Yamamoto's chief of staff acted as his first sounding board and translated his intentions into practical plans. That work makes the staff part of any explanation of the operation, while leaving final responsibility with Yamamoto. Staff selection matters to the judgment of a commander. The comparison with Beatty and Seymour distinguishes appointing officers for social standing from choosing officers regarded as capable staff workers. Yamamoto's staff receive credit for that professional competence, even though staff ability did not necessarily make them the navy's best operational leaders.
Notable Point · 33:33-35:11
Yamamoto's responsibility and the work of his staff
Command responsibility remained with Yamamoto, while capable staff officers interpreted his intentions and coordinated the detailed work.