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Lisa Bolt
17 May 2020
Grantham University
lmyers4@grantham.edu

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(1860 - 1948)
Major General US Army
Apache Indian War: Ghost Dance War of 1890
Spanish American War, 10th Cavalry 1898 to 1913
Governor of Moro Province from 1909 to 1913
Mexican American War 1916 to 1917
First American Expeditionary Forces Commander 1917 to 1920
Army Chief of Staff 1921 to 1924

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John Joseph Pershing was not born a brilliant scholar, and performed as an average student, but he wanted more for himself outside of his career as a teacher.  In 1886, he was approved for appointment to the United States Military Academy, where his instructors saw his potential leadership abilities (Wilbanks, 2010).  After graduation from West Point, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the 6th Cavalry.  Being a graduate of West Point, General Pershing learned and developed his own views of what a commander should be and of military discipline.  Following graduation in 1890, briefly participated in the Ghost Dance war against the Apache Indians.  In 1891, he was appointed military instructor at the University of Nebraska for 4 years, then to West Point as tactical instructor in 1897 before the outbreak of the Spanish American War (Britannica, 2019).  It was during his tenure at West Point he earned the name "Black Jack" by his cadets who did it out of malice because they did not like his strict approach to discipline or academy regulations.

He served in Cuba, the Philippines and Japan from 1898 until 1913 before being assigned to the Mexican border to oppose Poncho Villa in 1916.  President Theodore Roosevelt promoted Pershing in 1906 from Captain to Brigadier General, which was unprecedented for that time and especially in modern military.  In April 1917, General Pershing was assigned as the commander for all American troops being deployed to Europe after the war declaration against Germany.

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Personal Courage: Spanish American War: The 10th Cavalry’s commander, Colonel Theodore Baldwin, later remarked that Pershing was “the coolest and bravest man I ever saw under fire in my life (Wilbanks).  His most morally courageous decision came during the AEF command where he decided to split the command of the AEF into two separate armies.  He realized he could not command alone, and it allowed him to be able to manage operations by overseeing the full spectrum of the war efforts.  Realizing limitations is the one of the most important traits of a commander, and knowing how, when to whom to delegate tasks can make the operations more easily executable. Pride can cripple a commander, just as being humble can strengthen him.

Strength of Character: “absolutely loyal to the policy of the civil authorities under whom he was serving" (Wilbanks, 2010).  He respected subordinates who spoke up when they disagreed with him and some remarked it was his greatest strength.  Humility and humbleness earns respect from subordinates much better than pridefully hiding errors or dictatorial leadership.

Intellect: He understood the geopolitical landscape in which he operated and how military actions influenced policy, whether in Mexico or the US military standing in the world based on the actions during WWI.
"keen eye for talent. Since 1914 the scope and scale of the war had made clear that no one individual had the knowledge, talent or span of control to master all the tasks required to move, supply, and fight million man armies. No longer could staffs follow the Napoleonic model of taking the great man’s thoughts and simply turning them into orders. Pershing had a knack for finding individuals who had the intelligence, drive, toughness, and ability to handle the daunting task of building the AEF- men who often brought skill sets to the table that he did not possess" (Wilbanks, 2010).  He was a visionary post WWI and not only recognized the problems faced, but worked diligently to institute schools and policies to implement the lessons learned post WWI.

Firmness:  He demanded strict discipline and efficiency of his Soldiers and subordinate officers, regardless if they were on duty or not.  "However, Bullard recalled, 'underneath [Pershing’s] easy manner was inexorable ruin to the commander who did not have things right. He shows the least personal feeling of all the commanders that I have ever known, and never spares the incompetent' (Wilbanks, 2010).
He was dedicated to the mission and did not allow his associations with aquaintances or friendships hinder it.  He would fire friends if they were not able to meet his standards. Pershing simply said, “I don’t care. Men’s lives are involved.”  He created the officer review board to remove ineffective leaders.

Staunchness: refused to be bullied by the allied forces and would not give them operational control of our troops.  Cold and ruthless

Strength of Mind: He was flexible with the changing objectives and intentions of the White House concerning his mission pursuing Poncho Villa.  He did not let the AEF backlash regarding his leadership discourage him from continuing to try to establish an independent allied Army.  Resilient: After the death of his wife and children, he continued his mission.

Statesman: Regarding the confrontations in Mexico, "on 12 April, Pershing reminded his soldiers— …that this expedition is operating within the limits of a friendly nation 129 whose peaceful inhabitants should be treated with every consideration. It is also desirable to maintain the most cordial relations, and cooperate as far as feasible, with the forces of the de facto government" (Wilbanks, 2010).  Even though he disagreed with some of the policies in Mexico, he still fulfilled his duties and remained loyal to the US.  He always used the proper complaint, redress processes within the military and understood how outside civilian entities impacted the military mission.

