Mitchell was the only Signal Corps officer on a General Staff whose responsibilities included communications and aviation. He helped establish its aviation organization and served as temporary head. He returned to that role after the appointed chief was relieved for failing to discharge official obligations. George O. Squier subsequently took command and made Mitchell his permanent assistant. Excluded from Army flight training by age and rank, Mitchell paid for civilian instruction before receiving his pilot qualification and a First Army air-service appointment.
Chapter · 51:14-54:49
Building the Signal Corps aviation organization
Mitchell's General Staff position placed him at the center of the small Army aviation organization before he finally qualified as a pilot in 1916.