is not always steadfast in battle.
    c. Usually his marksmanship is poor.
    d. He is unimaginative; he is a poor thinker when thrown “on his own.”
Observers agree that there is nothing “super” about the Japanese soldier, and that he has the usual human frailties.