The planned flexible defense of Japan's island perimeter depended on land-based aviation. Distances between those bases exceeded even the reach of the long-range aircraft expected to defend them. Individual garrisons therefore faced American amphibious attacks without substantial help from nearby air groups. The criticism of planning with a globe is that manageable-looking distances can obscure the practical limits of mutual support.
Notable Point · 23:26-24:11
Pacific distances undermine mutually supporting air bases
Long-range aircraft could not bridge the gaps needed to make Japan's island air bases a flexible defensive network.