Location
Fort Benning is located in an area commonly known as the “Tri-Community”, comprised of Columbus, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama. Columbus, known as Georgia’s third-largest city, is a growing community of 250,000. Besides being the home of the Best Army Installation in the World, Fort Benning, Columbus is the corporate headquarters of many leading companies such as AFLAC Insurance. Average family income is $36,405. The stunning Florida gulf shores and picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains are only a few hours drive from Fort Benning.
History
Fort Benning was established in 1918, is named after Confederate General Henry L. Benning, who had lived in Columbus. The installation covers 182,000 acres. Since 1918 For Benning has been an integral part of training our Army. Today, Fort Benning is the Maneuver Center of Excellence and home of the Armor and Infantry. All Armor and Infantry Soldiers start their army journey here.
It was renamed Fort Moore on May 15, 2023, as required by the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
In addition to the installation name change, the post plans to adjust naming of real properties, buildings, and roads as part of a multi-phased process to implement all approved recommendations of the Naming Commission, authorized by the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and directed by the Department of Defense. Fort Moore will continue to work closely with community leaders while remaining committed to partnerships throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.
Mission
Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence provides trained, agile, adaptive and ready Soldiers and leaders for an Army at war, while developing future requirements for the individual Soldier and the Maneuver Force, and providing a world class quality of life for our Soldiers and Army families.
Population Served
Fort Benning population has the following: Military – Active Duty 27,436; Support Reserve Components 6,639; and Retired 13,248. Dependents – On-Post Active Duty 7,268; Off-Post Active Duty 14,146; and Off-Post Retired 30,478. Civilian Employees – DoD Appropriated 3,250; Non-appropriated, AAFES, Contract, and other 5,162. Total Fort Benning Population is 107,627.
Base Transportation
The Fort Benning Shuttle Bus operates Monday thru Saturday except on Federal Holidays. The Shuttle Bus stops at established Bus stops only. These stops are well marked and conveniently located throughout Fort Benning. For more information on times and locations please call 706-544-4516.
Sponsorship
To initiate the Fort Benning Sponsorship Program it is essential that Soldiers complete the DA Form 5434 during their reassignment processing at their last duty station. The DA Form 5434 advises the command of any special needs and support mechanisms that the Total Army Sponsorship Program must muster to help the Soldier and his family. The completed DA Form 5434 should be sent to: Adjutant General/Military Personnel, Enlisted Strength Management Branch, Fort Benning, GA 31905. All military personnel are required to sign-in at Installation Replacement, Building 2607, Soldiers’ Plaza, 706-545-3608/4577 for in-processing.
If a DA Form 5434 is not completed, then a reactionary sponsor will be appointed after the arrival of the Soldier.
Temporary Quarters
Soldiers traveling on official orders (PCS/TDY) have priority and may make reservations in advance. Travelers who are not on official orders may make reservations 45 days in advance on a space available basis. Room rates range from $36 to $66 per night and may accommodate single and double guest rooms. Check-in times are 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. unless reservation is guaranteed with a credit card for late arrival. After 6:00 p.m. vacant rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check-out time is 11:00 a.m. Continental breakfast provided. Requests for reservations and further assistance can be made by telephone at FREE 706-689-0067 ext. 2800 or ext. 2538. Visit us in person at Olson Hall Bldg. 399 on post. When making your reservations, please inform the reservation clerk if you have special needs such as cribs, etc.
Relocation Assistance
The Army Community Service (ACS) Relocation Program and Lending Closet are located at 7117 Baltzell Ave. Bldg 7, the hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. You may call for directions or for more information at 706-545-4485. Digital Welcome Packets are available, to include maps and information for on-post and community programs/services are available. There is a dedicated Internet station for use by transitioning families.
The Relocation Readiness Program offers the Newcomers Orientation every Wednesday and a bus tour the third Thursday of each month, this is a great way to see various points of interest. On Post Organizations and Services are there to provide you with the most current services and programs available. Lending Closet has a variety of items to lend while you wait for your household goods to arrive. For more information on what is available and documentation needed to use the lending closet please call 706-545-4485.
Critical Installation Information
Access to the installation is controlled through vehicle checkpoints. All vehicles will be stop at the gates. Drivers and passengers should be prepared to present identification. Children 15 and younger are exempt.
Frequently Called Numbers on Base
Base Operator: 706-545-2011
Army Community Service: 706-545-7517
Welcome/Visitor Center: 706-544-9129
Relocation Assistant: 706-545-4485
Housing Referral: 706-545-3921
Housing Office: 706-545-2990
Temporary Lodging Reservations: 706-689-0067 ext. 2800 or ext. 2538
Child Care: 706-545-3732
Hospital: 706-544-2273
