US Army Armor School

• Founded During WWII: The US Army Armor School was established in 1940 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to rapidly train tank crews and develop armored tactics as the US prepared for entry into World War II. • Birthplace of American Tank Doctrine: The school became the center for developing the US Army’s armored warfare doctrine, shaping how tanks and mechanized infantry would fight for decades. • Home of "Patton’s Own": Many famous commanders, including General George S. Patton, were associated with the Armor School, which cemented its reputation as the “Home of Armor.” • Moved to Fort Benning: In 2011, the Armor School relocated from Fort Knox, Kentucky, to Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative. • The Black Beret Tradition: For decades, graduates of the Armor School were authorized to wear the distinctive black beret, long before the Army adopted it Army-wide. • Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor: The school is historically linked with the Patton Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of armored vehicles and artifacts. • Tank Gunnery Simulators: The Armor School pioneered the use of advanced simulators for tank gunnery and crew coordination, improving training safety and effectiveness. • First to Train Women in Armor: In 2016, the Armor School began training the first female soldiers to serve in direct combat tank and cavalry roles, marking a historic integration. • Birth of the “Armor Officer Basic Course”: The Armor Officer Basic Course (AOBC) has trained thousands of officers in leadership, tactics, and the technical aspects of armored warfare. • International Allies: The Armor School regularly trains students from allied and partner nations, sharing US armored tactics and technology with militaries around the world.