Maneuver Center of Excellence

Maneuver Center of Excellence
Unit name	Maneuver Center of Excellence
Dates	2009–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	TRADOC center
Role	Doctrine, training, and leader development for maneuver forces
Garrison	Fort Moore, Georgia
Garrison label	Headquarters
Commander1 label	Commanding General

Maneuver Center of Excellence. The Maneuver Center of Excellence is a major component of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command responsible for developing doctrine, conducting training, and fostering leader development for the United States Army's maneuver forces. Established in 2009 as part of a major reorganization, it consolidates the core functions for infantry and armor branches at Fort Moore. The center serves as the intellectual and training hub for the force, ensuring the readiness and modernization of the Army's primary close-combat formations.

History

The center was formed in 2009 through the Base Realignment and Closure process, which merged the functions of the United States Army Infantry School at Fort Benning and the United States Army Armor School at Fort Knox. This consolidation under the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command aimed to increase efficiency and synergy between the infantry and armor branches. The move of the United States Army Armor School to Georgia was a historic shift, bringing the two premier maneuver branches together at a single installation, subsequently renamed Fort Moore in 2023. This integration built upon the legacy of both schools, which had shaped American land power since their establishments following World War I and through pivotal conflicts like World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Organization

The Maneuver Center of Excellence is led by a commanding general who also serves as the commandant of the United States Army Infantry School and the United States Army Armor School. Key subordinate organizations include the Maneuver Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate, which focuses on future requirements, and the Maneuver Center of Excellence G-3/5/7, which handles operations, plans, and training. The center also oversees the Henry Caro Noncommissioned Officer Academy and the Maneuver Center of Excellence Logistics Directorate. It works in close coordination with other United States Army Training and Doctrine Command centers, such as the Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill and the Mission Command Center of Excellence at Fort Leavenworth.

Functions and responsibilities

The primary function is to develop, evaluate, and integrate doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, and facilities for the United States Army's maneuver force. This includes determining capabilities and requirements for future infantry and armor systems, from the M1 Abrams tank to the next-generation XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle. The center is responsible for the professional education and training of all maneuver force soldiers, from initial entry to advanced courses for senior leaders. It also provides subject matter expertise to units across the United States Army Forces Command and advises on the operational concepts tested at the Joint Readiness Training Center and the National Training Center.

Training and doctrine development

The center executes the United States Army's institutional training for the infantry and armor military occupational specialties through courses like the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course and the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course. It develops and maintains core doctrinal publications, including Field Manual 3-0, Operations and the Army Techniques Publication 3-90.1, Armor and Mechanized Infantry Company Team. The Maneuver Center of Excellence plays a central role in experimenting with new tactics and integrating emerging technologies, often in collaboration with the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and units from the XVIII Airborne Corps. Training extends to allied forces through programs like the Security Force Assistance Brigade and partnerships with nations such as the United Kingdom and Australia.

Facilities and locations

The center is headquartered at Fort Moore, a major installation spanning parts of Georgia and Alabama. Key training facilities include the massive Maneuver Center of Excellence footprint, which encompasses the Infantry School, the Armor School, and the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade. The installation features world-class ranges like the McKenna Military Operations in Urban Terrain complex, the Red Cloud range, and the Tank Table VIII qualification course. Other significant locations under its purview include the Maneuver Center of Excellence training areas at Fort Johnson and coordination cells with the United States Army Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth.

Notable units and components

Notable formations operating under or in direct support of the center include the 197th Infantry Brigade, which conducts initial entry training, and the 316th Cavalry Brigade, responsible for armor training. The elite Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade administers the Ranger School and United States Army Airborne School. The center also oversees the activities of the Maneuver Center of Excellence Band and maintains a close relationship with historical units like the 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the 75th Ranger Regiment. These components ensure the center connects the Army's storied past with its future operational concepts.

Category:United States Army Training and Doctrine Command Category:Fort Moore Category:2009 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)