Hegseth orders iconic Georgia base to revert to Fort Benning, but with a twist

The U.S. Army’s renowned installation for training infantry and armor soldiers is set to revert to its original name, Fort Benning, after a brief period of being known as Fort Moore. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the decision on Monday, directing the Columbus, Georgia, military base to reclaim its historic designation. However, the base will not honor its original namesake, Confederate Gen. Henry L. Benning, as initially intended. Instead, the name Fort Benning will now pay tribute to Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero who earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in France in 1918. This change is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to undo a Biden-era initiative that sought to rename military installations previously named after Confederate figures, a move sparked by the 2020 George Floyd protests and the national reckoning over racism.

The decision to revert to Fort Benning reflects a complex interplay of history, identity, and values within the U.S. military. While the base will no longer honor a Confederate general, the choice to name it after Cpl. Fred G. Benning underscores the Army’s commitment to celebrating heroes whose legacies align with the values of service, courage, and sacrifice. Hegseth emphasized the significance of this change, stating, “This change underscores the installation’s storied history of service to the United States of America, honors the warfighter ethos, and recognizes the heroes who have trained at the installation for decades and will continue to train on its storied ranges.” The renaming is part of a larger pattern, as Hegseth recently ordered Fort Liberty to revert to Fort Bragg, another base originally named after a Confederate general. However, in that case, the new name will honor Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II hero who earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery during the Battle of the Bulge.

Fort Benning, now reverting to its original name, holds immense historical and operational significance within the Army. It has long been the home of the Army’s Infantry School and the elite Army Ranger School, as well as a hub for basic training for soldiers in non-combat fields. In recent years, the Army’s Armor School relocated from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to the Georgia installation, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of military training. The base’s previous designation as Fort Moore, during the Biden administration, was intended to honor Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, a decorated Vietnam War commander, and his wife, Julia Moore, a tireless advocate for military families. Hal Moore’s leadership during the Battle of Ia Drang, the first major engagement of the Vietnam War, was immortalized in the 2002 film We Were Soldiers, starring Mel Gibson. Julia Moore, meanwhile, successfully lobbied the Pentagon to ensure that military families were notified of war casualties in person, rather than by telegram, a compassionate reform that has had a lasting impact.

Despite the decision to revert to Fort Benning, Secretary Hegseth has directed the Army to continue honoring the legacy of Lt. Gen. Harold Moore and Julia Moore’s contributions to the military and local community. Their storied service and advocacy will be celebrated in other ways, ensuring their impact remains a part of the installation’s history. This duality—reclaiming the name Fort Benning while also acknowledging the Moorses’ contributions—reflects the Army’s efforts to navigate the complexities of history, identity, and inclusivity. The decision to name the base after Cpl. Fred G. Benning, a World War I hero, serves as a bridge between the past and present, emphasizing the importance of honoring individuals whose actions embody the values of the U.S. military.

The renaming of Fort Benning and other military installations highlights the ongoing debate over how the nation grapples with its historical legacy, particularly regarding symbols tied to the Confederacy. The Biden administration’s initiative to rename bases originally named after Confederate generals was a response to growing calls for racial justice and the removal of symbols associated with racism and oppression. The Trump administration’s decision to reverse these changes reflects a different approach, one that privileges historical continuity and the celebration of military heroes over the reexamination of problematic symbols. While the choice to honor Cpl. Fred G. Benning and Pfc. Roland L. Bragg allows the military to maintain a connection to its past while embracing more inclusive values, it also raises questions about how institutions can meaningfully reconcile with histories that are at once heroic and problematic.

As Fort Benning moves forward under its reclaimed name, the installation will continue to serve as a vital training ground for the next generation of soldiers. Its storied ranges, where countless service members have honed their skills and prepared for combat, will remain a testament to the enduring spirit of the U.S. military. The decision to name the base after Cpl. Fred G. Benning ensures that the legacy of heroism and sacrifice will endure, even as the nation continues to grapple with the complexities of its past. The renaming of Fort Benning is not just a change in nomenclature; it is a reflection of the Army’s commitment to honoring its history while embracing a future that values diversity, inclusion, and the contributions of all service members. As the military continues to evolve, how it names its installations will remain a powerful symbol of its values and priorities, shaping the identity of its soldiers and the nation they serve.