US armor school FT. Knox KY.

• Founding Year: The U.S. Army Armor School was established in 1940 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, to train soldiers in armored warfare as the U.S. prepared to enter World War II. • Birthplace of U.S. Armored Forces: Fort Knox is often called the “Home of Armor” because it was the primary center for armored force development, doctrine, and training for more than 70 years. • General Patton’s Legacy: General George S. Patton, one of America’s most famous tank commanders, helped form early armored units and trained at Fort Knox, shaping U.S. armored tactics. • Tanker Statue: The iconic “Tanker” statue at Fort Knox, depicting a World War II tank soldier, became a symbol of the Armor Branch and its proud heritage. • Armored Force School and Replacement Center: During WWII, the school trained nearly 400,000 soldiers, including members of the famed 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the “Black Panthers.” • Armor Museum: The General George Patton Museum, located at Fort Knox, houses one of the largest collections of armored vehicles, historic tanks, and Patton memorabilia in the world. • Cold War Training: During the Cold War, Fort Knox was the main training site for American tankers, preparing them for a possible confrontation with the Soviet Union. • Women in Armor: In 2016, the Armor School at Fort Knox began training female soldiers for combat roles in tank and cavalry units, marking a significant milestone in military integration. • Move to Fort Benning: In 2011, as part of the Army’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan, the U.S. Armor School relocated from Fort Knox to Fort Benning, Georgia, ending a 71-year legacy at Knox. • Hollywood Connections: Fort Knox and its armor school have appeared in numerous films, including the James Bond movie “Goldfinger,” which featured Fort Knox’s famous gold depository and nearby tank training grounds.