The United States possessed no combat capable aircraft of its own in 1918 and relied on the French and English to provide them. Already stressed from three years of warfare, France and England were hard pressed to produce aircraft for the Americans in addition to their own wartime needs. The only aircraft available were worn out ships useful only for training. The U.S. could either accept them for combat or wait until more suitable aircraft could be provided delaying combat for months.

   When Maj Brereton took command, he was told no aircraft were available for combat. Unwilling to accept the delay, Brereton arranged for the 12th to be equipped with the Dorand AR.2.

   Slow, outdated and vulnerable the old ARs were ungainly outmoded cast-offs from the French Air Force when the 12th Aero Squadron received them in May 1918. This aircraft was crewed by a pilot and an observer/gunner. Its' poor maneuverability and speed relegated it to use as a training aircraft. Despite this, men of the 12th flew i these "Antique Rattletraps into combat from May through about June 1918.