What was the main mission given to the first Aero Squadron?

The first Aero Squadron was primarily tasked with protecting the Mexican Border from Poncho Villa, a prominent figure who led raids into U.S. territory in the early 1900s. This mission arose during a time of heightened tension along the border and marked one of the earliest uses of military aviation for border protection and reconnaissance. The squadron's formation and operations were specifically aimed at addressing the threats posed by Villa’s forces, making this the central focus of their activities during that period.

In context, while air defense, surveillance, and troop transport are important functions of military aviation, they were not the primary mission of the first Aero Squadron. Their establishment was a direct response to a specific security need rather than a general military role.