What did the National Defense Act of 1916 primarily accomplish?

The National Defense Act of 1916 primarily accomplished the expansion of the United States Army and its aviation capabilities in responding to international threats and the need for modernization. This act significantly increased the number of personnel in the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps, emphasizing the importance of aviation in military operations during a period of growing global tensions.

At that time, the United States recognized the potential of aircraft in warfare and sought to enhance its military readiness by expanding its aviation force. The act did not create an independent Air Force, form a separate branch specifically for aeronautics, or formalize pilot training programs to the extent seen in later legislation. The focus was specifically on bolstering existing aviation resources within the framework of the Army, making the increase in personnel in the Aviation Section a critical achievement of the National Defense Act of 1916.