The Army was again unprepared for the advent of the next major war. For almost three years the U.S. watched the explosion of the First World War in Europe. The small regular Army continued its mission around the world and found time to integrate some newer technology like new automotive trucks and airplanes into the Mexican Expedition of 1916. Upon the entry of the U.S. into the war, both the Army and its transportation structures would rapidly expand to meet the overseas mission. The U.S. Army moved over two-million men plus tons of supplies, through the use of both American and European made equipment. The Army expanded both port facilities and operations, built roads and railroads, built and repaired thousands of trucks, automobiles and rolling stock and moved men and supplies in unprecedented numbers; all of this was done in 18 months. During this time, the Army established the Motor Transport Service, Motor Transport Corps and finally the Transportation Corps on November 12, 1918, the day after the Armistice. World War I would see the formal adoption of many new technologies and the initial birth of the Transportation Corps itself.

R 1130, Loading horses onto 40 & 8 cars, France, 1918

US Army Soldiers loading horses onto the famed ”40&8” box car. The box car was nicknamed “40&8” since it could reportedly hold 40 Soldiers or 8 horses.

V 0278, Motor vehicle and horse drawn wagon train, France, 1918

Liberty Trucks and wagon share the road and the load moving Soldiers and supplies to the Western Front in 1918 – Army Signal Corps Photo

Recruiting poster

World War I Motor Transport Service recruiting poster highlighting the technical training for motor mechanics. – US Army Transportation Museum Collection

U.S. Troops disembark from a troopship in France, 1918.

U.S. Army Transport Ship Thomas unloading supplies in Vladivostok, Russia for the American Siberian Force in 1918.