Fort Campbell Army Base Guide
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
About the author
Editor-in-Chief Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.
