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Fort Campbell Army Base Guide

Joe Wallace

Fort Campbell is an Army installation on the Tennessee/Kentucky state line. It is home to both the 5th Special Forces Group and the 101st Airborne Division.

The fort serves more than 30 thousand active-duty troops and supports expeditionary missions. Fort Campbell is the training and development center for Army Air Assault Operations.

Base History

Unlike some other Army bases with histories dating back to the American Revolution, this installation’s history begins in 1941 when the land was chosen for what would be known as Camp Campbell in Tennessee.

Due to its size and proximity to the state line, the fort has a footprint stretching across Tennessee and Kentucky, which caused some early confusion about mail deliveries and other services.

In the summer of 1942, Fort Campbell’s training operations were well underway, including operations involving the 101st Airborne Division.

In 1950, the camp was redesignated as Fort Campbell and began supporting the 5th Special Forces group and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

In 1958 the Army developed its precision parachute team there, and today serves as the base of operation for the Army Screaming Eagles, who perform aerial demonstration shows as part of the Army’s recruiting efforts.

Today Fort Campbell units have the distinction of being among the most-deployed units in the U.S. Army.

Surrounding Area

This installation is in a larger military community in the state. It’s about two and a half hours by car to Fort Knox, which has plenty of attractions, including Swan Lake State Park and Sears Island.

Fort Campbell has plenty of outdoor attractions. Visit the Land Between The Lakes if you are interested in fishing, boating, and camping. There is caving at Mammoth Cave National Park and local wines at Beachhaven Vineyards and Winery.

Trazo Meadery is also an option, as are the Bravard Vineyards and Winery. There’s also the MacGregor Park Riverwalk good for strolling and picnicking.

Mission and Units

The Fort Campbell mission involves support and training in several areas, especially Air Assault troops of the 101st Airborne Division. The Fort Campbell Air Assault School teaches combat readiness, jumpmaster training, and rappelling. Important missions and units here have included but are not limited to:

• 101st Combat Aviation Brigade
• 101st Sustainment Brigade
• 159th Combat Aviation Brigade
• 1st Brigade UA/327th Infantry
• 2nd Brigade UA/502 Infantry
• 3rd Brigade UA/187th Infantry
• 4th Brigade UA/506 Infantry
• HHB 101 Airborne Division

In-Processing and Check-In

All PCSing troops are directed to report to the Kalsu Replacement Company, 6916 Desert Storm Avenue. Check-in is open around the clock; you must be in uniform, and those E5 and below should expect to be assigned a room in the barracks during in-processing.

If you are PCS to the fort for Assualt School, follow the instructions you were given before you began your official travel. Call 270-798-2813 for more information. In-processing procedures can take up to 14 days, depending on the circumstances.

Related: TRICARE Basics

Child Care

Fort Campbell’s Child Development Center offers full-time, part-time, and some hourly care for children between six weeks and five years old. Multiple CDCs at Fort Campbell have hourly and part-time care options available depending on location.

If you are PCSing to the fort, it is best to begin childcare arrangements before arriving; visit www.militarychildcare.com to learn about waiting lists and other issues.

In-home care at registered and monitored on-post options may also be available through Family Child Care program homes.

Related: Military Childcare Basics

Housing

Contact the Fort Campbell Family Housing and Housing Services Office for information on both family housing and single/unaccompanied housing. You are encouraged to make an appointment or contact the Housing Services Office before entering into a legally binding agreement for housing.

If you need to go on permissive TDY for house hunting, know that at Fort Campbell, “…this will not happen until the soldier is shipped to gaining unit” after a 10-day inprocessing period.

On-post housing at Fort Campbell is privatized and operated by Campbell Crossing. This is a “lend-lease community” formed through a partnership with the U.S. Army, with more than 4 thousand houses on the installation.

Related: BAH Calculator

PCS and TDY Lodging

Holiday Inn Express Turner Guest House provides temporary lodging for Fort Campbell. TLF and temporary lodging is harder to obtain during PCS season, and during training season, you should book as far in advance as possible.

Make reservations by calling  270-439-2229. Due to demand, it’s best to call as early as possible once you know you are traveling on official orders. Pet-friendly options may not be available, ask in advance. Contact the Holiday Inn Express at 270-439-2229 for reservations and other information.

Transportation

Fort Campbell is served by Nashville International Airport, some 50 miles away. It’s best to coordinate your arrival into the Nashville area with your sponsor; rush hour and other factors may complicate your drive to the fort.

The usual ride-sharing and taxi services may be available when you arrive, depending on arrival time, demand, and other variables. There are no bus shuttle services available on post, if you need assistance, contact your sponsor.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

Military members who are residents of other states do not have to register their vehicles in Kentucky as long the vehicle’s registration and insurance are current in their home of record.

Active duty military and their Family members do not need a Kentucky driver’s license if they have an unexpired license elsewhere. No base decal is required at press time to operate a motor vehicle on-post.

Schools

Because Fort Campbell straddles the Kentucky/Tennessee state lines, parents have multiple school options across two states. Depending on where you live and other variables, the following options may be open to you:

• Department of Defense Education Activity Schools: Four on-post elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school on Fort Campbell.
• Kentucky/Hopkinsville/Oak Grove – Christian County School Systems (270) 887-1300.
• Tennessee – Clarksville Montgomery County School System 931-648-5600.

