Fort Benning

Columbus, Georgia

Overview

Fort Benning is one of the most important and recognizable U.S. Army installations, located in Columbus, Georgia along the Alabama border. The post serves as a major center for infantry training, basic combat training, and airborne operations.

Fort Benning is best known as the home of the United States Army Infantry School and the United States Army Airborne School, where generations of soldiers have earned the title of Infantryman and Paratrooper.

For many service members, Fort Benning represents the beginning of their Army career and the place where they learned the fundamentals of soldiering.

History

Fort Benning was established in 1918 as Camp Benning, created to support infantry training during World War I.

The installation was named after Henry L. Benning, a Confederate general and Georgia native. Over the decades, Fort Benning grew into one of the Army’s primary training installations.

During World War II, the post expanded significantly as the Army trained large numbers of infantry soldiers and paratroopers. It became a central location for airborne training, helping to prepare units for operations in Europe.

Fort Benning continued to play a key role during:

• World War II

• The Korean War

• The Vietnam War

• Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

In 2023, the installation was redesignated as Fort Moore, and in 2025, it was officially renamed back to Fort Benning, now honoring Corporal Fred G. Benning, a World War I Distinguished Service Cross recipient.

Infantry Training Mission

Fort Benning is the heart of U.S. Army infantry training.

The installation hosts Basic Combat Training (BCT) and One Station Unit Training (OSUT), where soldiers are trained specifically for infantry roles.

Training includes:

• Marksmanship and weapons qualification

• Land navigation

• Tactical movement and field exercises

• Physical fitness and endurance

• Combat skills and small-unit tactics

For many soldiers, Fort Benning is where they first learn what it means to be part of the Army.

Airborne School

Fort Benning is home to the Army’s Airborne School, where soldiers earn their Parachutist Badge.

The three-week course includes:

• Ground Week — physical training and parachute landing techniques

• Tower Week — training on jump towers

• Jump Week — completing five parachute jumps from aircraft

Graduates earn the right to wear Airborne wings, one of the most recognizable badges in the Army.

The airborne mission has made Fort Benning synonymous with paratrooper training and airborne operations.

Units and Organizations

Fort Benning supports several key Army organizations focused on training and readiness.

Major organizations include:

• United States Army Infantry School

• Airborne School

• Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE)

• Training brigades responsible for BCT and OSUT

These organizations train thousands of soldiers every year and prepare them for service across the Army.

Training and Operations

Fort Benning’s extensive training areas allow for a wide range of military exercises.

Training activities include:

• Live-fire weapons qualification

• Infantry field exercises

• Airborne operations

• Leadership development programs

The installation’s facilities support both entry-level training and advanced soldier development.

Location

Fort Benning is located in Columbus, Georgia, along the Chattahoochee River, which forms the border between Georgia and Alabama.

The surrounding area supports a large military community, including:

• Active-duty soldiers

• Military families

• Veterans and retirees

Columbus has long been closely tied to the presence of Fort Benning and its mission.

Fort Benning Today

Today, Fort Benning remains one of the Army’s most important training centers.

The installation continues to support:

• Infantry training and development

• Airborne operations

• Entry-level and advanced training programs

• Leadership development for future Army leaders

Its role in shaping soldiers ensures that Fort Benning remains a cornerstone of Army readiness.

Did You Train at Fort Benning?

Many soldiers remember Fort Benning through:

• Basic Combat Training (BCT)

• Infantry OSUT

• Airborne School and Jump Week

• Time spent training in the Georgia heat

For generations of soldiers, Fort Benning represents the beginning of their Army journey and the foundation of their military career.