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Not Relatable: Pershing lacked the understanding of civilian conscripts not confirming or positively reacting to the strict discipline and orders given to execute.  "Pershing was a respected (and feared) commander, he never exhibited the warmth and “common touch” that would inspire or endear him to the average doughboy" (Wilbanks, 2010).

Rigid: Pershing lacked the ability to understand the complex changes in war during WWI.  He issued the “General Principles Governing the Training of Units of the American Expeditionary Forces,” in October 1917.  The regulation states the fundamental aspects of war have not changed and Soldiers should be proficient in rifle and bayonet as primary weapons.  The Drill Regulations, Small Arms Firing Manual, Field Service Regulations, and other service manuals remain the guide for both officers and soldiers.  He believed the stalemate in France would be overcome by the American spirit, exceptionalism, skills and maneuverability would win.

Ambition: clouded his perception and judgement leading to the splitting of command in the First American Army by not paying properly planning for the allied offensive battle

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Analysis: Why Studying the leader is important today

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Analysis: Why Studying the leader is important today

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At the time of WWI, there were no leaders with experience in that type of warfare who would have fared better at the position than General Pershing.  It was a new complex war that required strategic planning and logistics, but also with the understanding there would be mistakes as the leaders worked through the challenges being posed.  Coalition warfare has not gotten any less complicated WWI, there are still many challenges as partnerships deteriorate or political rhetorical destabilizes treaties.  The coalition aspect of the war forced commanders who would have been on the battlefield to be placed in offices to combat the political fallout if there was a mistake made.  "One of the major requirements for being a great commander in modern warfare is possessing a clear understanding of the political nature of war. Like it or not, senior commanders are political creatures who must have a sound comprehension of the social and political realities that drive their nations. John J. Pershing clearly understood this requirement and held the greatest political skill required of American generals: knowing when to keep his mouth shut. This skill was of vital importance in 1917" which is why he beat General Leonard Wood out of the American Expeditionary Forces command position (Wilbanks, 2010).  General Pershing knew the geopolitical environment in which he operated and I think that was one of his greatest attributes.  In the face of the unknown, if awareness is lacking, it could have had a very different outcome.

The past is bound to repeat itself if we do not pay attention to history.  One of the best accomplishments of General Pershing is his application of lessons learned from WWI into military doctrine to prepare for the next war event through education and training.  Every year during the Congressional debates on the spending bill, the military budget is always questioned by citizens that it is too high and not needed, however, we learned from WWI that a strong military who is trained and equipped is most effective and the time to do it is not at the declaration of a war.  Natural disasters and disease are factors that cannot be controlled necessarily, and if the military stays in a constant state of readiness, then they can be used as an asset during these events which strengthens our national security.  The National Guard assists in disaster relief and domestic instability, and the whole military is being used to combat COVID-19 today.  I think this sets America apart from the rest of the world.

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In Mexico executed a policy of “benevolent assimilation” (carrot and stick policy) and incorporated nation building with the local population.  He also suppressed all instability attempts and countered the insurgencies. "Pershing was one of the few American officers who made an effort to understand Moro culture and by associating with them and studying them won their confidence and admiration" (Wilbanks, 2010)

He ensured American troops would not fall under the control of allied forces to be used as mere replacements for their depleted ranks.  Pershing used all available resources to make it possible for America to have its own Army in WWI, the American First Army which accomplished the intent of President Wilson in 1918.

Post WWI: He stablished The Lewis and Superior Boards to identify the lessons learned from WWI and was instrumental in the development of military doctrine until the 1930s.

As Army Chief of Staff from 1921 to 1924, pushed the army to expand its warfighting strategy beyond the physical aspects and to incorporate the intellectual development of leaders.  One of the professional schools erected was the Industrial War College which was instrumental in the American successes during WWII.

Pershing's mentor ship, policies and educational systems adopted post WWI, helped to cultivate the strongest generals and leaders for WWII including General Patton and D. Eisenhower by having them study his Great War. "Pershing, in fact, was one of the last people that Patton visited before leaving for North Africa in 1942. In a cable to Pershing sent soon after the German surrender in 1945, Eisenhower wrote, “As the commander of the second American expeditionary force, I should like to acknowledge to you, the leader of our first, our obligation for the part that you have played in the recent victory…The sons of the men that you led in battle in 1918 have much for which to thank you" (Wilbanks, 2010)

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He created a feared climate when he was getting rid of commanders through the Officer Reclassification and Efficiency Board.  The board was needed, but it had negative effects rippling through the command structures.  It resulted in increased micromanagement, poor decisions of commanders to continue battling for victory even at a high casulaty rate and stopped the educational progression of some talented junior leaders.  "Thus, the fear that Pershing inspired in some of his subordinates somewhat hindered the AEF’s efforts to create an efficient and effective cadre of officers" (Wilbanks, 2010).

