Origins After the initial elements of the Air Service began deploying to France in 1917, arrangements were made with the French Government for where large numbers of airmen, at the time undergoing training in the United States, France or England would be received in France and be organized for service. In December 1917, the French Government suggested Saint-Maixent-l'École in the Poitou-Charentes region. A survey was made of the facilities and arrangements were finalized for
Air Service Barracks #3, Base Section #2, which was later changed to the St. Maixent Replacement Barracks. Enlisted personnel were given a thorough trade test on arrival. Upon completion and qualifications verified, Aero Squadrons were re-organized in accordance with the tables of organization developed by the Air Service in France. They were then equipped and given instructions on the use of Gas Masks and qualified in their use before being deployed to the Zone of Advance (Combat area). Four Officer's schools were established as follows: • Adjutants' School • Supply Officers' School • Engineer Officers' School • Flying Officers' School These were refresher courses for training previously received, with intensely practical training pertaining to conditions they would encounter in France. In case a squadron was being prepared for early assignment to the Zone of Advance, a squadron commander nominated by an Air Service commander and approved by the Chief of Air Service was usually sent to join this command at St. Maixent. The squadron, as soon as it was in readiness, then moved to a training center or to the acceptance field at
Orly Airport, Paris or to the Air Service Production Center No. 2 at
Romorantin Aerodrome for temporary duty in order that men in specialized trades might get some familiarity with their duties. Each squadron then proceed to the 1st Air Depot at Colombey-les-Belles Airdrome; their date of departure being determined by the availability of its equipment and flying personnel. The squadron supply officer with a detachment was sent to a supply warehouse to collect the squadron equipment and accompany it to the point of assembly. Pilots and observers were collected at the 1st Air Depot. The squadron commander, with a nucleus of officers and soldiers preceded the remainder of the squadron to prepare for its coming and to assure himself that the airplanes and squadron were in readiness. Upon its arrival in the Zone of Advance, the squadron reported to general headquarters, G-3 for assignment to an Army. Squadrons assigned to Instructional Centers went directly from St. Maxient to their assigned Center. ==See also==