TECHNOLOGY

The Mexican Border experience proved important in ways involving technology.  It was along and over the border that the Signal Corps' Aviation Section first employed aircraft tactically.  Combat service support was revolutionized with the Army's using trucks in large numbers for the first time and developing the most effective ways to maximize their potential.  Tactical communications were improved with the first uses of radio to augment the telegraph.  As important as learning the technology, however, was understanding its potential for future service.  The border laid the foundation for the Army's becoming the most mechanized force in France and also helped validate plans for modernizing what would soon become the Air Service.