<P> Pershing was sworn in as a West Point cadet in the fall of 1882 . He was selected early for leadership positions and became successively First Corporal, First Sergeant, First Lieutenant, and First Captain, the highest possible cadet rank . Pershing also commanded, ex officio, the honor guard that saluted the funeral train of President Ulysses S. Grant as it passed West Point in August 1885 . </P> <P> Pershing graduated in the summer of 1886 ranked 30th in his class of 77, and was commissioned a second lieutenant; he was commended by the West Point Superintendent, General Wesley Merritt, who said Pershing gave early promise of becoming an outstanding officer . Pershing briefly considered petitioning the Army to let him study law and delay the start of his mandatory military service . He also considered joining several classmates in a partnership that would pursue development of an irrigation project in Oregon . He ultimately decided against both courses of action in favor of active Army duty . </P> <P> Pershing reported for active duty on September 30, 1886, and was assigned to Troop L of the 6th U.S. Cavalry stationed at Fort Bayard, in the New Mexico Territory . While serving in the 6th Cavalry, Pershing participated in several Indian campaigns and was cited for bravery for actions against the Apache . During his time at Fort Stanton, Pershing and close friends Lt. Julius Penn and Lt. Richard B. Paddock were nicknamed "The Three Green P's," spending their leisure time hunting and attending Hispanic dances . Pershing's sister Grace married Paddock in 1890 . </P> <P> Between 1887 and 1890, Pershing served with the 6th Cavalry at various postings in California, Arizona, and North Dakota . He also became an expert marksman and, in 1891, was rated second in pistol and fifth in rifle out of all soldiers in the U.S. Army . </P>

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