In 2023, under the Biden administration, several U.S. Army bases had their names changed because their they were in commemoration of Confederate leaders.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, it has been announced that the bases will return to their old names through President Trump’s direct intervention. This has sparked heated debate over what values the U.S. Army should reflect and how the Civil War should be remembered.
The Renaming
In 2021, Congress recommended renaming several bases that were named after Confederate leaders after protests of racial injustice. Two years later, the U.S. Army renamed these bases to honor more diverse and different American heroes.
Among those honored were women who showcased incredible military accomplishments, the first Latino four-star general, and black receivers of Medals of Honor. The military aimed to highlight members from different origins instead of the Confederacy.
Trump’s Decision
After deciding to change the names back, Trump’s rationale was that the name change was never needed and was disruptive. He also linked his decision as part of his campaign against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the military.
Changing these names back is part of fighting against what he calls “woke” policies. Skeptics argue this is a move to upturn part of the legacy that the Biden administration left behind.
A Loophole
With Congress banning forts and army bases from being named after Confederate figures, it meant that the reversal had to be justified. The Trump administration looked over service records to find existing military members who share the same last names as the original names of the bases.
A good example of this is how Ford Hood will no longer be named after General Bell Hood, who was part of the Confederacy, but instead WWI Colonel Robert B. Hood.
Seven Bases Being Changed
There are seven U.S. Army bases that will be affected by this change, including Fort Hood (TX), Fort Gordon (GA), Fort Rucker (AL), Fort Polk (LA), Fort A.P. Hill (VA), Fort Pickett (VA), and Fort Robert E. Lee (VA).
They have all been “renamed” to commemorate military heroes who share their surname with the previous confederacy heroes that they were originally named after.
Forgetting Other Heroes
While renaming the forts in the first place was a contentious event, reverting them back means that the progress made towards remembering other military members from more diverse groups has been set back. President Eisenhower, many black soldiers, and women who were honored in the name changes will be forgotten.
The new namesake changes will not commemorate any female military heroes, sparking outrage among those who saw the renaming as a part of inclusive military legacies and distancing the military from Confederacy values.
What The Change Cost
The renaming of the forts in 2023 wasn’t a cheap ordeal. The Department of Defense spent almost $40 million on the changes. The reversal of the names will most likely cost similarly, though no estimate has been released publicly.
With the forts being changed and then reverted in just two years can be hard for Army members at the bases to keep track of.
Backlash
Public opinion around both of the name changes has been polarizing, with two distinct sides. Those in support of the reversion say that it honors military tradition and history, good or bad.
Those who are against the reversion say that it undermines progress and the efforts of thousands who made the name change happen in the first place. Some also believe that the administration’s efforts are not about respect for service but rather political symbolism.
Ripple Effects
The heated debate is more than just about the Army; it has grown into a cultural and political battle over how service members are honored and who is worthy of commemoration.
Depending on what the future could hold, another amendment could take place, only serving to further confuse military personnel and waste resources.
What Happens Next
The future of these bases and their names is up in the air, as the legal loophole the Trump administration has used could be thrown out by Congress.
The Army will continue to look ahead, but this issue doesn’t seem to be resolved. How will America remember its past? Only the future will hold the answers.
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