The popular image of large masses of Australian soldiers sweeping the enemy aside with heroic bayonet charges is a romanticised experience for the average soldier. The conditions and tactics engaged by both the Australians and Japanese, were violent and vicious, resulting in many casualties from both sides. The battle in the Kokoda trail began when the Japanese launched their plan to invade Australia. Their goal was to gain control of Port Moresby, the perfect area from which to launch amphibious attacks on Cairns and in turn the whole of Australia. As the Japanese were previously defeated in the battle of Coral Sea in May, 1942 and the Battle of Midway in June, 1942, they were prevented from travelling to the east coast of Papua. This left the Kokoda Trail as their only viable option. Hence, Australia’s warfare tactics were mainly defensive, targeting the prevention of invasion. However, the terrain would cause much tribulation to both nations as the trail was steep and narrow, the jungle dense and humid. To fight successfully in these conditions, new tactics were required utilising the limited weaponry and supplies.
The Kamikaze military tactic was a tactic employed by pilots in World War II. It was when Japanese pilots would deliberately crash into enemy targets. It began as a last resort for Japanese pilots who were going to crash anyway and would rather die than be captured. It was later suggested as an official war tactic.
Island hoping is a strategy adopted by the Allies, and firstly by the United States Navy led by General Douglas MacArthur and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The goal of this strategy is to capture and control certain key islands along a path which leads to the Japanese home islands instead of attacking Japan's Imperial Navy. This strategy brings U.S. bombers within the attacking range and enables preparation for a possible invasion.