Mission
Mission: The Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning provide trained and combat-ready Soldiers and leaders; develop the doctrine and capabilities of the Maneuver Force and individual Soldier; and provide a world-class quality of life for our Soldiers, civilians, and Army families to ensure our Army's Maneuver Force remains the world's premier combat force ready to "Win in a Complex World"
Vision: Installation is the center of gravity in the Army for producing trained combat Soldiers and is the primary driver for development of the future force.
History
Corporal (CPL) Fred G. Benning, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in action during World War I with the U.S. Army in France in 1918. This change underscores the installation's storied history of service to the United States of America, honors the warfighter ethos, and recognizes the heroes who have trained at the installation for decades and will continue to train on its storied ranges. Since 1918, Fort Benning has been the U.S. Army's premier training center, initially for Infantry Soldiers and then for Armor, Cavalry, Airborne and Air Mobility, Rangers and Officer Candidates.
To learn more about the history of Fort Benning, please visit http://www.benning.army.mil/
Population
Fort Benning population has the following: 12,900 Military (Permanent Active Duty); 19,912 Military Trainees (weekly average); 26,900 Family Members; and 3,702 Civilian Workers. Fort Benning is the 6th largest installation and 3rd largest troop density.
Current area population is approximately MSA 316,554
Location
Columbus, GA lies 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. Fort Benning is located in an area commonly known as the " Tri-Community", comprised of Columbus, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Phenix City, Alabama. Columbus, known as Georgia' s third-largest city, is a growing community of 260,000. Besides being the home of the Best Army Installation in the World, Fort Benning, Columbus is the corporate headquarters of many leading companies such as AFLAC Insurance, Carmike Cinemas, Realtree, Synovus, TSYS and the W.C. Bradley Company.
Average family income is $42,120. The stunning Florida gulf shores and picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains are only a few hours drive from Fort Benning. To learn more about the surrounding areas please visit Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Phenix City-Russell County Chamber of Commerce.
Directions
Fort Benning is located in South West Georgia, in what is fondly called the Tri-Community. This consists of Fort Benning; Columbus, Georgia and Phenix City, Alabama. Alabama's capital, Montgomery, and Georgia's capital, Atlanta, are both only an hour and a half away. Fort Benning is also only a few hours' drive from Florida's Gulf shores and the mountains of North Georgia.
From Hartsfield International Airport
- Get on I-85 South toward Montgomery
- Merge onto I-85 South/Columbus/Montgomery
- Take exit 21 to merge onto I-85 South towards Columbus
- Continue to follow on I-85 South
- Fort Benning is directly at the end of I-185 South
From Savannah International Airport
- Get on I-95 South toward Savannah
- Take exit 99B to merge onto I-16 West toward Macon
- Exit left to merge onto I-75 South towards Valdosta
- Take exit 149 onto GA-49 toward Byron, Fort Valley
- Keep right toward Byron, Fort Valley
- Turn right onto GA-49 Conn
- Continue onto GA Highway 96
- Continue onto Columbus Hwy
- Keep right to merge onto GA-85 South towards Columbus
- Take slight right turn to merge onto I-185 South
- Continue to follow I-185 South
- Fort Benning is directly at the end of I-185 South
From Montgomery Alabama Regional Airport
- Turn right onto Selma-Mobile Hwy
- Merge onto I-65 North
- Keep left to merge onto I-65 North towards Montgomery, Birmingham
- Take exit 171 to merge onto I-85 North toward Atlanta
- Take exit 62 onto US-431, US-280 toward Phenix City
- Turn right onto Columbus Pkwy toward Phenix City, N C A T test facility
- Turn left to merge onto US-80 East toward I-185, Columbus
- Take the ramp onto I-185 South
- Fort Benning is directly at the end of I-185 South
Base Transportation
The Fort Benning Shuttle Bus operates Monday thru Saturday except on Federal Holidays. The Shuttle Bus stops at established Bus stops only. These stops are well marked and conveniently located throughout installation.
For more information on times and locations please call 706-544-4516 or visit Transportation Installation Motor Pool website.
Groome Transportation is installation Premier Atlanta Airport Shuttle Service. Offering the most frequent, economical, daily connections between Fort Benning, GA and Atlanta Hartsfield/Jackson International Airport. Departing Columbus approximately every 30 minutes.
Call or schedule a Pick-Up appointment at 706-324-3939 or 800-584-6732
Contact Information
The current phone number for Fort Benning operator is 706-545-7910.
