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Gabel, C.R. & Willbanks, J.H. (2012). Great Commanders, John J. Pershing "The Very Model of A Modern Major General?", Ch. 5.

Sharma, D. (2014). Leadership Lessons From the Military.

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General Pershing was great commander who eventually understood the ever changing environment to which wars must be fought. Although it has been 100 years since World War I we can still learn from his moral courage to see that controlling such a large force was too much for any single person. He was a pioneer in overseeing the grand scheme of things and allowing subordinate commanders to take charge of their specific objectives to achieve the overall end state of the grand mission. By studying Pershing we can learn how to table our emotions and file grievances the correct way. This will ultimately gain the respect of our superiors and subordinates alike. Should we act in a manner unbecoming our subordinates will feed off that and think it okay to talk to superiors in any way we choose. The leader must be above the status quo and emulate sound mind and judgment.

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It is important for a variety of reasons to for anyone to study leaders today. From leaders, past and present, we can learn from their mistakes and success' to create a more well-rounded leader. If we do not take into account the failures of leaders we will be doomed to make the same mistakes again. This does not mean that there will not be failures, but this will help mitigate those risks and bolster the chance of success. There are four most recognized theories of leadership and they are trait theory, behavioral theory, contingency theory, and transformational theory. Dheeraj Sharma (2014) explains that transformational leadership is where we have come after flaws have been found in all other theories. Transformational leadership is not without flaws but presents the best chance of success. Dheeraj Sharma (2014) tells us that "The leader is responsible to define the mission, get it accepted from his/her followers, generate interest in the mission among the followers, and motivate them to overlook their personal goals over accomplishing the group goals." With this in mind we can see why it is important to study leaders today. Most if not all leaders are lacking in some aspect and this is why it is important to see the strength in others where we may be weak as leaders. To lean on the Marine/Soldier/Seaman/Airman/Civilian counterpart when we are lacking.
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General Pershing was school teacher early in life, but could not stand being stagnant. He decided to enrolled in the United States Military Academy where he wasn't much of a scholar but showed great promise through his leadership abilities won him the position of cadet first captain. Pershing really began earning respect as a commander when he served with the 10th Cavalry in Cuba. During this time he did what most would think of a "traditional" commander and was at the forefront of battle. Following his time in Cuba he was posted to Mindanao where as stated by Richard Faulkner "His operations against the Moro warriors Black Jack executed a balanced policy of benevolent assimilation and economic development coupled with a willingness to rapidly and ruthlessly suppress any challenge to American rule or stability." Due to his success in Mindanao he became the military governor of Moro Province which was recognized by the White House and other political affiliates. Pershing soon got promoted to Brigadier General and assumed command of 8th Brigade in San Francisco. Soon after he found himself leading a charge break up the bands of Pancho Villa in which he also had to navigate the possibility of a political landslide that was the Carranza government.  The United States did not want to go to war with Mexico and General Pershing's ability to be loyal to those he was serving again caught the attention of superiors for his efforts in Mexico. After his exploits in Mexico, America was looking for a commander to take charge of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) after declaring war on Germany in 1917. There were several Generals that were well suited for the job, but ultimately it was General Pershing's understanding of the political nature of war that earned him the command of the AEF.

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General Pershing was able to navigate the political landscape of generalship better than most. This along with his military intuitiveness and leadership ability set him up for success later in life. During his military career he saw war change from a time of cavalry and occasional Gatling Guns to one of machine guns, aircraft and tanks. The command role changed from leading a charge into battle to one that saw commanders giving directives that subordinates would carry out to achieve the overall mission.

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The fear that he instilled among officers often led them to enduring mass casualties in continuing efforts that had long since been failures.

Training was rushed and incomplete for forces arriving in 1918 because General Pershing planned for his forces not to be ready until 1919.  He wanted to use this time to train the forces, but he didn't count on the onslaught of enemy forces which caused him to send men into battle rather hastily.

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While in France Pershing created the logistical infrastructure necessary to supply troops with hospital care, food, and transportation.

He realized that the Army was too big for any one man to control, so he separated them into two and appointed commanders over both of them.

General Pershing kept his focus on the big picture and allowed his subordinates to execute the plans he gave.

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He was very strict in his training and expectations of officers and soldiers alike.  He maintained discipline at all levels. This falls into both categories because this strict discipline he enacted made the soldiers, or doughboys, made him less endearing to the common soldier.

General Pershing created an element of fear within the officer ranks, which often led to micromanagement and hindered the ability to create effective officers.

He wanted to maintain command of every aspect of training and combat, and was unwilling to relinquish control.

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General Pershing had astute acumen for leadership principles and military prowess earned him the position of first cadet while at the United States Military Academy.

He had an uncanny ability to remain level headed during war and was thought of by Colonel Baldwin to be the coolest and bravest man he ever saw under fire in his life.

He did not let his emotions get the best of him, rather he would use proper channels to contest any grievances or disagreements he had with his superiors.

General Pershing had a knack for sifting through the political side of war.  He was able to stay true to the art of being a warrior and accomplishing the mission, while being mindful of the dangers that exacting too much control in an area may lead to losing control of an area.

He was very strict in his training and expectations of officers and soldiers alike. He maintained discipline at all levels.

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Christopher Campa
20191223
HS315

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(1860-1948)