Fort Benning Gets a New Name and a Fresh Start in Georgia

News Summary

The town of Columbus, Georgia, is renaming Fort Moore back to Fort Benning, honoring Cpl. Fred G. Benning. This change reflects a commitment to better values while addressing the controversial history of the base and promoting the valor of true heroes.

Fort Benning Gets a New Name and a Fresh Start in Georgia

In a significant move that’s catching a lot of attention, the town of Columbus, Georgia is gearing up for a name change at a local military base. Yes, you heard it right! Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to revert Fort Moore back to its original name, Fort Benning, a change that was announced on March 3, 2025. This is not just any name change; it’s about honoring a brave World War I soldier while also stepping away from the controversial ties of the past.

A Name With a Rich History

The base was first renamed Fort Moore in 2023 to pay tribute to Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore. Lt. Gen. Moore is most remembered for his incredible service during the Vietnam War, where he displayed unmatched courage that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross. Julia Moore, meanwhile, played a crucial role in refining how the military notifies families about the loss of their loved ones. However, the original name, Fort Benning, celebrated Brig. Gen. Henry L. Benning, a Confederate officer who was strongly against the abolition of slavery. This made the name quite controversial in contemporary discussions about race and equality.

Honoring a Real Hero

Now, with Fort Benning’s return, the base will be named after Cpl. Fred G. Benning, another namesake with a heroic story. Cpl. Benning earned the Distinguished Service Cross during World War I for his incredible bravery on October 9, 1918, while serving in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France. He led his men through heavy enemy fire, showcasing the true spirit of sacrifice and valor. This switch really aims to reflect the valor of those who served the United States in a positive light.

Fort Benning’s Role in Military Training

Fort Benning has a long-standing reputation as a key military installation, serving as a training ground for infantry, cavalry scouts, and tanks. It’s also the home of the well-known Ranger School, which trains some of the most elite soldiers in the military. The renaming represents not just a change on paper, but a way to spotlight the base’s rich history and service to the country, while adhering to government legislation that prohibits naming military locations after Confederate figures.

The Pentagon’s Decision-Making

This decision is part of a broader trend within the Pentagon to revise the naming of military bases that glorified Confederate leaders, following a mandate from the 2021 defense budget. That initiative saw nine U.S. military installations getting new names, which has been a hot topic in the nation’s cultural conversation. Hegseth’s previous decisions, like restoring the name Fort Bragg back to honor Pfc. Roland L. Bragg instead of Confederate General Braxton Bragg, show a clear commitment to moving in this direction. Still, the process isn’t without its challenges, as some family members of those originally honored have expressed sadness about the changes.

Controversies and Concerns

Interestingly enough, these renaming efforts don’t always sit well with everyone. For instance, David Moore, son of Hal and Julia, expressed his concerns about the decision, highlighting the emotional impact such changes have. It’s worth noting that military historians have pointed out that the Naming Commission was quite careful to avoid choosing names connected to Confederate figures in their efforts. Hegseth has mentioned the importance of honoring the legacies of real heroes, signaling that this renaming aims to showcase the true spirit of service members.

A New Chapter for Fort Benning

So, as the name Fort Benning takes the stage once more, it signifies an important shift, emphasizing a commitment to honoring those who served honorably and making sure that history reflects values that resonate with today’s society. Here’s to new beginnings and the heroes who deserve our admiration!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• The New York Times
• Wikipedia: Fort Benning
• Task & Purpose
• Google Search: Fort Benning renaming
• CNN
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Confederate States of America
• WRBL
• Google News: Fort Benning changes
• WTVM
• UPI
• Military.com