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I would like to point out that early in WW2 we were getting our asses kicked as we waited for the factories to come online things did not really start to turn u
by kenrikm 13y ago
I would like to point out that early in WW2 we were getting our asses kicked as we waited for the factories to come online things did not really start to turn until 42/43. Where to draw the line on what is production is needed to keep that from happening in future conflicts is beyond me.
- mikeash 13y agoI think you exaggerate the WWII experience a bit. The turning point in the Pacific was roughly the battle of Midway, which was fought with pre-war equipment. The turning point in Europe was really up to the Soviets, but American involvement really didn't come down to "asses kicked" since we had no real presence to get kicked until Operation Torch, and the Americans had decent success from then on.
- Jtsummers 13y agoThe industrial capacity of the US was not intended for the conversion needed in the lead up to our entry into WW2. Two things: 1) I pointed out aircraft as a potential special case, and I'd likely add seacraft to this as well. Some amount of capacity specifically for military craft will need to be maintained, and systems modernized periodically. 2) We now know the risk of not being prepared so we can plan our industrial sector partially around this potential capacity. Give a monetary award to companies that maintain some degree of readiness, for instance. Test it out periodically (just like a backup plan, if it's not tested it's worthless).