If you’ve driven past the main gates in Killeen lately, you might have done a double-take at the signage. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for the massive Central Texas installation. One minute it’s the legendary Fort Hood, the next it’s Fort Cavazos, and now, following a direct order from President Trump, the "Hood" name is officially back on the letterhead.
But it’s not exactly the same Fort Hood your grandfather knew.
Honestly, the whole situation is a bit of a head-spinner. In June 2025, President Trump stood before a crowd at Fort Bragg—which he had already reverted from its brief stint as Fort Liberty—and announced that seven Army bases would be returning to their "original" names. Among them was the news that Fort Cavazos reverts to Fort Hood, effectively undoing the 2023 redesignation that honored Gen. Richard Cavazos.
The Loophole That Brought the Name Back
You might be wondering how this is even legal. In 2021, Congress passed a law specifically to scrub Confederate names from military assets. Since the original namesake, John Bell Hood, was a Confederate general, the law seemed to bury that name for good.
But the Trump administration found a clever—if controversial—workaround.
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Basically, they kept the name "Fort Hood" but swapped out the person it honors. Instead of the Confederate general, the base is now named after Col. Robert B. Hood, a World War I hero and Distinguished Service Cross recipient.
It’s a linguistic "switcheroo" that satisfied the President's desire to keep the historic titles while technically adhering to the ban on honoring Confederates. During his announcement, Trump was pretty blunt about it, saying he was "superstitious" and that the military had "won a lot of battles out of those forts" and it wasn't the time to change them.
Who Was Gen. Richard Cavazos?
It’s kinda tough for a lot of folks in the community because Gen. Richard E. Cavazos wasn't just a "placeholder" name. He was a genuine Texas legend.
- He was the Army’s first Hispanic four-star general.
- He earned two Distinguished Service Crosses—one in Korea and one in Vietnam.
- He actually commanded the III Corps right there at the base from 1980 to 1982.
For many, the shift to Fort Cavazos in 2023 felt like a long-overdue tribute to a local hero who actually reflected the diversity of the modern Army. Lawrence Romo, a former member of the Naming Commission, didn't hold back his frustration, calling the reversal "immoral" and an insult to Cavazos’ legacy.
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On the flip side, plenty of veterans and Killeen locals felt a deep, cultural attachment to the name Fort Hood. For them, the name represented decades of personal history and "The Great Place" identity, regardless of the guy it was originally named for back in the 1940s.
The Logistics of a Name Flip-Flop
Changing the name of a base this size isn't as simple as swapping a few signs at the gate. We’re talking about a massive logistical headache.
- Signage: Every single road sign, building marker, and water tower has to be repainted or replaced.
- Digital Footprint: Thousands of .mil websites, email signatures, and internal databases have to be updated.
- Cost: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that these back-and-forth name changes cost millions. Early 2026 reports suggest the total bill for renaming the nine bases (and then reverting seven of them) could easily top $100 million when all the dust settles.
- Unit Colors: Ceremonies were held where the Fort Cavazos colors were furled and the new Fort Hood flags were uncased.
A Pattern Across the South
This wasn't just a Texas thing. It was a coordinated effort across several states. If you're keeping track at home, here's how some of the other bases shook out under the 2025 orders:
- Fort Bragg (NC): Reverted from Fort Liberty, now honoring Pfc. Roland L. Bragg.
- Fort Gordon (GA): Reverted from Fort Eisenhower, now honoring Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon.
- Fort Benning (GA): Reverted from Fort Moore, now honoring Sgt. Fred G. Benning.
- Fort Polk (LA): Reverted from Fort Johnson, now honoring Gen. James H. Polk.
It's sort of a "name preservation" strategy. By finding a different historical figure with the same last name, the administration essentially restored the "brand" of the bases without violating the 2021 NDAA's strict prohibition on Confederate honors.
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What Does This Mean for Soldiers and Families?
If you’re a soldier stationed there right now, honestly, your day-to-day hasn't changed much. You're still training in the same dirt, eating at the same DFACs, and deploying out of the same airfield.
The biggest impact is probably on the local business community. Think about all the "Fort Hood Barbershop" or "Hood Pizza" signs in Killeen. Many of those businesses never bothered to change their names to "Cavazos" because they either couldn't afford it or they suspected the change might not stick. For them, the reversion is a relief. It validates the brand they’ve built over decades.
But for the families who saw Gen. Cavazos as a symbol of progress, the change feels like a step backward. There's a real tension there that hasn't quite gone away.
Actionable Insights for Those Following the Change
If you're trying to stay updated or if you're PCSing to the area, here’s what you need to know:
- Official Mailing Addresses: You should start using "Fort Hood" for all official correspondence and shipping. While "Fort Cavazos" mail will likely be forwarded for a transition period, the Army is moving fast on the update.
- GPS and Maps: Google Maps and Waze are usually quick to update, but as of early 2026, some older GPS systems might still show the Cavazos name. Always double-check your destination coordinates.
- Local Identity: Expect a mix of signage for a while. It takes time for every small building on a 340-square-mile post to get a facelift.
- Community Events: Most local organizations that rebranded to "Cavazos" (like some veteran support groups) are in the process of deciding whether to switch back or keep the Cavazos name to honor the General's memory.
The return to the Fort Hood name is a significant moment in military history, highlighting the tug-of-war between tradition and modern values. Whether you view it as a restoration of heritage or a missed opportunity for progress, the signs at the Bernie Beck Gate are clear: Fort Hood is back.