Fort Benning Returns: A Historic Name Change with New Honors

The U.S. Army’s premier training installation for infantry and armored soldiers will officially re-embrace its original name, Fort Benning, located in Columbus, Georgia. This decision comes as part of a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who announced on Monday that the installation would revert to its previous designation after being rebranded as Fort Moore during the Biden administration.

However, this change carries a significant twist. The base will no longer honor Confederate General Henry L. Benning, the historical figure for whom it was originally named. Instead, it will pay tribute to Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero who received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary valor in action during a 1918 engagement in France.

Significance of the Name Change

Hegseth explained that the decision to rename the installation underscores its illustrious history of service to the nation. He emphasized that this change recognizes the warriors who have trained within the camp’s storied boundaries for decades. The acknowledgment of historical military figures now reflects values aligned with contemporary perspectives.

The name change is a key component of the ongoing campaign by the Trump administration to reverse a Biden-era initiative that resulted from the 2020 George Floyd protests. This initiative sought to change the names of military bases originally named after Confederate figures.

Fort Bragg and Other Historical Renamings

The revocation of Fort Moore is not an isolated incident. In February, Hegseth ordered that Fort Liberty would also revert to the name Fort Bragg. Originally designated in 1918, Fort Bragg was named after General Braxton Bragg, a Confederate general known for his controversial legacy, including slave ownership and his defeat in key battles of the Civil War.

The transition from Fort Liberty to Fort Bragg pays homage to Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero who achieved the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of the Bulge.

Role of Fort Benning in Military Training

Fort Benning has long stood as a cornerstone for Army training, particularly for infantry personnel. The installation hosts the Army’s Infantry School, the renowned Army Ranger School, and provides basic training for soldiers in various non-combat roles. Furthermore, in a strategic move, the Army armor school shifted its base of operations from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to Fort Benning, enhancing its operational capabilities.

Legacy of Fort Moore

Prior to this renaming, Fort Moore was memorialized in honor of Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia. Hal Moore’s commendable service during the Vietnam War, where he commanded the 1st Battalion of the 7th Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Benning, earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. His experiences during the first significant battle of the Vietnam War at Ia Drang are famously portrayed in the 2002 film “We Were Soldiers” starring Mel Gibson.

On the other hand, Julia Moore played a pivotal role in changing the military’s approach to casualty notifications. She successfully advocated for a policy mandating that military families be informed of a service member’s death in person, rather than receiving a telegram. This significant change has had a lasting impact on military communication practices.

Honoring Contributions to the Army

In light of the changes, Hegseth directed that the Army pay homage to the legacies of both Lieutenant General Harold Moore and Ms. Julia Moore. His instructions aim to celebrate their significant contributions to the local community and the Army at large, fostering a deeper connection between the installation and its history.

The renaming of Fort Benning serves not just as a return to its roots but represents a shift toward recognizing the valor and sacrifices of those who served the nation under more accepting values of today.

A Shift in Military Culture

This systematic reversal of names tied to controversial figures signifies a broader cultural shift within the military. The landscape of military honors is evolving as institutions strive to reflect today’s values better while maintaining respect for the sacrifices of those who came before.

As conversations around race and representation continue to shape America’s societal framework, these changes within the military lend weight to the ongoing discourse. Histories must be revisited to align them with a future that prioritizes inclusivity and respect, ensuring all service members feel honored in their contributions.

In summary, the decision to rename Fort Benning not only adds a new layer of homage but also strives to modernize the representation of military heroes. Cpl. Fred G. Benning’s valor during World War I is now enshrined in a name that echoes the heart of the installation’s training ethos. Through this change, the Army endeavors to honor the true spirit of sacrifice while forging a path forward that resonates with the values of a diverse nation.