The Men and the War
The two videos below illustrate what soldiers may have undergone as part of their training. The first video involves training of African American soldiers, most of whom would not be regulated to combat roles.
--According to the Digital Public Library of America Patriotic Labor: America during World War I--
"To prepare the nearly three million new soldiers who had joined the ranks through the drafting process, the US military used training camps across the United States. By 1918, the US Army had established thirty-two of these units to expedite the flow of experienced soldiers into the conflict. In many cases, soldiers arrived at camps before the camps were ready for them. Early images of these camps show the buildings in disarray, with windows yet to be installed and tools scattered around those in training.
Further, 157 educational institutions opened military training units—for example, the Student Army Training Corps (SATC) at Springfield College—which granted students military status as part of their existing academic education.
At university-affiliated training centers and training camps across the country, the United States military declared a four-month training process “sufficient” for entry into their ranks. The African Americans who were drafted in disproportionately high numbers were also included in training programs, although they were as segregated here as they were at every level and division of the military. Future soldiers were taught to specialize in a role, such as a gunner, rifleman, medical specialist, or clerk. The level of training that each soldier received varied greatly; some soldiers made it overseas to France without ever having fired a gun.
Outbreaks of the influenza pandemic of 1918 claimed the lives of many of the men residing in close quarters within the military camps. The pandemic would kill 50 million people worldwide—a staggering number when compared to the already horrific nine million who lost their lives in World War I.
Before World War I, a cavalry unit was an incredible asset to an army. While on horseback, mounted soldiers had the advantage of height, speed, and size.
At the opening of World War I, cavalry units were still used as a strategic advantage, but they had become nearly obsolete in the three years that it took for the United States to join the war. In that short span of time, military tactics and technology in Europe had evolved beyond horseback with the use of trenches, barbed wire, and machine guns. Nevertheless, the United States continued to train some cavalry units that would be brought overseas. Mounted soldiers would have an ever more minor role, primarily ceremonial, in World War II."
https://dp.la/exhibitions/exhibits/show/america-world-war-i
"To prepare the nearly three million new soldiers who had joined the ranks through the drafting process, the US military used training camps across the United States. By 1918, the US Army had established thirty-two of these units to expedite the flow of experienced soldiers into the conflict. In many cases, soldiers arrived at camps before the camps were ready for them. Early images of these camps show the buildings in disarray, with windows yet to be installed and tools scattered around those in training.
Further, 157 educational institutions opened military training units—for example, the Student Army Training Corps (SATC) at Springfield College—which granted students military status as part of their existing academic education.
At university-affiliated training centers and training camps across the country, the United States military declared a four-month training process “sufficient” for entry into their ranks. The African Americans who were drafted in disproportionately high numbers were also included in training programs, although they were as segregated here as they were at every level and division of the military. Future soldiers were taught to specialize in a role, such as a gunner, rifleman, medical specialist, or clerk. The level of training that each soldier received varied greatly; some soldiers made it overseas to France without ever having fired a gun.
Outbreaks of the influenza pandemic of 1918 claimed the lives of many of the men residing in close quarters within the military camps. The pandemic would kill 50 million people worldwide—a staggering number when compared to the already horrific nine million who lost their lives in World War I.
Before World War I, a cavalry unit was an incredible asset to an army. While on horseback, mounted soldiers had the advantage of height, speed, and size.
At the opening of World War I, cavalry units were still used as a strategic advantage, but they had become nearly obsolete in the three years that it took for the United States to join the war. In that short span of time, military tactics and technology in Europe had evolved beyond horseback with the use of trenches, barbed wire, and machine guns. Nevertheless, the United States continued to train some cavalry units that would be brought overseas. Mounted soldiers would have an ever more minor role, primarily ceremonial, in World War II."
https://dp.la/exhibitions/exhibits/show/america-world-war-i
This newspaper article relays information about the training of American troops. Of interest is the quote of Captain Blackman that states the fact that no one knows the scale to which the United States will become involved in this European conflict.
Click the image for better quality. The article details how the United States military is prepared and ready to send its forces into the fray of the European War. The mobilization effort has had its unique challenges, but the military has adequately prepared its increasing forces for the rigors of combat.
The below article develops the notion that the American doughboy wants to fight and get into the action in the European conflict. Of caution is the fact that only battlefield experience will provide the soldiers with perspective to understand the value of cover. While the troops want to engage and fight, they must be led accordingly and safeguarded where possible. The junior leadership must instill professionalism and relay the importance of cover on the battlefield.
--It is important to understand that the American military experienced some difficulty in massing qualified junior and mid-range officers. This would ultimately impact the way in which men were led on the battlefield.
--It is important to understand that the American military experienced some difficulty in massing qualified junior and mid-range officers. This would ultimately impact the way in which men were led on the battlefield.
Newsprint, "Movement to Train Jackson Men for Military Service"
Newsprint, "U.S. Ready to Send Army to Front at Once"
Newsprint, "Yankees Want to Fight; Not Dig Trenches"
Newsprint, "U.S. Ready to Send Army to Front at Once"
Newsprint, "Yankees Want to Fight; Not Dig Trenches"