Pershing had a plan in place for training the divisions of Soldiers entering Europe, but it would not be fully developed until 1919. The enemy actions in 1918 compromised the training plan and forced US and allied troops to training quickly which led to a lack of adequate leadership at all levels of command.

He was focused on establishing the First American Army's victory that he was not able to plan for the allied offensive maneuver which lead to an extremely high casualty rate. He tried more experienced reinforcements, but the momentum was on the side of the enemy and there was little he could do about it. This event led to the decision to split the command of the First American Army into two separate armies and himself as the overseer of operations.

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"A 'great commander' is that leader who best understands and exploits the realities of warfare as practiced at his time. This understanding places the commander in a position to craft and execute operations that achieve the strategic endstate of the war with the most efficient use of resources at his disposal relative to the enemy and the military conditions of his moment in history. The 'great commander' has the ability to overcome or capitalize on the social, political and economic circumstances upon which his army is built and, ultimately, on his skill at using that army to defeat the enemy at the strategic level of war" (Wilbanks, 2010).

General Pershing was the right man for the right job at the right time in history.  He had the demeanor to be politically appeasing to foreign countries while ensuring American interests were being accomplished.  He demanded strong, disciplined and intelligent officers to lead in his army.  This is a part of history I see missing today with the political correctness of the civilian society encroaching on the military traditions of standards and discipline.  As well as not having a more expeditious method of relieving leaders, both officers and enlisted Soldiers from leadership positions because they lack the competency, motivation, values or energy to be effective.  General Pershing possessed all of General Carl von Clausewitz leadership characteristics, even if the outcome of the behavior or action was considered a failure.

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Gabel, C. & Willbanks, J. (Eds.). (2010). Great commanders. Fort Leavenworth, KS: Combat Studies Institute Press. Retrieved from https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/GreatCommanders.pdf

(2019). John J. Pershing. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-J-Pershing

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1. Increasing the Army personnel from 218,000 to up to four million
2. Change of senior leaders to a managerial role instead of front line fighters
3. Logistical nightmare with the largest scaled war in world history, with the deadliest weapons known to man at the time and with massive armies on each side.
4. Stalemate on offensive edges for armies with matched manpower and technology, minimal advances were made and it came down to who had the most stamina and less casualties.  This made the American Expeditionary Force most relevant in the allied assistance.
5. Time was an enemy, like with Napoleon, it was the one factor that could not be controlled.  "American units found themselves thrown into hastily planned and ill-supported operations. In attacks in the Aisne-Marne region in June, July and August 1918, inexperience, unskilled leadership and poor tactics led American divisions to impale themselves on German defenses. Although these operations also inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, the attacks highlighted the fact that the Americans still needed much more schooling in modern warfare" (Wilbanks. 2010).
6. Although US was industrialized, it had never had to require all civilian companies to invest in a war effort by converting factories and resources on the scale of WWI
7. Turn over in training and reorganization of divisions within the US

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1. “General Principles Governing the Training of Units of the American Expeditionary Forces directed— All officers and soldiers should realize that at no time in our history had discipline been so important; therefore discipline of the highest order must be exacted at all times. The standards of the American Army will 126 be those of West Point. The rigid attention, upright bearing, attention to detail, uncomplaining obedience to instructions required of the cadets will be required of every officer and soldier of our Armies in France. Failure to attain such discipline will be treated as a lack of capacity on the part of the commander to create in the subordinate that intensity of purpose and willing acceptance of hardship which are necessary to success in battle" (Wilbanks, 2010).

2. Established the Officer Reclassification and Efficiency Board in the town of Blois.  "This board was to judge officers who were viewed as being incompetent, unfit, or ill suited for their duties, and to determine if they were to be cashiered, demoted or reassigned to another branch or unit" (Wilbanks, 2010).  This is how the term “to go blooey,” came about. This board did not discriminate their opinions based on rank, it was an efficiency board and was necessary to expeditiously weed out the weak leaders.

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Yes you can. Three dots above whichever post. select expand then you can read.

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Lisa - excellent level of detail on your writeups. You clearly dug into the nuances of Pershing's character and competence and pulled it all the way forward to the lessons we could take away for today. Pershing was Rigid...but perhaps his stoicism can be traced to the tragic fire.

He was not well liked...but that is the point: do we have to be "liked" to be inspiring? Pershing inspired, even if the motivation was driven by a fear of disappointing him. Perhaps today, in a culture that clicks "Likes," we have forgotten that a Pershing (or a Patton...who was also not well liked) can be just as inspirational as the popular commander (like Nelson).

Good job on your Padlet!