LEADERS

World War I represented a key turning point in American military history with the Army making the final transition from frontier constabulary concerned with small-scale conflicts in the Philippines, the Caribbean or the American West to a much more modern and technologically advanced force.  Of the 472 officers who served as generals in Europe, over 100 gained decision-making and leadership experiences otherwise unavailable as a result of service either in Mexico or on the border.  This experience thus helped prepare them for the demands of service in France.  While General of the Armies John J. Pershing is the most well-known of these officers, many others are noteworthy both because of their border experiences and actual wartime performance.

Generals were not the only officers benefitting from training made possible by the border crisis.  Company grade National Guard officers in particular gained needed experience in training and handling units and like those who attained general officer rank, the pay off was found in wartime service in France.