ABOUT Henry Caro NCOA, Fort Benning, GA
- Namesake Honor: The NCO Academy is named after Command Sergeant Major Henry Caro, a highly decorated World War II and Korea veteran, who became the first Hispanic-American to serve as the Command Sergeant Major of the Infantry School at Fort Benning.
- Legacy of Training: The Henry Caro NCO Academy (NCOA) has provided leadership development and advanced training for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) since its establishment in 1959.
- Historic Location: Located on Fort Benning (now Fort Moore), Georgia, the Academy is at the heart of the U.S. Army’s Infantry and Maneuver Center of Excellence.
- ALC and SLC: The Academy is renowned for conducting the Advanced Leader Course (ALC) and Senior Leader Course (SLC) for infantry NCOs—key milestones in an NCO’s career.
- Multi-National Training: Over the years, the Academy has hosted NCOs from allied nations, contributing to international military cooperation and sharing of best practices.
- Hall of Fame: The Henry Caro NCOA Hall of Fame honors graduates and instructors who have made significant contributions to the NCO Corps and the Army as a whole.
- Combat Experience: Many Academy instructors are combat veterans with operational experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, enriching student learning with real-world insights.
- Focus on Army Values: The Academy emphasizes the Army’s core values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage—in all aspects of its curriculum.
- Modernization: The Academy continuously updates its training methods, integrating technology such as virtual simulation and digital training platforms to enhance leadership and tactical skills.
- Alumni Impact: Graduates of the Henry Caro NCOA have gone on to serve in senior leadership roles across the Army, shaping unit readiness and the future of the NCO Corps.