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**Mike Irwin** · February 27, 2024, 03:21 PM

"The troops the Army sent were the 7th Infantry division, from Ft, Ord, California who had been training to fight in North Africa!"

You send the readiest and most capable units to where they are needed most. If the enemy has other plans for that unit, oh well.

And, as I understand it, the 7th wasn't training specifically for the invasion of North Africa. They had been activated at Ft. Ord in 1940 as part of the first group activated in the newly instituted draft.

They were training in general. After Pearl Harbor they were moved along the west coast for a number of months to provide protection against possible Japanese invasion, after which they were sent back to Ft. Ord.

Around that time, the Japanese invaded the Aleutians and the 7th was a logical choice to be sent.

Interestingly, Vinegar Joe Stilwell was the 7th's commander at this time, and he was originally proposed to lead the invasion of North Africa. But, he didn't exactly impress the British during the initial meetings (Arcadia Conference, held late December 1941 mid January 1942)... he was apparently VERY anti-British at the time...

So, realistically, the only way that the 7th "trained" for service in North Africa is because they were stationed in California. Which, depending on where you go, has sand. And sea water. And sun.

February 27, 2024, 03:21 PM	#35
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,427	"The troops the Army sent were the 7th Infantry division, from Ft, Ord, California who had been training to fight in North Africa!" You send the readiest and most capable units to where they are needed most. If the enemy has other plans for that unit, oh well. And, as I understand it, the 7th wasn't training specifically for the invasion of North Africa. They had been activated at Ft. Ord in 1940 as part of the first group activated in the newly instituted draft. They were training in general. After Pearl Harbor they were moved along the west coast for a number of months to provide protection against possible Japanese invasion, after which they were sent back to Ft. Ord. Around that time, the Japanese invaded the Aleutians and the 7th was a logical choice to be sent. Interestingly, Vinegar Joe Stilwell was the 7th's commander at this time, and he was originally proposed to lead the invasion of North Africa. But, he didn't exactly impress the British during the initial meetings (Arcadia Conference, held late December 1941 mid January 1942)... he was apparently VERY anti-British at the time... So, realistically, the only way that the 7th "trained" for service in North Africa is because they were stationed in California. Which, depending on where you go, has sand. And sea water. And sun. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.