Assigned to Fort Myer, Virginia, four times during his career, then-Lt. Col. George S. Patton, Jr., poses for a photograph in France in 1918 in front of a Renault FT light tank. Two years later, as a squadron commander in the 3rd Cavalry, he would pl...

It's official -- the Fort Myer Officers' Club is no more. Effective Sept. 1, "Patton Hall" is the name of the all-ranks facility taking the place of the formerly officer-only facility. Club membership is now open to all members of the military commun...

It's official -- the Fort Myer Officers' Club is no more. Effective today, "Patton Hall" is the name of the all-ranks facility taking the place of the formerly officer-only facility.

"The new name for JBM-HH's all services, all-ranks club … is a nod to the building's history, as well as the spirit of change for which it stands," said Col. Patrick Duggan, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall commander.

Changing the club's name and mission to serve all service members in the National Capital Region is consistent with the installation's tradition of innovation, he said.

Gen. George S. Patton was assigned to Fort Myer four times during his military career, and used the building as his headquarters from 1938 to 1940. Patton is well-known for his leadership during World War II. Before the war, he played an influential role in developing U.S. armored cavalry and mechanized infantry capabilities.

"Patton Hall symbolizes many of the changes, and the spirit of innovation, for which General Patton advocated during his career," Duggan said.

Previously, the club's membership was limited to officers, civilians of a certain rank and senior enlisted personnel.

Beginning today, club membership is open to all members of the military community, including personnel of all ranks and all branches of service.

"[Changing the rules and the name] broadens what that facility does for the community. Now everybody in the community has the ability to become a member," said Denise James, director of the JBM-HH Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

Some opponents have argued opening the club to all ranks will hurt enrollment, creating the perception the club is a less prestigious organization.

Duggan said he disagrees.

"What makes the club exclusive is not the rank, but the quality of service," he said.

Duggan said he believes opening the club's ranks will create a stronger community by offering new opportunities for veterans and retirees to bond with a new generation of troops and their families.