Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell PCS Guide
Base History & Name
Charles Waters, business management office chief, Directorate of Public Works, moves office supplies to his new workspace at Lincoln Hall, the former Lincoln Elementary School. The school was renovated to accommodate DPW employees in a workspace that reduced 21 buildings spread out over 146,417...
Fort Campbell began in 1941 as a response to the U.S. Army's need for a new training and mobilization site during World War II. Its location on the Kentucky-Tennessee border offered ample space and access to rail lines, enabling rapid troop movement. The original mission focused on training armored divisions and supporting the war effort overseas.
During World War II, Fort Campbell expanded quickly, hosting the 12th, 14th, and 20th Armored Divisions. The post's infrastructure grew to include barracks, training grounds, and support facilities. After the war, the installation shifted to peacetime operations, but its strategic value kept it active during the early Cold War.
In 1956, the 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—made Fort Campbell its permanent home. This marked a major shift, as the post became a hub for airborne and air assault operations. Over the decades, the base has supported deployments for Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq, reflecting its ongoing importance to U.S. military strategy.
Today, Fort Campbell remains a vital Army installation. It supports rapid deployment forces, advanced training, and community partnerships. The base has not undergone any significant official name changes since its establishment, maintaining its original designation as Fort Campbell.
Namesake
Campbell also served as the governor of Tennessee from 1851 to 1853. His leadership, military service, and regional ties made him a fitting namesake for the installation, which straddles the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
Major Units & Training Programs
U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Talty, a Soldier assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), operates the new Anduril Ghost-X Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) Small Uncrewed Aerial System (SUAS) at Fort Campbell, Ky., May 2, 2025. The 101st is working to integrate the Shrike Targeting...
Major Units
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
The 101st Airborne Division is the Army’s only air assault division, specializing in rapid deployment and conducting air assault operations to seize and hold key terrain. The unit is renowned for its ability to deploy quickly and conduct operations behind enemy lines.
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne)
Known as the 'Night Stalkers,' this regiment provides precision rotary-wing aviation support for special operations forces, specializing in night operations and complex missions worldwide.
5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
The 5th Special Forces Group conducts special operations missions including unconventional warfare, direct action, and counterterrorism, with a focus on the Middle East and Central Asia.
Training Schools
Sabalauski Air Assault School
Overview
This school trains soldiers in air assault operations, including helicopter insertion/extraction, sling load operations, and rappelling techniques essential for air-mobile operations.
Course Length
10 days
Who Attends
Army personnel assigned to units requiring air assault qualification
Arrival & In-Processing
1st Lt. Jared Dequenne (front), from High Point, North Carolina, a Sapper platoon leader with the 7th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division ignites an exothermic cutting torch during the “Raven’s Gate” event on day three of the 17th Lt. Gen. Robert B....
Welcome to Fort Campbell! Arriving on base is an exciting step, and being prepared will help ensure a smooth transition for you and your family. Review all base access requirements before your arrival to avoid delays. For more details, visit the official Fort Campbell website.
Fort Campbell's main entry point is the T.C. Freeman Gate, which operates 24/7 for authorized personnel. Other gates, such as Gate 4 and Gate 7, have varying hours—check the base website for current times. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, Common Access Card (CAC), or a state-issued driver's license that meets REAL ID Act standards. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base's strong security posture. If you are bringing family or visitors, they must obtain a visitor pass at the Visitor Control Center before entry. Always allow extra time for security procedures, especially during peak hours or heightened security levels.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates for dependents
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if applicable)
Fort Campbell offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. Contact your gaining unit or the Fort Campbell Sponsorship Coordinator to request a sponsor. You can also use the Army Career Tracker (ACT) Sponsorship Module or reach out through your unit's administrative office for assistance.
Report to the Soldier Support Center (SSC), Building 2702, for in-processing. The SSC operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Key steps include Personnel, Finance, Housing, Medical, and Unit Check-in. Most in-processing tasks are completed within 2–3 business days, but allow extra time for medical or housing appointments. Arrive early and bring all required documents to avoid delays.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the T.C. Freeman Gate. It is open Monday through Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The VCC issues visitor passes, registers guests in the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS), and assists with sponsoring visitors. All visitors must be vetted and receive a pass before entering the installation.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
Then-Pfc. Justin Enzenbacher, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky, places his pub Ludo into his car for a ride in April 2022. Taking steps to prepare for a long road trip associated with a permanent change of station can reduce stress during a PCS move. (Photo by Ethan Steinquest)
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early for local insights and support.
- Keep orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess costs.
- Label boxes with room and contents for easier unpacking.
- Take photos of valuables before movers arrive for claims.
- Plan pet transportation and boarding in advance.
- Book temporary lodging on or near Fort Campbell as soon as possible.
Important Forms & Links
Start, manage, and track your PCS move online.
Find current per diem, TLE, and DLA rates.
Guides, checklists, and support for your move.
Local arrival info, in-processing, and contacts.
Schools & Childcare
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