Operation Torch: Projecting Combat Power over the Shore

While the Allied landings in North Africa in November 1942 were eventually successful, the lack of preparation before World War II for amphibious operations prolonged Operation Torch longer than was necessary. Between the Spanish American War and the outbreak of World War II, the United States military advanced its doctrine, training, organization, and equipment, but failed to apply sufficient emphasis on sustainment support to project large mechanized forces over the shore. During the 1920s and 1930s the Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps conducted training, many times jointly, but did not resource the exercises to an adequate scale to validate doctrine, support organizations, and equipment to sustain the force. Neglecting to integrate these factors together before the war led to rushed and incomplete advancements during mobilization in early 1942 and limited the operational reach of the United States military during Operation Torch.