From first to "wurst": the erosion and implosion of German technology during WWII: the German management system, especially in terms of the technological industry, was a complex and convoluted bureaucratic nightmare

Air Force Journal of Logistics,  Summer, 2004  by Charles A. Pryor, III

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Summing Up

Throughout the war, the German state was unable to take advantage of many of its indigenous capabilities. Beginning with decentralized control of their procurement process and abetted by a complicated and wasteful fiscal policy, the industry simply could not keep up with the demands of the war. Furthermore, its organizational structure was not conducive to change. Its system of committees and rings with all the subcomponents thereof was an attempt to increase efficiency and reduce cost through standardization of production practices. It actually did not happen that way, as it was a system that could not grow to fit the increased need. The Germans effectively proved that management by committee does not work in a wartime situation. Compounding this further were the people they placed in charge. With a few notable exceptions, the men selected to run the industry were party lackeys who had limited experience and know-how when it came to running an industry.

Strategic direction from the state leadership was completely lacking. What began as a continental campaign to reverse the perceived unfairness of the Treaty of Versailles rapidly expanded into a global strategic battle for world dominance, all with an economy that was geared toward a blitzkrieg-style tactical engagement. German industry was never able to recover from this continental focus, dooming the strategic efforts to failure. Furthermore, the personal and direct involvement of Hitler into all aspects of the war effort only served to confuse and befuddle the national leaders. In other words, absolutely no direction was provided to guide the war effort. This led to numerous production delays as aircraft were constantly fitted and refitted to meet the ever-changing requirements. Additionally, the German leadership had two key misconceptions that may have attributed to their constant change. First, they underestimated the Allies, and second, they overestimated themselves. The added impact of the Combined Bomber Offensive served to exacerbate an already deteriorating situation and helped ensure the 1,000-year Reich lasted a mere 12 years.

Forward to the Future

As the US Air Force begins its fourth major transformation in 11 years, there are some striking similarities between what it currently faces and those challenges faced by World War II Germany. Notable among them is a strong sense of nationalism. No one can doubt the surge in American patriotism since the 11 September 2001 events, and one cannot overlook the sense of outrage and frustration at the horrific waste of human life and American potential. Yet, a parallel can be drawn between this and the general feelings of the average German during the interwar period. The Germans felt a sense of outrage and frustration at not only the loss of land but also the humiliation that accompanied the Treaty of Versailles. In hindsight, these feelings perhaps are justified, but the results for Germany were disastrous. Fortunately, the American people are not following the same political trend, nor could we, given our process for electing our officials and the constraints and restraints placed upon them.