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History of Army Infantry School, Ft. Benning

The Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, established in 1918 in Georgia, has long served as the premier institution for training the U.S. Army's infantry forces. Throughout its history, the school has developed and refined the tactics, techniques, and leadership skills required of infantry soldiers and officers. It played a pivotal role in preparing troops for every major conflict from World War I through the present day, including innovations in airborne, mechanized, and light infantry operations. Today, the Infantry School remains central to the Maneuver Center of Excellence, shaping the future of Army infantry warfare.

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ABOUT Army Infantry School, Ft. Benning

  • Establishment: The U.S. Army Infantry School was established in 1918 at Camp Benning, Georgia, to formalize infantry training during World War I.
  • Home of the Infantry: Fort Benning is known as the "Home of the Infantry," serving as the primary training center for U.S. Army infantry soldiers and officers.
  • Infantry Blue Cord: Graduates of the Infantry School's training receive the iconic Infantry Blue Cord, a distinctive mark of the infantry branch.
  • Ranger School Origin: The legendary U.S. Army Ranger School began at Fort Benning in 1950, further cementing the post’s reputation for elite training.
  • Officer Candidate School: The Infantry School hosted Officer Candidate School (OCS) during World War II, helping to commission tens of thousands of new officers.
  • Airborne and Air Assault Roots: Fort Benning was the birthplace of the Army’s Airborne forces, with the first parachute jump training conducted there in 1940.
  • Famous Alumni: Many notable military leaders, including Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf, graduated from courses at the Infantry School.
  • National Infantry Museum: The National Infantry Museum, located just outside Fort Benning, preserves the history and stories of the American infantryman and is a major attraction.
  • Integration of Training: The Infantry School was one of the first Army institutions to fully integrate training for all races following President Truman’s Executive Order 9981 in 1948.
  • Legacy of Transformation: Over its century-long history, the Infantry School has continually adapted its programs, from trench warfare to modern combined arms and digital battlefield tactics.

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