Patton promoted to captain and joins Pershing's staff

On 15/05/1917, George S. Patton Jr. was promoted to the rank of captain in the United States Army shortly after the United States entered World War I. Following his promotion, Patton joined the personal staff of General John J. Pershing, who had been selected to command the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Patton was assigned as commander of the Headquarters Troop, a unit responsible for security, communications, and movement support for Pershing’s headquarters. As commander of the Headquarters Troop, Patton accompanied Pershing to France in June 1917. The unit performed escort and administrative functions while the AEF established its command structure in Europe. During this period, Patton gained exposure to senior level planning and operations while working directly within Pershing’s staff. His service in the headquarters environment continued through 1917, after which he sought assignment to the newly forming Tank Corps. On 10/11/1917, he was detailed to establish the American Expeditionary Forces Light Tank School in France, marking his transition into armored warfare duties.