Prior to December 1941, the United States military was relatively small and ill-prepared for war. The Army had just over 1 million active duty soldiers, the Navy had about 150,000 active duty sailors, and the Marine Corps had about 30,000 active duty Marines. The Air Corps was a part of the Army, and it had about 25,000 active duty airmen.
The United States military was also lacking in modern weapons and equipment. Many of the Army's tanks and artillery pieces were obsolete, and the Navy's ships were not as technologically advanced as those of other countries. The Air Corps was also in need of new aircraft, as many of its planes were outdated.
In addition, the United States military was not prepared for the possibility of fighting a war on two fronts. The country's military strategy was based on the assumption that it would only have to fight one war at a time.
Japan
Prior to December 1941, the Japanese military was one of the most powerful in the world. The Army had over 2 million active duty soldiers, the Navy had about 350,000 active duty sailors, and the Marine Corps had about 100,000 active duty Marines. The Air Force was a part of the Army, and it had about 100,000 active duty airmen.
The Japanese military was also well-equipped with modern weapons and equipment. The Army had a large number of tanks and artillery pieces, and the Navy had a powerful fleet of ships that included battleships, aircraft carriers, and cruisers. The Air Force was also well-equipped with modern aircraft.
In addition, the Japanese military was experienced in fighting wars. The country had fought a number of wars in the past, and its military had a reputation for being tough and disciplined.
Germany
Prior to December 1941, the German military was the most powerful in the world. The Army had over 3 million active duty soldiers, the Navy had about 350,000 active duty sailors, and the Luftwaffe (Air Force) had about 1 million active duty airmen.
The German military was also well-equipped with modern weapons and equipment. The Army had a large number of tanks and artillery pieces, and the Luftwaffe had a powerful fleet of aircraft.
In addition, the German military was experienced in fighting wars. The country had fought in World War I, and its military had a reputation for being tough and disciplined.