Contact the Fort Campbell School Liaison Office at (270) 798-9874 as soon as you have orders to learn what specific transfer requirements may apply, immunizations and other registration requirements may be.

Colleges and Universities

The Fort Campbell Education Center offers help with technical training and other education needs. See the Army Continuing Education System Fort Campbell official site.

Other local options for higher education include:

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology: Offering classes in Computer Information Technology, Administrative Office Technology, Automotive Technology, Building Construction Technology, Cosmetology, Diesel Powered Equipment Technology, and much more.
• North Central Institute: An aviation school serving Christian, Dickson, and Montgomery Counties. specializing in Military and Aviation Maintenance Training.
• Nashville State Community College: Offering Associate of Applied Science, Technical Certificates, and Transfer Degrees.

Related: GI Bill Benefits Guide

Contacts

Fort Campbell
1501 William C. Lee Rd
Fort Campbell, KY 42223

• 270-798-9322
• DSN 312-635-9322

Important Fort Campbell Contact Numbers

• ACS Deployment & Mobilization Program (270) 798-4408
• ACS Employment Readiness Program (ERP) (270) 798-4289
• ACS Family Advocacy Program (270) 412-5500
• Admin Office (270) 439-1846
• Blanchfield Army Community Hospital – EFMP Enrollment (270) 798-8955
• Central Enrollment & Registration (Child & Youth Services) (270) 798-0674
• Child Development Center #1 (270) 439-7993
• Child Development Center #2 (270) 439-7996
• EFMP Family Support (270) 798-2727
• Emergencies 911
• Family Center (270) 798-9322
• Family Child Care (FCC) (270) 798-4959
• Family Housing Office (931) 431-9003
• Hospital Main (270) 798-8400
• Human Resources (270) 439-1848
• ID Card/DEERS Section (270) 798-2424
• Information and Referral (270) 798-9322
• Legal Services and JAG (270) 798-4432
• New Parent Support Program (270) 798-5875
• School Age Services (270) 412-2315
• Single Housing (270) 798-3808
• Single Service Member Housing (270) 412-3664
• Temporary Lodging (270) 439-2229
• Welcome Center (270) 798-9322
• School Liaison (270) 798-9874

Read more: Ultimate Military Benefits Guide

Military Bases and VA and Veteran Facilities in Kentucky

Find a listing of military bases, VA resources, and veteran facilities in the state of Kentucky.  If you are traveling to Kentucky on PCS orders, look up the BAH in your new duty location using our BAH Calculator. You can also find veteran benefits in Kentucky.

Other Army Bases in Kentucky

• Fort Knox
• US Army Cadet Command 1st Brigade
• US Army Cadet Command 7th Brigade
• US Army Cadet Command Headquarters
• USAREC, 3rd Medical Recruiting Battalion

Get more info on VA benefits for veterans, retirees, separating service members, spouses, dependents, and disabled veterans. Learn more about the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, monthly housing allowances, VA loans, and TRICARE.

Department of Veterans Affairs Centers in Kentucky

Fort Knox VA Clinic

282 Brule Street
Building 875
Fort Knox, KY 40121-6103
502-287-6481
Mental health: 502-624-0235

Somerset VA Clinic

300 Medpark Drive
Somerset, KY 42503-2816
606-676-0786
Mental health: 859-281-3223

Stonybrook VA Clinic

9208 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY 40299
502-287-6986
Mental health: 502-287-6187

Newburg VA Clinic

3430 Newburg Road
Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40218-3483
502-287-6223
Mental health: 502-287-6223

Greenwood VA Clinic

7410 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40258-1406
502-287-6000
Mental health: 502-287-6000

Franklin R. Sousley Campus

2250 Leestown Road
Lexington, KY 40511-1052
859-233-4511
Mental health: 859-233-4511 x3223

Robley Rex Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

800 Zorn Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206-1433
502-287-4000
Mental health: 502-287-6110

VetSuccess on Campus at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

600 College St Road
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
800-827-1000

Louisville VA Regional Benefit Office

Limited services and hours
321 W Main St
Suite 390
Louisville, KY 40202
800-827-1000

National Cemeteries in Kentucky

Lebanon National Cemetery

20 Highway 208
Lebanon, KY 40033
270-692-3390
Danville National Cemetery

277 North First St
Danville, KY 40422
859-885-5727

Camp Nelson National Cemetery

6980 Danville Rd
Nicholasville, KY 40356
859-885-5727

Kentucky Veterans Cemetery – Central

2501 North Dixie Boulevard
Radcliff, KY 40160
270-351-5115

Mill Springs National Cemetery

9044 W Highway 80
Nancy, KY 42544
859-885-5727

Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries

1111B Louisville Rd
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-229-2718

Cave Hill National Cemetery

701 Baxter Ave
Louisville, KY 40204
502-893-3852

Zachary Taylor National Cemetery

4701 Brownsboro Rd
Louisville, KY 40207
502-893-3852

Vet Centers in Kentucky

Louisville Vet Center

1347 South Third Street
Louisville, KY 40208
502-287-6710

Other Military Bases in the Continental United States

• Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
• Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
• Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas
• Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado
• Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia

Look up the BAH in your new duty location by searching for your zip code’s housing allowance using our BAH Calculator. You can also review our complete list of Military Bases by State.