Michelle Bojorcas - HS315 - 28 September 2024 by

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:09:51 UTC

When people think about military leaders they probably think about our “more” recent leaders like, General David Petraeus, Admiral McRaven, or even General Tommy Franks but what about great leaders from our past like General Douglas MacArthur, General Robert E. Lee, or maybe Admiral Chester Nimitz. Well, there is one I am going to tell you about that I didn’t mention, General John “Blackjack” Pershing. It is said that because of his leadership style it influenced the outcomes of major battles and played a pivotal role in shaping modern military doctrines

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:11:19 UTC

General Pershing was born in Laclede, Missouri on 13 September 1860. He attended the U.S. Military Academy in West Point and graduated in 1886 and was commissioned as a 2d Lt and was assigned to the 6th Cavalry. At the time of his assignment, the 6th Cavalry was running operations against the Geronimo and the Apaches in the Southwest. He later would become an instructor at the University of Nebraska and while there he earned his law degree in 1893. From there he went back to West Point in 1897 to be an instructor in tactics (2024). After his stint at West Point he was involved with the Santiago Campaign in 1898 in which he was appointed ordinance officer with the rank of major. Later, in 1905, he went to Japan to work at the U.S. Embassy and a military attaché. During the Russo-Japanese war he was an observer with the Japanese Army in Manchuria and later he was recognized by President Roosevelt, for his service in the Philippines, by being promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. In 1917 after the U.S. declared with on Germany, General Pershing was selected to command the American Troops in Europe by President Wilson. He returned back to the U.S. and on 1 September 1919 obtained the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. He later would serve as the Chief of Staff before retiring in 1924 (2024).

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:12:17 UTC

- Accountability; stressed the importance of leadership at every level. Leaders take responsibility of not only their actions but of their subordinates as well

- Unity and Cohesion within the organization. He promoted teamwork among the various units of the American Expeditionary Forces

- Adaptability; He understood that things can change quickly in warfare, so he supported for flexibility

- Discipline and Respect of the Chain of Command. Maintained high standards and conduct.

- Respectful relationship with Soldiers and Officers. He fostered a sense of camaraderie and loyalty by understanding and addressing the concerns of his troops.

- Direct communication was important; he would frequently engage with his Soldiers creating an environment where they felt like they were important and were listened to.

- Encouraged innovative thinking and adaptability; He fostered confidence in his leaders by giving them the freedom to make tactical decisions independently.

(Team, 2024)

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:14:15 UTC

Leadership Accomplishments

- He developed strategies that fostered open communication, allowing soldiers and officers to freely share their insights and concerns about operations.

o He created communication pathways enabling lower-ranking personnel to voice their opinions.

o Created an environment where feedback was respected and acknowledged

- His leadership built a unified team, facilitating tactical adaptations and refinements.

- His leadership style was defined by innovative tactics and strategies that profoundly influenced military operations.

o His effective utilization of air power and mechanized vehicles allowed for greater mobility and adaptability in battlefield strategies.

- The integration of technology under hi leadership not only brought immediate military success but also set a standard for future military operations.

Failures (maybe??)

- His strict adherence to traditional military protocols, which some critics argue limited flexibility in rapidly changing battlefield conditions.

o His firm commitment to strict discipline at times distanced both subordinates and soldiers, causing tension within his ranks.

- His handling of resources drew criticism.

o Critics perception said that there was a disconnect between what the troops really faced on the ground and the overall strategy

(Total military)

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:15:24 UTC

I feel studying about General Pershing is important because his leadership not only taught us that being prepared, discipline and merit are great lessons for both the military and civilian force but also the way he mentored such leaders as Eisenhower and Patton and developed them is still significant how our military leaders are trained and inspired today.

General Pershing's legacy provides important lessons in leadership, innovation, and global military strategy, making the examination of his career highly relevant today.

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:15:54 UTC

Though General Pershing might have been perceived as being too strict on his troops and the leaders below him and a little unprepared for some offenses, he seemed to have his leadership straight. He took care of his troops and earned the trust from this leaders and subordinates. He relied on them and empowered them to make decisions. He seemed to be a leader “well before his time.”

mbojorcas — 2024-10-03 02:16:24 UTC

Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (Invalid Date). John J. Pershing. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-J-Pershing

Team, Editorial. (2024, August 4). Analyzing general John J. Pershing’s leadership style in warfare - total military insight. The Insurance Universe. https://totalmilitaryinsight.com/general-john-j-pershings-leadership-style/