~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.

Pershing then served as a tactical officer at West Point, where he earned the nickname “Black Jack” for his service in the 10^th Cavalry, which consisted of African-American enlisted and white officers. He eventually rejoined the 10^th 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.

~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.

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.