Root’s Army Reforms

Abstract

On 7 December 1901, Roosevelt delivered a presidential message arguing that America needed a more efficient, better educated army. The United States did not need a larger army but should have professional armed forces selected by merit to achieve military efficiency. A general staff, with a chief of staff at its head, ought to plan and co-ordinate army actions. The President also argued that the militia law was obsolete and recommended a major extension of executive authority by placing the training, equipment, and organisation of the National Guard under federal control. The President concluded by supporting Root’s reforms passed in 1901: the substitution of four-year details from the line replacing permanent appointments in staff divisions, the creation of a unified command for the artillery and the ability of the executive to determine the size of the army. The implementation of general staff and militia reform, would complete the successful transformation of the army into a professional body responsive to central government.¹