John J. Pershing by

Who is Pershing and Why Should He Matter to Us Today?

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-17 23:21:38 UTC

Danielle Dombrowski

May 17, 2024

HS315

John J. Pershing Background

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-17 23:37:21 UTC

John Joseph Pershing was born in Laclede, Missouri on September 13, 1860. He graduated the North Missouri Normal School and began a brief career as a teacher (Faulkner, 2012). He wanted to expand his career so he decided to move on from teaching and accepted an appointment at the United States Military Academy. His leadership abilities gave him the opportunity to gain the position of cadet first captain in his senior year. He graduated 30th in his class of 77 and was commissioned to the cavalry.

After he graduated West Point, he fought in the last Indian campaign. Then, he was a tactical officer at West Point. He would then take some positions in Cuba, the Philippines, San Francisco, Mexico, and then became commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War One.

Leadership Attributes/Flaws

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-17 23:46:13 UTC

Some of the leadership attributes that John J. Pershing had were discipline, truthful, reliable, eye for talent, and respected subordinates who would be truthful when Pershing had made the wrong decision. Some of the flaws that John J. Pershing had was that he was slow to comprehend the changes that were occurring, his reliance on frontal assaults, and would have arguments with other generals.

Leadership Accomplishments/Failures

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-18 00:33:21 UTC

Some of the leadership accomplishments that John J. Pershing had were updating military training techniques, emphasized physical fitness, and started professional schools for officers (National Park Services, 2024). One of his biggest accomplishments was becoming the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces. Some of the failures that John J. Pershing went through was his failure to capture the revolutionary in Mexico, operational and logistics errors, and his inability to keep up with the changes that were occurring during World War One.

Why Studying the leader is important today

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-18 00:48:53 UTC

It is important to study John J. Pershing as he mentored future generations of military personnel and contributed to the military training techniques that are used in military schools today. Also, the skills that Pershing had as a leader can teach others what they should do when they get into a leadership position.

Conclusion

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-18 01:16:19 UTC

John J. Pershing became an accomplished leader through many years of experience and resilience. Even though there were some setbacks that Pershing went through, he would always get out to the other side. These skills and attributes made him a leader that people will remember for generations.

References

ddanielle1156 — 2024-05-18 01:19:50 UTC

Faulkner, R. S. (2012). Chapter 5. In Great Commanders (pp. 125–125). essay, Combat Studies Institute Press.

National Parks Service. (2024). John Pershing (U.S. National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/people/john-pershing.htm