This is an original Imperial Japanese Army training manual titled “Excerpts on the Operations of Motorized Units”, compiled by the Inspector General of Military Education and published in 1941, just months before the outbreak of the Pacific War.

The manual was created to teach soldiers how infantry, machine gun, and artillery units should move and deploy when transported by military trucks.

Many people imagine the Imperial Japanese Army as an army that fought almost entirely on foot. While marching remained essential, the Army also worked to improve its mobility through the use of motor vehicles as the war expanded.

This manual illustrates that transition.

It contains numerous diagrams showing how soldiers boarded and dismounted vehicles, how equipment and weapons were arranged, and how units quickly deployed after arriving at their destination.

Rather than focusing on weapons themselves, the book explains the organization and movement of troops—an often overlooked aspect of military operations.

Published in 1941, this manual offers a fascinating look at how the Imperial Japanese Army prepared its motorized units immediately before Japan entered WWII.

The book shows age-related wear, including stains, foxing, folds, and binding holes, consistent with its age.

An excellent reference for collectors of Imperial Japanese Army, WWII military training manuals, and military vehicle history.

Own a Piece of History.