# data[].attributes.headline
Pershing & other Generals during the war

# data[].attributes.subject
Pershing & other Generals during the war

# data[].attributes.body
Frank Rogers
15 December 2022
HS315: Leadership Lessons from Great Commanders

# data[].attributes.body
Governor Moro Province, Philippines 1909-1913
Commander, 8th Brigade 1913-1916
Commander, Mexican Expedition 1916-1917
Commander, AEF 1917-1918
Army Chief of Staff 1921-1924

# data[].attributes.body
John J. Pershing was born on the 13th of September 1860 in Laclede, Missouri. He spent a short period as a schoolteacher after graduating from North Missouri Normal School. He moved on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1882. While there, he rose to the position of cadet first captain and graduated 30th in his class. He was commissioned as a cavalry officer in 1890 and served in the Indian Campaign. He moved on from that assignment to the University of Nebraska as the leading military instructor, where he simultaneously completed a law degree.

Pershing then served as a tactical officer at West Point, where he earned the nickname “Black Jack” for his service in the 10th Cavalry, which consisted of African-American enlisted and white officers. He eventually rejoined the 10th Cavalry and deployed with them to Cuba where he earned a reputation for being brave and levelheaded under fire. Pershing then served in the Philippines and found great success in developing the economy and quelling challenges to rule and stability. It was this success that began to draw the attention of the Executive Branch. After his time in the Philippines, Pershing was moved to the southern U.S. border where he led a campaign to capture Pancho Villa. Although unsuccessful in capturing Pancho Villa, his campaign was instrumental in Villa’s defeat.

While Pershing had developed a reputation as a brave and competent leader, he also had a reputation for obediently following policies with which he disagreed which made him the top political choice to Command the American Expeditionary Force in the Great War.

# data[].attributes.body
~Courageous: fearless and kept a level head under fire
~Firm/staunch: seemingly unhindered by failure or tragedy, both professionally and personally
~Strengh of mind: listened to subordinates' dissenting opinions when they had merit

~Strength of character: stuck to his guns with unpopular decisions

~Politically savvy: stayed in a favorable light with key politicians

~Eye for talent: elevated and mentored numerous distinguished Army Officers

~Great manager: developed vast logistics and training infrastructure, and a General Staff system that's the basis of what is used today.

~Slow to adapt to change: viewed tanks as having a limited battlefield role. Continued his "open warfare" strategy against entrenched German defenses while sustaining significant American casualties.

~Short-sighted: occasionally sought short-term successes at the expense of long-term goals

~Out of touch: was respected but feared by Soldiers. Had a difficult time connecting with those outside his inner circle.

# data[].attributes.body
~Cadet first captain at West Point

~He and his troops rode more than 6 miles to the location of a Sioux attack in 1891.

~Gained recognition for bravery under fire in Cuba.

~Maintained a balance of economic improvement and ruthless subdual of opposition in the Philippines.

~His success in the Philippines gained the attention of key political figures.

~Married the daughter of a Senator on the Military Affairs Committee.

~Led the campaign against Pancho Villa. Failed to capture Villa but was instrumental in his defeat.

~Critical in the development of infrastructure capable of supporting four million U.S. Soldiers in Europe.

~Developed a General Staff system that today’s system is based upon.

~Prevented the American Army from being fully absorbed into the allied forces; maintained an independent command.

~Did not coordinate tanks and infantry, and only utilized tanks superficially.

~Never faltered from his “open warfare” strategy and relied heavily upon infantry for all operations.

~Only person in U.S. history to become General of the Armies of the United States while on Active Duty.

# data[].attributes.body
Studying General of the Armies of the United States John J. Pershing is critical for understanding the successful growth and management of such a large entity. At the time of his ascension to command the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), no one in the U.S. military had any experience with a force so large. While he was not without faults, he grew a relatively small Army to a massive size and developed systems and infrastructure that we still use to this day. He had a keen eye for talent, and many of his proteges would go on to distinguish themselves in further conflicts. Technology significantly altered warfare during his career. Horseback cavalry was once commonplace but was slowly replaced by tanks. Advancements in aircraft improved reconnaissance and enabled the bombing of military and strategic targets. World War I was an estuary of technology and required adaptability. In some ways Pershing was rigid, but this only serves to underscore the importance of flexibility in leadership. We could all become better leaders by studying his career.

# data[].attributes.body
John J. Pershing was a well-respected General with many great qualities, and a few weaknesses, from which we can all learn. He was a master of organization and infrastructure. He was brave and composed under fire. He was willing to listen to dissent from subordinates so long as it was a well-reasoned argument. He was also slow to adapt to technological changes, occasionally short-sighted, and had a difficult time connecting with the average Soldier. There are lessons we can learn from each of these traits in our own journey to becoming great leaders.

# data[].attributes.body
Adas, M. (2014). Ambivalent Ally: American Military Intervention and the Endgame and Legacy of World War I. Diplomatic History, 38(4), 700–712. https://doi.org/10.1093/dh/dhu032.

Gabel, C. R., & Willbanks, J. H. (2012). Great Commanders. US Army Combined Arms Center.

Watson, M. S. (1950). The General Staff: Its Origins and Powers in Chief of Staff: Prewar Plans and Preparations (United States Army in World War II: The War Department). Center of Military History, United States Army.
https://history.army.mil/books/wwii/csppp/ch03.htm

Zabecki, D. T. (2018). Racing Headlong. Military History, 35(1), 30–39.