How did the American Expeditionary Force prepare for war? The American Expeditionary Force (AEF), also known as “The Doughboys,” played a crucial role in World War I, providing significant support to the Allied forces. This article delves into the various aspects of preparation that equipped the AEF for the challenges of war.
The first step in preparing the AEF for war was the mobilization of troops. President Woodrow Wilson, in response to the German submarine attacks on American ships, declared war on Germany on April 6, 1917. The U.S. government quickly initiated a massive recruitment drive, aiming to raise an army of 1.2 million men. This effort was supported by a robust propaganda campaign that encouraged young men to serve their country.
Once the troops were mobilized, the next phase of preparation involved training. The AEF faced the challenge of training a large, diverse group of soldiers in a short period. To address this, the government established training camps across the United States. The most famous of these camps was Camp Meade in Maryland, which became the main training ground for the AEF. Soldiers underwent rigorous physical conditioning, learned basic military skills, and were educated on the nature of the war and their roles within it.
Another critical aspect of preparation was the acquisition of equipment and supplies. The AEF needed to be equipped with the latest weaponry, uniforms, and other gear to be effective on the battlefield. The U.S. government worked tirelessly to ensure that the AEF had the necessary resources. This included ordering millions of rifles, machine guns, and other armaments from European manufacturers and establishing domestic production facilities to meet the demand.
In addition to physical preparation, the AEF also focused on psychological readiness. Soldiers were educated on the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The AEF also implemented a rigorous system of officer training to ensure that the leadership was capable of guiding the troops through the challenges of war.
Lastly, the AEF engaged in joint exercises with the Allied forces to ensure compatibility and coordination. These exercises helped the AEF understand the tactics and strategies of their allies, which was crucial for the success of the Allied cause.
In conclusion, the American Expeditionary Force prepared for war through a combination of mobilization, training, equipment acquisition, psychological readiness, and joint exercises with the Allies. This comprehensive approach equipped the AEF to play a significant role in the outcome of World War I.
