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During the First World War, General John Pershing Led his troops more like a CEO from an office, utilizing the latest technology and communication equipment, and less like previous military leaders overlooking the battlefield from a high distance. Pershing was given the nickname "Black Jack" for uncompromising following of rules and regulations and his time commanding an African American cavalry unit. Throughout his 42 years of military service, Pershing showed strong leadership, organization, and dedication that led to exceptional success.

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Pershing started his career as a school teacher. He later joined the Military Academy at West Point, where he was an average student. He went on to become an instructor at the University of Nebraska while earning his law degree. He served the United States in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippines, and the Mexican Intervention, During the Mexican Intervention Pershing lost his wife and three daughters in a fire. Pershing known for commanding the American Forces in the First World War.

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·         In the First World War, Pershing was fighting German forces, but also pressured to turn over his men to a more experienced and battle depleted Allied Forces. Pershing followed Wilson’s orders and was able to keep the U.S. Forces independent and gain international order and respect.

·         Pershing took advantage of the Allied Forces resources such as artillery, planes, and tanks.

·         Colonel Theodore Baldwin said that Pershing “was the coolest and bravest man I ever saw under fire in my life.”

·         Pershing also had strength of character and credited his subordinates for his success. Pershing Said “When viewed as a whole, it is believed that history gives no parallel of such an undertaking with so large an army. . . . It was only my absolute faith in the energy and resourcefulness of our officers of both staff and line and the resolute and aggressive courage of our soldiers that permitted me to accept such a prodigious task.”

Flaws

·         Pershing had operational, tactical, and logistical flaws. He was a better vision and long-term strategy leader like a CEO rather than tactical or operational leader.

·         Pershing was feared and respected but would not be considered warm or inviting. He was a no-nonsense type of leader.

·         Pershing was not one to challenge authority and only challenged or questioned through the proper channels.

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Accomplishments

· “In 1906, he was promoted to Brigadier General, skipping over 862 senior officers” (National Park Service n.d.).

· “In 1913, Pershing successfully led troops to overtake outlaw Moros in the Mount Bagsak campaign, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal” (National Park Service n.d.).

· In 1917, Pershing was given the command of the American Expeditionary Force.

· In 1918, Pershing led the American troops to victories against the german forces in the Battle of Belleau Wood and the Battle of Chateau-Thierry.

· In September 1918, Pershing successfully led American and French forces in an offensive against the German line in the Saint-Mihiel salient. This victory proved the competency and quality of the American troops and was followed by the final offensive of the war, Meuse-Argonne

· “Black Jack Pershing returned to the United States in 1919, where he was hailed as an American hero. He was promoted to a rank never attained before, General of the Armies, the highest American military rank. He served as Chief of Staff to the White House until the end of his military career” (National Park Service n.d.).

· “Pershing reorganized the Army. Among his achievements, Pershing updated military training techniques, emphasized physical fitness, and started professional schools for officers” (National Park Service n.d.).

Failures

· In 1916 – 1917, Pershing led around 10,000 men, on several expeditions into Mexico to capture Francisco “Pancho” Villa. Villa was never caught but a deal with the Mexican government was put in place to not allow outlaws such as “Pancho” Villa from entering the United States.

· “The Meuse-Argonne Offensive was the largest operation of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in World War I, with over a million American soldiers participating. It was also the deadliest campaign in American history, resulting in over 26,000 soldiers being killed in action (KIA) and over 120,000 total casualties” (National Archives n.d.)

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Conclusion and What We Have Learned Today From Pershing

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Conclusion and What We Have Learned Today From Pershing

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During the First World War, Pershing became the first great modern commander. Leading with an arsenal of the most modern communication equipment at the time, from an office setting. Pershing was great at leading more as a CEO rather than an onsite battlefield commander. He followed orders and was able to establish international respect for the U.S. Military.  He understood the use of resources and using what was available to him. Pershing was successful following the rules, orders, and regulations. He was able to “stick to his guns” and not give into pressure. Today it is important for leaders to set standards for themselves and be determined. Operating within these standards is the difference of being determined versus being rigid and unwilling to adapt and change.