Final answer:
American commanders would be eager to test new military technology in the field against Villa for several reasons, including retaliation for Villa's attack on Columbus, demonstrating the effectiveness of new technology, and gaining experience to develop a stronger fighting force.
Step-by-step explanation:
American commanders would be eager to test new military technology in the field against Villa for several reasons. First, Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico, resulted in the death of seventeen Americans and the burning down of the town center. This event provoked a strong response from President Wilson, who commissioned General Pershing to capture Villa and disperse his rebels. Testing new military technology in the field would give American commanders an opportunity to retaliate against Villa's attack and demonstrate the effectiveness of the new technology.
Additionally, the Mexican Revolution provided a real-world testing ground for the modern American military forces and the National Guard. The border troubles with Mexico served as an important field test for the United States' military capabilities. By testing new technology in the field against Villa, American commanders could assess its effectiveness and make necessary improvements.
Lastly, the experience gained from testing new military technology in the field would contribute to the development of a more professional fighting force. The troops deployed to capture Villa gained valuable experience and developed into a stronger fighting force. This experience would later form the basis of the U.S. army when it declared war against the Central Powers a few months later.