Chapter 799: U.S. Military Mobilization

Wilson did not declare war on Germany immediately. He chose to let the bullets fly for a while.

This is his cleverness. He waited until the public and parliamentarians generally supported joining the war before making a decision. This would be safer and more likely to gain recognition.

His rival, Hughes, had only one choice: to follow Wilson and support joining the war.

At that time, Hughes would have become an unoriginal follower, and in order to make full use of every bit of resources, Hughes should even give up the election and unite with the current President Wilson.

No matter which one he chooses, Hughes will be in a passive position.

War mobilization begins immediately.

Before mobilization, the total number of US Army was less than 300,000. The Air Force was particularly weak, with only 150 pilots and only 50 extremely backward fighter jets.

(The picture above shows the aircraft equipped by the US Air Force before it entered the war. It is a JN-4 produced by Curtiss. It only costs $300 and is unarmed. Because it is too backward, it is only used for reconnaissance without air combat. However, it is mass-produced. In just over a year, 6,813 aircraft were produced for pilot training.)

President Wilson, who was a university professor, did not know enough about military affairs, so he immediately called in Brigadier General Pershing, who was then the commander of the Mexican Expeditionary Force.

(The picture above shows Pershing, who was a major in 1906. He was appreciated by then-President Roosevelt and was promoted three ranks to become the youngest brigadier general.)

The first thing Wilson asked Pershing was, "General, how many troops do you think we need to raise?"

Pershing stepped forward and asked, "What do you mean, Mr. President? To defeat the Germans or to make them surrender?"

President Wilson asked in confusion, "Is there a difference?"

"Of course." Pershing said, "We are not needed to defeat the Germans. Charles is enough. But, let them surrender..."

Pershing stopped talking at the right time, with a hint of sarcasm on his face.

Isn't the difference obvious? What is the U.S. military fighting for?

President Wilson was a little embarrassed. He cleared his throat and forced himself to stand straight in front of Pershing.

As a politician, he knew that the more guilty he felt, the more he had to act righteous.

"Of course, the Germans surrender completely, General," Wilson said. "We have to fight them. They should not reach out to Mexico."

"Yes, Mr. President." Pershing nodded: "I totally agree."

But the look he gave Wilson said otherwise.

Pershing was in favor of joining the war, but his purpose was not for reparations, but to make the American military try to keep up with the pace of European countries.

Otherwise, the United States, which lacks tactics and has seriously backward equipment, is likely to become their prey.

Wilson pretended not to notice the disdain in Pershing's eyes and shook hands with him without changing his expression: "Very good, we have reached an agreement. So, back to the question just now, how many people do we need to recruit?"

Pershing hesitated for a moment and said, "I think we should recruit all young men between the ages of 21 and 31."

Wilson's face changed slightly: "You're crazy, there could be 2 million people!"

Pershing said, "Hmm?" "Only 2 million? Then we have to consider expanding the age range. How about from 18 to 45? Can we recruit 5 million people?"

"You mean..." Wilson was shocked by the number: "You mean, we need to invest another 5 million to have a chance of winning?"

Pershing nodded calmly.

"Perhaps, Mr. President." Pershing analyzed methodically:

"Look at the Western Front now. The British and French troops have more than 3 million men, but they have only contained the Germans east of the Meuse River."

"So far, the Russian army on the Eastern Front has mobilized tens of millions of soldiers."

"Although many people have deserted, there are still about 6 million people on the front line."

Then Pershing slowed down his speech and said word by word: "And now, the Eastern Front is already shaky. Once the Eastern Front collapses, how many people do you think we will need to fill the gap?"

Wilson was stunned.

He just wanted to join the war, just wanted to improve his poll numbers and get back the loan, but he never seriously calculated how many troops were needed.

Now that Pershing had said that, he realized that this could be a disaster.

Pershing added, "Perhaps I should remind you that according to inaccurate statistics so far, the British and French coalition forces have suffered more than 3 million casualties. Knowing this, do you still think 5 million is a lot?"

Wilson was speechless.

The U.S. military could not compare with the British and French armies in terms of tactics, equipment or experience.

So, Pershing was right.

If the British and French forces want to use 3 million to fill the gap, the US military may have to use all 5 million.

After a while, Wilson said with difficulty:

"Okay, we'll start by drafting a million soldiers."

"You will be the commander-in-chief of the expedition, General."

"Get ready and take them to Dunkirk to report to General Kitchener!"

Pershing didn't answer, but just stared at Wilson blankly.

"What's the problem?" Wilson asked.

"Can I take that back?" Pershing said.

"What?"

"We need not 5 million men, but 10 million," Pershing replied.

Wilson was furious: "Why do you think so? Can your thoughts determine the life and death of 5 million people? Those are the lives of many young people!"

"No, it was not my idea, Mr. President," Pershing replied calmly, "it was yours."

Wilson tilted his head. He didn't understand what Pershing meant.

Pershing revealed the answer: "If you let me report to Kitchener and accept his command, even $10 million might not be enough."

Wilson suddenly realized: "You want to fight independently? But we have no experience fighting on the Western Front, and most of us are new recruits..."

"I am happy to fight under Charles's command." Pershing interrupted Wilson: "If we add Charles's equipment, we may only need 1 million men."

Wilson laughed. "Are you kidding? Kitchener needs 10 million to command, but Shire only needs 1 million. The difference is ten times!"

"I never joke, Mr. President," Pershing replied, "I am serious."

Wilson shook his head. He still couldn't believe that there was such a big gap.

"You should fight under the unified command of the British army." Wilson insisted: "It is an alliance, General, you should know the importance of unity."

If British command was not recognized, the troops on the Western Front would likely be fragmented and fight on their own.

"Okay." Pershing's tone was full of helplessness: "As you wish, but I hope I can have a certain degree of autonomy."

"Of course, you will." Wilson nodded confidently.

A considerable portion of the supplies to Britain and France were provided by the United States. Based on this alone, the opinions of the US military should be given sufficient respect.

(End of this chapter)