Dutch officers' habit of adapting to a new role helped them work across national naval traditions. In this interpretation, the Dutch Navy encouraged that flexibility across its force, although comparable officers existed in other navies. It proved useful when the Allies needed to combine different organizations and practices. Dutch officers helped staff and coordinate the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command, or ABDA. Their ability still could not compensate for starting operations without enough staff officers or a suitable flagship. Effective combined command required an organization capable of coordinating the force as well as capable individuals.
Notable Point · 18:05-19:32
Dutch officers and Allied coalition staffs
Dutch adaptability helped Allied staff work, but ABDA also exposed the limits of officers trying to coordinate a force without adequate staff or a suitable flagship.