How Do Businesses in Columbus Benefit from the Presence of Fort Benning?

Fort Benning is a major economic driver for Columbus, generating approximately $4.75 billion annually. As the Army’s fifth-largest installation at ~182,000 acres, it is home to 13,500 soldiers—70% of whom live in the local community.

Each year, about 2,000 soldiers transition from Fort Benning, and nearly 40% stay in the area, bringing leadership, technical expertise, and workforce-ready skills to local employers. More than half participate in the DoD SkillBridge program, allowing companies to host interns for up to 16 weeks while soldiers remain on the Army payroll, creating an instant high-reward, low-risk recruiting pipeline.

Fort Benning Helps Build Tomorrow’s Workforce and Economy Today

A recent Army decision has granted new acquisition authorities to Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence. Already, the PEO Soldier, PEO Ground Combat Systems, and the Infantry Squad Vehicle program have attracted interest from major defense firms seeking proximity to the installation.

With veterans comprising 1 in 10 residents and the $20 million VECTR Center opening in 2026 to accelerate workforce training, Columbus offers businesses a stable economy, a skilled talent pipeline, and long-term growth opportunities.

Choose Wisely. Choose Columbus.