| American field artillery benefited from its brief involvement in the First World War. Early operations were marred by faulty coordination between the infantry and artillery. In a relatively short period of time, however, tactics, doctrine, and organizations were adapted to better support the aggressive attacks employed by the American Expeditionary Forces. In the latter stages of the Meuse-Argonne Campaign U.S. artillery employed new tactics that materially contributed to the important breaching of German lines.;Examining Field Artillery Journal articles during the inter-war period illustrates the increased professionalism of artillery officers gained from their wartime experience. These officers recognized that technological advancements were necessary to improve their performance in future conflicts. This was especially true in regards to radio communication and motorized transport. Organizational changes improved informant--artillery liaison. New field piece designs incorporated increased firepower and mobility. An industrial plan for mobilization was also developed. Most importantly, a new tactical control system was developed to quickly shift massed firepower as needed.;Limited funding hampered efforts to modernize U.S. field artillery throughout the inter-war period. But as a result of their experiences in World War I, artillery officers successfully implemented their theories and plans during World War II. |
