United States Army Armor School

United States Army Armor School. It is the premier institution for training the United States Army's armor and cavalry forces, responsible for developing doctrine, standards, and leaders for the armored branch. Operating under the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command and the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, the school is headquartered at Fort Moore in Georgia. Its mission encompasses the full spectrum of armored warfare, from individual soldier skills to combined arms maneuver, ensuring the Armor Branch remains a decisive force on the modern battlefield.

History

The school's origins trace to the establishment of the United States Army Cavalry School at Fort Riley in Kansas and the early mechanization efforts of the Interwar period. It was formally activated as the Armored Force School at Fort Knox in Kentucky in 1940, following the creation of the United States Army Armored Forces under General Adna Chaffee Jr.. During World War II, it trained the vast armored formations that fought in campaigns like the North African campaign, the Battle of Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. Post-war, it was central to developing Cold War armor tactics against the Soviet Union, and its focus evolved through the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, relocating from Fort Knox to Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) in 2010 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process.

Organization and location

The Armor School is a key component of the United States Army Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Moore, which also includes the United States Army Infantry School. It falls under the overarching authority of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. The school is organized into several directorates and departments, including the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course, the Armor Captain's Career Course, and the 316th Cavalry Brigade, which conducts enlisted and non-commissioned officer training. This structure ensures integrated training across all ranks and specialties within the Armor Branch and the United States Army Cavalry.

Training and curriculum

Training at the school is comprehensive, covering individual, crew, and collective tasks for armored warfare. Core courses include the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course for new Second Lieutenants, the Armor Captain's Career Course, and the Master Gunner program. Enlisted soldiers progress through the One Station Unit Training for M1 Abrams tank crewmen, while advanced courses are run by the 316th Cavalry Brigade. The curriculum emphasizes mastery of platforms like the M1 Abrams main battle tank and the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, combined arms integration, and modern warfighting concepts in large-scale combat operations. Training leverages advanced simulators and live-fire exercises at ranges like the Red Cloud Complex.

Notable personnel

Throughout its history, the Armor School has been associated with legendary military figures. Early influential commanders and instructors included General George S. Patton, a pioneer of American armored warfare. General Creighton Abrams, for whom the M1 Abrams tank is named, served as a key leader in the branch. Other notable personnel include General Paul Funk, a commander during the Gulf War, and General Frederick M. Franks Jr., who commanded VII Corps during Operation Desert Storm. These leaders, among many others, have profoundly shaped armored doctrine and the school's enduring legacy.

Heraldic items and traditions

The branch and school are symbolized by the traditional branch insignia, consisting of crossed cavalry sabers and a tank, representing the merger of horse and mechanized cavalry. The school's distinctive unit insignia features a knight's helmet. The official branch colors are yellow and cavalry blue. Key traditions include the Order of St. George, an honor society recognizing exceptional contributions to armored forces, and the annual Armor Conference, which gathers professionals to discuss doctrine and future challenges. The motto "**Victory Starts Here!**" encapsulates the school's critical role in forging armored warriors.

Category:United States Army schools Category:Armor units and formations of the United States Army Category:Training establishments of the United States Army