In December 1880, Poland was promoted to major in the 18th Infantry. After another extended leave, in November 1881 he joined the faculty of the new School of Application of Infantry and Cavalry at Fort Leavenworth. The institution was subsequently renamed the Infantry and Cavalry School, and was the predecessor of the United States Army Command and General Staff College. Poland remained on the faculty until July 1886. In May 1886, he received promotion to lieutenant colonel in the 21st Infantry.
