Bridgett Siter
MCOE Public Affairs
Since 1918, Fort Benning has served as the Home of the Infantry. Since 1940, Fort Knox, Ky., has served as the Home of Armor. The Maneuver Center of Excellence transformation began as a result of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's decision to move the Armor School to Fort Benning.
This historic move has resulted in an immense planning effort to transform Fort Benning into the MCOE by Sept. 15, 2011. The MCOE groundbreaking ceremony was held in February 2008.
The Infantry and Armor schools are working together on this process, with governance from the MCOE Board of Directors, comprised of senior leaders and their spouses from both installations.
More than $3.5 billion in construction will be invested on Fort Benning through 2016. Construction will include a massive buildup in the Harmony Church cantonment area, where the Armor School will be located. Sand Hill, Kelley Hill and Main Post will also see new facilities, upgrades and renovation. Building 4, formerly known as Infantry Hall, is being renovated and expanded to house headquarters for the MCOE and the Infantry and Armor schools.
The MCOE transformation is primarily but not solely related to the move of the Armor School, though the vast majority of construction and expansion anticipates an increased training demand and population. Armed Forces Reserve and Equipment Concentration Site, scheduled for construction in Harmony Church in 2010, is the result of the BRAC Commission's decision to close Fort Gillem, Ga. The number of pieces of equipment to be housed at the site, roughly 1,200, is equal to the number being transferred from Fort Knox.
August 7, 2009
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