About this Unit
The U.S. Armor School, established in 1940 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, became the premier institution for training American tank crews and developing armored warfare doctrine. Throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War, the school played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. armored tactics and technology. It provided instruction for officers, noncommissioned officers, and enlisted soldiers in all aspects of armored operations, maintenance, and leadership. In 2010, the Armor School relocated to Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the Army's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, but its legacy at Fort Knox remains a cornerstone of U.S. armored history.
Historical Facts
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Founding Year: The U.S. Army Armor School was established in 1940 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to train soldiers in armored warfare as the U.S. prepared to enter World War II.
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Birthplace of U.S. Armored Forces: Fort Knox is often called the “Home of Armor” because it was the primary center for armored force development, doctrine, and training for more than 70 years.
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General Patton’s Legacy: General George S. Patton, one of America’s most famous tank commanders, helped form early armored units and trained at Fort Knox, shaping U.S. armored tactics.
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Tanker Statue: The iconic “Tanker” statue at Fort Knox, depicting a World War II tank soldier, became a symbol of the Armor Branch and its proud heritage.
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Armored Force School and Replacement Center: During WWII, the school trained nearly 400,000 soldiers, including members of the famed 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the “Black Panthers.”
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Armor Museum: The General George Patton Museum, located at Fort Knox, houses one of the largest collections of armored vehicles, historic tanks, and Patton memorabilia in the world.
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Cold War Training: During the Cold War, Fort Knox was the main training site for American tankers, preparing them for a possible confrontation with the Soviet Union.
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Women in Armor: In 2016, the Armor School at Fort Knox began training female soldiers for combat roles in tank and cavalry units, marking a significant milestone in military integration.
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Move to Fort Benning: In 2011, as part of the Army’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan, the U.S. Armor School relocated from Fort Knox to Fort Benning, Georgia, ending a 71-year legacy at Knox.
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Hollywood Connections: Fort Knox and its armor school have appeared in numerous films, including the James Bond movie “Goldfinger,” which featured Fort Knox’s famous gold depository and nearby tank training grounds.
