General John "Black Jack" Pershing by

Introduction

zachariapinkham — 2023-12-17 22:36:11 UTC

General John "Black Jack" Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe in World War I. At the time, he commanded the largest American army ever assembled. His rigid adherence to the strict rules and regulations he learned at West Point, as well as his time leading the African American 10th Calvelry led to his cadets giving him the nickname "Black Jack." His service in Cuba was defined by a "carrot and stick" method, balancing economic development and a willingness to suppress any challenges to local stability ruthlessly.

Background

zachariapinkham — 2023-12-17 22:52:36 UTC

During his time at the Military Academy at West Point, Pershing was an average student. He served the United States in the Indian Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Philippines, the Mexican Intervention, and World War I. He also served as an instructor of military science at the University of Nebraska and a tactics instructor at West Point. Tragically, his wife and three daughters lost their lives during a fire at their quarters in 1915.

Leadership Attributes and Flaws

zachariapinkham — 2023-12-17 23:09:52 UTC

Pershing was a decisive, dedicated, professional man with solid willpower and resilience. He demanded honor, discipline, and standards, which he rigidly enforced. He exercised tight control over his divisions but protected his men to the utmost of his abilities, doing everything he could to raise morale.

On the other hand, he was also less flexible than his contemporaries with regard to strategy. He did not "play well with others," declining to integrate with Allies multiple times. He also did not adapt well to new technologies and more mobile styles of warfare that started to appear late in World War I.

Accomplishments and Failures

zachariapinkham — 2023-12-17 23:20:28 UTC

Pershing rose through the ranks extremely quickly. He led American troops to multiple victories against the Germans, including the Battle of Belleau Wood. He became the first-ever General of the Armies and served as a Chief of Staff at the White House.

Pershing faced multiple setbacks and failures during his career. He tried numerous times but could never capture "Pancho" Villa. He failed to coordinate effectively with French and British generals during World War I. He faced multiple setbacks, including the inability to receive adequate supplies and replacements for casualties, as well as disease outbreaks and the inability to maintain morale during the brutality of war.

What We Can Still Learn

zachariapinkham — 2023-12-17 23:33:16 UTC

General John "Black Jack" Pershing led his personnel more like a CEO than an onsite commander. He set expectations and followed orders. He established international respect for the American military on a worldwide stage. He stuck to his principles and did not buckle under pressure. Pershing showed determination and resilience, which was extremely important at the time and continues to be important today. We can also learn from the fact that he did not work with the Allies as seamlessly as he could have. While it is essential to have faith in yourself and your people, we must also endeavor to work with others and keep lines of communication open.

References

zachariapinkham — 2023-12-17 23:38:41 UTC