Fort Gordon, located near Augusta, Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to its establishment as Camp Gordon in 1917 during World War I. Over the years, it has served various purposes and undergone numerous changes. In this answer, I will provide a detailed account of what happened to Fort Gordon, focusing on its transformation and key events.
1. World War I and II:
During World War I, Camp Gordon was primarily used as a training facility for the 82nd Infantry Division. It played a significant role in preparing soldiers for combat. After the war, the camp was demobilized and reduced to a small caretaker detachment until it was reactivated in 1941 for World War II. During this time, the camp was expanded and renamed Fort Gordon in honor of Confederate General John Brown Gordon.
2. Signal Corps Training:
One of the significant developments at Fort Gordon was the establishment of the Signal Officer Candidate School (OCS) in 1942. The school provided training for Signal Corps officers, who played a crucial role in maintaining communication and information systems during military operations. Over the years, Fort Gordon became synonymous with signal training, attracting thousands of officers for training.
3. Merger with Infantry OCS:
Between 1966 and 1968, approximately 2,200 Signal Officers were trained at Fort Gordon’s Signal OCS. However, as part of a broader restructuring of the Army’s Officer Candidate School program, all branch-specific OCSs, including the Signal OCS at Fort Gordon, were merged with the Infantry OCS at Fort Benning. This consolidation aimed to streamline training and create a more unified officer corps.
4. Closure and Overgrowth:
As the war ended and the need for extensive training diminished, Fort Gordon’s Signal OCS was closed. The closure led to a significant reduction in the number of personnel stationed at the base. With the absence of regular maintenance, some areas of the installation were left to nature, resulting in overgrowth.
5. Current State:
Today, the site where Fort Gordon’s Signal OCS once stood is overgrown with pine trees. The closure of the OCS and subsequent changes in training programs have transformed the landscape of Fort Gordon. However, Fort Gordon itself remains an active military installation, serving as the home of the United States Army Cyber Center of Excellence and the U.S. Army Cyber Command.
Fort Gordon in Georgia has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its establishment as Camp Gordon during World War I to its role as a prominent Signal Corps training center, the base has played a vital role in military operations. The closure of the Signal OCS and subsequent changes in training programs have led to the overgrowth of certain areas, but Fort Gordon continues to serve as an important military installation today.