Fort Benning, GA

Fort Benning, near Columbus, Georgia, is home to the Maneuver Center of Excellence, and since 1918 it has been the Army’s premier training center, first for infantry Soldiers and then for armor, cavalry, airborne and air mobility, Rangers and officer candidates, according to the Fort Benning MilitaryINSTALLATIONS overview. The post’s name honors Cpl. Fred G. Benning, who received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in France in 1918.

Getting on post

Access is controlled at vehicle checkpoints, and drivers and passengers should be ready to show identification; REAL ID is required, per the Fort Benning MilitaryINSTALLATIONS page. Visitors process for a pass at the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center (Lindsey Creek Parkway and I-185), open 24 hours (706-544-1033).

Checking in: Ridgway Hall first

New Soldiers report during duty hours to Ridgway Hall, Building 35, Room 239, for accountability and to start in-processing, per the check-in page. After duty hours, report to the post Staff Duty NCO or officer in charge at McGinnis-Wickam Hall, 1 Karker Street, Building 4 (706-545-2218). “Soldiers/servicemembers SHOULD NOT report to their units prior to signing into the Installation Replacement Operations Center UNLESS for barracks housing for single soldiers.” Students and trainees are in-processed by the commander running their course. In-processing questions: 706-905-0560.

Housing: The Villages of Benning

The Villages of Benning manage on-post family housing; the Welcome Center and Leasing Office is at 601 Lumpkin Street (706-685-3939), per the housing page. The Villages charge no application fee or security deposit for active-duty members, and no pet deposit for the first two approved pets. Your place on the waitlist depends on the date you departed your last duty station, but if you apply more than 30 days after arrival, your effective date becomes the date of application. Single Soldiers contact the Unaccompanied Housing Office (706-545-3921).

Medical care: Martin Army Community Hospital

Martin Army Community Hospital, 6600 Van Aalst Blvd., provides inpatient care and has an emergency room, per the health care page. The information desk is open 24 hours a day (762-408-2604); primary care appointments are at 762-408-2273. In an emergency, report to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.

Schools: DoDEA on post

Fort Benning schools “are a part of the Department of Defense Education activity (DoDEA)”, in its Americas Southeast District, the education page says. There are five schools, four elementary and one middle, serving families living on post from pre-K through 8th grade; high school students living on post may attend Spencer High School in Columbus or Chattahoochee High School. School Liaison: 706-545-2034.

Before you arrive

Sign in at Ridgway Hall before your unit, apply to The Villages within 30 days of arrival, and contact the School Liaison about DoDEA enrollment.