Following the formation of the armored force in July 1940, a specialized school was authorized and activated to train officers and soldiers for the armor divisions and battalions of World War II. Formal instruction began on 4 November 1940 with 200 officers and 2,000 soldiers enrolled. Training included tactics, gunnery, communications, and the driving and maintenance of tanks, wheeled vehicles, and motorcycles. An Officer Candidate School was established in May 1941 and graduated 11,600 lieutenants before its inactivation in 1945. In May 1955, the Armored School was redesignated the US Army Armor School. Expanded from its initial World War II role, the US Army Armor School became one of the largest and most progressive armor and armored cavalry training schools in the world, and its proud heritage is reflected in the motto "Forge The Thunderbolt."