Father of organized competitive military drill. Founded the Pershing Rifles at University of Nebraska and created the first service ribbons in U.S. military history. His legacy established military drill as both brotherhood and competition.
Founder of Pershing Rifles
WWI Commander • Highest Rank in U.S. History
Pershing's contributions established the foundation for all modern military drill competition
In 1891, as Professor of Military Science and Tactics at University of Nebraska, founded the elite Company A that would become the nationally recognized Pershing Rifles organization.
Led Company A to victory at the maiden Omaha Drill Competition in 1892, establishing competitive military drill as a legitimate pursuit and demonstration of excellence.
Created the first service ribbons ever worn in the United States by cutting pieces of his cavalry breeches and distributing them to members as insignia, precursor to all ribbons awarded today.
From Company A to a national military fraternity
From Elite Company to National Fraternity
In 1891, Lieutenant Pershing organized Company A at University of Nebraska to boost unit morale. After winning the 1892 Omaha competition, it became "Varsity Rifles" in 1893, then "Pershing Rifles" in 1894 to honor their founding officer.
Foundation for All Drill Teams
The organization evolved into a fraternal brotherhood that influenced all subsequent formal drill teams. After 1928, the Nebraska headquarters began issuing charters to universities nationwide, creating a network of excellence.
From cavalry lieutenant to General of the Armies
Led American Expeditionary Forces during World War I, commanding over two million American soldiers and achieving decisive victories that helped end the war.
Honored as the highest-ranking general in U.S. Army history until his death in 1948, a rank equivalent to six stars and held by only two individuals.
At Nebraska, transformed a disorganized cadet program into the nation's best drill team while earning a law degree and teaching mathematics.
From cavalry officer to legendary military leader
As Second Lieutenant in the Sixth Cavalry, became Professor of Military Science and Tactics at University of Nebraska, organizing elite Company A to boost unit morale.
Company A won the maiden competition at the Omaha Drill Competition, establishing competitive military drill as a recognized pursuit of excellence.
Members renamed "Varsity Rifles" to "Pershing Rifles" in appreciation of Lieutenant Pershing's contributions, creating a lasting legacy in military drill.
Led American forces in World War I, commanding over two million soldiers. Founded the first U.S. Army MP School at Autun, France in October 1918, becoming the founding father of U.S. Military Police.
"This was without question the beginnings of military drill as a brotherhood and provided the beginnings of all formal competition drill teams massed today."
First organized competitive drill team
Pershing Rifles chapters across America
Foundation for all modern drill teams