Fort Benning
Fort Benning PCS Guide
Base History & Name
Command Sgt. Maj. of the Colombian army (COLAR) Diego F. Rodriguez, gives an overview brief of COLAR noncommissioned officer corps education and training during Programa Integral para Suboficiales de Alta Jerarquía (PISAJ-20) at Fort Benning, Ga., May 5, 2025. PISAJ is a geo-strategic...
Fort Benning was established in 1918 as a training camp for infantry units during World War I. Its original mission focused on preparing soldiers for modern warfare, reflecting the Army’s rapid expansion needs.
The base’s location near Columbus, Georgia, offered ample space for large-scale maneuvers and live-fire exercises. This setting allowed the Army to conduct realistic training and develop effective combat tactics.
Major construction phases occurred during World War II, when Fort Benning expanded rapidly to accommodate tens of thousands of troops. The base became the home of the U.S. Army Infantry School, cementing its role as the Army’s premier infantry training center.
During this period, the installation also hosted airborne and ranger training, shaping generations of Army leaders. These programs helped establish Fort Benning’s reputation for excellence in military instruction.
Throughout the Cold War, Fort Benning continued to evolve. It supported the development of new tactics and technologies, including the integration of armored and mechanized infantry units.
The base was a key site for the creation of the Airborne School and the establishment of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Its influence extended to doctrine development and leadership training for the entire Army.
In recent decades, Fort Benning has remained central to Army training. It merged with the Armor School from Fort Knox in 2011, becoming the Maneuver Center of Excellence.
This integration broadened its mission to include both infantry and armor training. In May 2023, Fort Benning was officially renamed Fort Moore to honor Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife Julia Compton Moore, reflecting a shift in Army policy to move away from Confederate namesakes.
Today, the installation remains a vital hub for Army readiness and a major economic driver in the Columbus region.
Namesake
In 2023, the installation was renamed Fort Moore to honor Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Compton Moore. Hal Moore was a decorated Army officer best known for his leadership at the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War, which was depicted in the book and film "We Were Soldiers Once...And Young." Julia Compton Moore was a pioneering advocate for military families, instrumental in changing Army policies regarding casualty notification and support.
Major Units & Training Programs
Command Sgt. Maj. of the Colombian army (COLAR) Diego F. Rodriguez, gives an overview brief of COLAR noncommissioned officer corps education and training during Programa Integral para Suboficiales de Alta Jerarquía (PISAJ-20) at Fort Benning, Ga., May 5, 2025. PISAJ is a geo-strategic...
Major Units
U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE)
Serves as the Army's proponent for training and developing maneuver forces, integrating doctrine, training, and leader development for infantry and armor units.
198th Infantry Brigade
Responsible for conducting Basic Combat Training for new Army recruits, transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers.
316th Cavalry Brigade
Provides advanced training to Armor and Cavalry soldiers, focusing on reconnaissance and security operations.
75th Ranger Regiment
An elite airborne light infantry unit specializing in direct action raids and special operations missions worldwide.
Training Schools
U.S. Army Infantry School
Overview
Trains and develops infantry soldiers and leaders in foundational and advanced infantry tactics, marksmanship, and leadership skills.
Course Length
Varies (from 14 weeks for Infantry OSUT to several weeks for advanced courses)
Who Attends
Enlisted infantry recruits, NCOs, and officers
U.S. Army Armor School
Overview
Provides training for Armor branch soldiers and leaders, focusing on tank, cavalry, and reconnaissance operations.
Course Length
Varies (from 15 weeks for Armor OSUT to several weeks for advanced courses)
Who Attends
Armor branch recruits, NCOs, and officers
U.S. Army Airborne School
Overview
Teaches soldiers the skills necessary to conduct parachute operations, including jump techniques and airborne tactics.
Course Length
3 weeks
Who Attends
Volunteers from all Army branches, other U.S. military services, and allied nations
Arrival & In-Processing
The demolition site where crews have worked for months dismantling the old hospital piece by piece, leaving two towers standing in the gated area December 20, 2024, Fort Moore, Georgia, formerly know as Fort Benning.
Welcome to Fort Benning, one of the Army’s premier training installations. Arriving prepared ensures a smooth check-in and helps you and your family settle in quickly. Review the requirements below and visit the official Fort Benning website for updates before your move.
Fort Benning’s primary entrance is the Main Gate (also known as the Benning Road Gate), which is open 24/7 for authorized personnel. Other gates, such as the Harmony Church and Sand Hill Gates, have varying hours—check the base website for current schedules. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or a state-issued driver’s license compliant with the REAL ID Act. Expect 100% ID checks at all gates, and be prepared for random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s robust security posture. For family members or visitors without a DoD ID, stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) just outside the Main Gate to obtain a pass. Sponsors or authorized personnel must accompany guests during the pass process.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical and Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
Fort Benning offers a robust sponsor program to help newcomers transition smoothly. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit’s S1 or personnel office as soon as you receive orders. They will assign a sponsor who can answer questions, coordinate arrival details, and assist with in-processing.
Report to the Soldier Processing Center (Welcome Center, Building 2607) for in-processing. The center is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Key steps include checking in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and your assigned unit. Plan for the process to take 2–3 business days, depending on your needs and required briefings.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate, making it easy for visitors and new arrivals to access before entering Fort Benning. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorships.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
With a large portion of military moves requiring the involvement of packers and movers, it’s the Army Transportation Office’s job to ensure standards are being met.
Arriving at Fort Benning starts with receiving your official PCS orders. Next, contact your current installation’s Transportation Office to schedule your move and get guidance. You’ll choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also called DITY, where you move your own goods for possible reimbursement. Use the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) at move.mil to manage your move, upload documents, and track your shipment. This system lets you schedule pickups and deliveries and communicate with your Transportation Office. Fort Benning’s Transportation Office supports both HHG and PPM moves and can answer your questions about local delivery and storage. When you PCS, you may qualify for entitlements like Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for lodging costs while house hunting or waiting for quarters, and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to offset moving expenses. Know your weight allowance to avoid extra costs. Review your entitlements and rates at official DoD sites before you move. For Fort Benning, coordinate with the local office for specific requirements, especially during busy summer months. Use your sponsor and the Fort Benning newcomer’s resources to ease your transition.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early for local guidance and support.
- Keep orders, IDs, and moving documents with you—not in packed boxes.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess charges.
- Contact the Fort Benning Transportation Office for delivery scheduling tips.
- Label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking.
- Take photos of valuable items before movers pack them.
- Book temporary lodging as soon as you receive orders, especially in summer.
Important Forms & Links
Access the Defense Personal Property System to manage your PCS move.
Official DoD site for per diem rates and travel entitlements.
Comprehensive moving resources and checklists.
Official Fort Benning welcome and orientation information.
Schools & Childcare
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