This section looks into the Punitive Expedition in Mexico as a precursor military operation for the United States right before it would cross the Atlantic and participate in the European War than had started in 1914. This engagement over the Southern border, however, would not be to the same scale as the fighting overseas. Also, the United States was no fighting a traditional conflict against a formal army, but was instead chasing a 'bandit' in Pancho Villa across the Mexican landscape. Ever still, the American military knew not to be hasty in its endeavors in Mexico and knew if they did not take careful measures the entire operation could be viewed from a different, negative standpoint by the Mexican people. Nevertheless, the Punitive Expedition provided an opportunity for the United States to exercise military operations before it sent soldiers to Europe. There were those who believed the operations in Mexico had failures that needed to be addressed. Lastly, the military leadership here would be groomed to take command of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, namely General John J. Pershing, once the United States withdrew neutrality and entered the European War.