《《PS5》》.pdf

For Whose Eyes Only? Cryptanalysis and Frequency Analysis David Cochran Introduction Cryptanalysis, the art of breaking codes, has proven to be a combat multiplier throughout history. By reading encrypted enemy message traffic, commanders often gain immediate intelligence on the enemys disposition, strengths and intent. During World War II, many allied successes were attributed to the advantages gained by cracking both the German Enigma and Japanese PURPLE cipher systems. Further advances in the field of cryptanalysis will likewise give future American commanders a distinct advantage on the modern battlefield. The ADFGVX Cipher By 1917, the warring nations in World War I were facing manpower shortages due to the large-scale slaughter on the battlefields. The United States declared war on Germany and joined the Allies on April 6, 1917. On 26 June 1917, the first large contingent of American troops arrived in France. With fresh American forces arriving regularly in France, everyone realized the Americans would soon bring a numerical advantage to the Allies. They also knew there would be some time before sufficient numbers of Americans would be available to break the stalemate on the Western Front. The success of the Bolsheviks in Russia and the resulting separate peace in December 1917 allowed the Germans to move forces from the Eastern Front to France. The change in force ratios allowed the Germans to gain a temporary numerical superiority in the West. They made a surprise attack on March 21, 1918 and made significant gains. The attack threatened to split the British and French armies and brought Paris within range of Germanys guns. More importantly, the attack depleted the previously strained manpower resources of both the British and French. On May 27, in an effort to reach Paris, the Germans attacked again between Reims and Soissons. The attacking forces penetrated the a