c. 1910s USA three photos soldiers Mexican Border mobilization(?)

Three photos, each showing group of American soldiers. Undated but likely from 1910-1817 period.

Photo #1 U.S. Army Field Kitchen in Operation, Early 20th Century

Date c. 1910–1917

Gelatin silver print (sepia toned) 3 ¼ “ x 5 ½ “

A group of U.S. Army soldiers operates a mobile field kitchen in an outdoor encampment. Two enlisted men work in the foreground, tending to pots and supplies laid out on the ground. Behind them, several soldiers sit atop a wagon‑mounted field range with a chimney and storage compartments. The scene captures the logistical side of military life, emphasizing food preparation and camp routine.

Identification & Analysis

• Uniforms: khaki service coats, campaign hats, puttees/high boots — consistent with U.S. Army regulations after 1902.
• Equipment: wagon‑mounted field kitchen consistent with the U.S. Army M1910 Field Range, adopted after 1908.
• Context: strongly associated with Mexican Border Service mobilization (1916) or stateside WWI training camps (1917).

The adoption of standardized field kitchens marked a major modernization of U.S. Army logistics in the years leading up to World War I. Photographs of these kitchens are common in National Guard mobilization camps during the Pancho Villa Expedition and early WWI training.

Photo #2 Group of U.S. Soldiers Posing at Tent Encampment

Date  c. 1910–1917

Gelatin silver print (sepia toned)  3 ¼ “ x 5 ½ “

Six U.S. soldiers pose informally in front of a large canvas tent. One soldier sits on another’s shoulders while others smile or hold rifles, creating a moment of camaraderie. The background shows additional tents and a wooded area, indicating a temporary training or mobilization camp.

Identification & Analysis

• Uniforms: campaign hats, khaki service blouses, high boots/puttees.
• Rifles: likely Springfield service rifles (not Krag–Jørgensen), supporting a post‑1903 date.
• Tent type: large pyramidal canvas tents typical of National Guard and federal mobilization camps.

This image reflects the social side of military life during the Mexican Border mobilization and early WWI stateside training. Informal group portraits like this were commonly taken by soldiers for personal keepsakes.

Photo #3 U.S. Soldiers Resting in a Wooded Training Area

Date  c. 1910–1917

Gelatin silver print (sepia toned)  3 ¼ “ x 5 ½ “

A group of U.S. soldiers sits and rests among trees and foliage, rifles in hand or nearby. Their relaxed posture suggests a break during field exercises. The wooded setting contrasts with the more structured camp scenes, offering a glimpse into field training conditions.

Identification & Analysis

• Uniforms: khaki service uniforms with campaign hats and puttees.
• Rifles: consistent with Springfield models used after 1903.
• Setting: likely a training maneuver area near a mobilization camp.

During the 1910–1917 period, National Guard units frequently conducted field exercises in wooded or rural terrain. Such images document the transitional period between pre‑WWI training practices and the more formalized mobilization of 1917.