THE NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER, IMAGES OF AN ARMY IN ACTION, PRINT, SUSTAINING THE OFFENSIVE, FRANCE, WWI, 1918 Color print measures 16" x 20". Printed on heavy cardstock and suitable for framing. This Military print will be shipped in a tube for its protection. Noncommissioned officers in the technical services assumed new responsibilities in World War I, with the appearance of new weapons such as tanks, airplanes, and poison gas. To support the infantrymen in this more technical environment, the Army formed specialized units within the division or as separate units. Here sergeants from the chemical corps and military police ensure that the route is clear of poison gas and stalled trucks before transportation corps drivers move supplies forward to sustain the offensive. All personnel of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) wore a common service uniform made of heavy, rough, olive drab wool, consisting of breeches and a service coat with high collar. Bronze discs, adopted just before the war, indicated branch of service with company letter (on the left collar) and regimental number and "US" (on the right). The complexity of military specialties and grade structure produced a system of chevrons to indicate branch and duty position. The sergeant on the left has a benzine ring on crossed retorts to indicate membership in the chemical warfare service. Holding a whistle, the other sergeant, whose stripes are obscured by the slicker he wears, has his special service indicated by a brassard. Military police did not yet enjoy full status as a permanent branch, so his collar has no branch disc, but rather uses an insignia of a headquarters detachment with a red backing. Both NCOs carry the M1911 .45 caliber pistol. The chemical sergeant is in full pack and wears his gas mask in the alert position on his chest; the MP, normally stationed behind the lines for traffic regulation duty, is wearing his mask in the more comfortable position at his side.