The new Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has suggested that some of the Army’s most historic posts may soon revert to their original names. This comes as speculation rises about potential policy shifts under the current administration.
While there has been no indication that President Donald Trump has included this matter in the four executive orders he is expected to sign on Monday, the possibility remains noteworthy.
According to officials, President Trump’s upcoming executive orders are expected to include the following measures:
- Banning transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. armed forces.
- Eliminating the military’s mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
- Reinstating, with back pay, service members discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.
Moments after arriving at the Pentagon on Monday, Secretary of Defense Hegseth addressed reporters, hinting at additional actions.
“Today, there are more executive orders coming,… on removing DEI inside the Pentagon, reinstating troops who were pushed out because of COVID mandates, Iron Dome for America — this is happening quickly, and as the Secretary of Defense, it’s an honor to salute smartly as I did as a junior officer and now as the Secretary of Defense to ensure these orders are complied with rapidly and quickly,” Hegseth said.
He continued: “Every moment that I’m here, I’m thinking about the guys and gals in Guam, in Germany, in Fort Benning (now known as Fort Moore) and Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty), on missile defense sites and aircraft carriers. Our job is lethality and readiness and warfighting.”
The Secretary’s use of the posts’ former names could be seen as a mere slip-up or a refusal to acknowledge their new designations. However, given his remarks, it seems plausible that restoring the original names of these historic posts might be on his agenda.
🔥EPIC! Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth tosses out DEI name changes and brings back Fort Bragg and Fort Benning:
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 27, 2025
“Thinking about the guys and gals in Guam, in Germany, Fort Benning, and Fort Bragg, on missile defense sites and aircraft carriers.”
pic.twitter.com/1eDWjrLGeE
A Brief History of Fort Bragg and Fort Benning
Fort Bragg
Established in 1918, Fort Bragg, located in North Carolina, was named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg, who served during the American Civil War. The installation became one of the largest military bases in the world, home to the U.S. Army’s airborne and special operations forces. In 2023, as part of the Pentagon’s efforts to address historical ties to the Confederacy, the base was renamed Fort Liberty. The new name was chosen to reflect values of freedom and service, distancing the installation from its Confederate legacy.
Fort Benning
Fort Benning, situated in Georgia, was established in 1918 and named after Confederate General Henry L. Benning. Known as the “Home of the Infantry,” the installation has been a key training ground for soldiers for over a century. In 2023, it was renamed Fort Moore to honor Lieutenant General Hal Moore and his wife, Julia Moore. The couple’s contributions to the military—both in combat and in advocating for soldiers’ families—were considered a fitting legacy for the installation.
In 2022, it was estimated the changing of of the names of nine Army posts cost around $62 million of taxpayers money.
As discussions about these potential changes unfold, the historical significance of the names and their recent revisions will likely remain at the forefront of national debate.
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