The U.S. Army's primary training center for infantry and armor troops is reverting to its original name, Fort Benning, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's directive. This Georgia-based installation was previously renamed Fort Moore during the Biden administration. The reinstated name, however, will honor a different Benning: World War I hero Cpl. Fred G. Benning, recognized for his exceptional bravery in France in 1918, and recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross. It will not commemorate the Confederate Gen. Henry L. Benning, the original namesake.

Fort Benning serves as a training hub for Army recruits and houses the Infantry and Armor schools. (US Army)

Hegseth explained that the change acknowledges the installation's rich history, emphasizes the warrior spirit, and pays tribute to the countless soldiers trained there. This decision is another step in the Trump administration's efforts to reverse the Biden-era initiative to rename military bases that bore the names of Confederate figures. This initiative was prompted by the 2020 George Floyd protests.

This renaming follows a similar action in February, when Fort Bragg's name was restored, but with a twist. Originally named after Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, it now honors WWII hero Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, recognized for his valor during the Battle of the Bulge.

Soldiers training at Fort Benning. (Patrick A. Albright/U.S. Army)

Fort Benning has a long-standing history as the home of the Army's infantry school and the elite Ranger School. It also conducts basic training for soldiers in non-combat roles. Recently, the Army's armor school was also moved to Fort Benning from Fort Knox, Kentucky. The base was briefly known as Fort Moore, in honor of Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, known for his leadership during the Vietnam War and portrayed in the film "We Were Soldiers," and his wife, Julia, an advocate for improved casualty notification procedures for military families.

Soldiers at a ceremony at Fort Moore. (Patrick Albright/U.S. Army)

Hegseth also directed the Army to find a suitable way to honor the legacies of Lt. Gen. Hal Moore and Julia Moore, acknowledging their contributions to the community and the Army.