Educational Opportunity in the Army of Occupation

The educational work of the A. E. F. was firmly established by General Orders 9 and 30, issued by the Commander in Chief. Among other things in these orders, General Pershing authorized three types of educational assignment for the men: first, at universities or colleges; second, at divisional schools; third, at post schools. Only the work for illiterates at post schools was to be compulsory, but the elective opportunities attracted far more applicatioils than could be granted. Thousands of men took advantage of the remarkable privilege to study at the French and English universities and professional schools, while on the army payroll, and free of any personal expense. These in the main were men who had been in American colleges and universities, or who were fully prepared for university work when they left home. Shortly after they began their work at Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, Paris, Grenoble, or any of the other established seats of learning, another call was issued announcing the opening of the American University at Beaune. Cote d'Or. Here was an educational miracle; a Harvard and Chicago combined, thirteen colleges completely organized almost over night and surprisingly well equipped, with a wonderful faculty of about one thousand, and a student body of more than eight thousand. During the three months that it was in session, it gave an intellectual impetus to thousands of young men and undoubtedly was a large factor subsequently in bringing many of these students back to home colleges and universities.