Current climate of 101st Airborne?

2018-05-07T00:01:23-04:00

Is anyone currently at Fort Campbell and able to share what the current climate of the 101st is?

I've been in a horrible unit for the past 7 months and have become disillusioned about what the main army has. I want to know that this is just a awful tradoc unit and it does live up to the reputation I've heard of it being a professional and motivated unit. This unit seems toxic throughout the unit and is unprofessional and bitter, and the fact I've been waiting on a unit sponsor for the past 2 months with no contact is only growing my concerns.

Response by TSgt David L. made May 7 at 2018 12:43 AM

2018-05-07T00:43:29-04:00

2nd BCT?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 8:09 AM

2018-05-07T08:09:46-04:00

I’m in 3BCT and I love it here at Campbell WAR RAKKASAN!!!

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 7 at 2018 9:05 AM

2018-05-07T09:05:32-04:00

what do your Orders say? they will usually tell you what BCT you are going to - as for FT Campbell - wonderful place - nothing but great memories and experiences - seems like you are coming straight out of AIT - relax - basic and AIT are difficult - as for a sponsor - you will not get one until you hit the replacement unit. and as SSG Allen has asked - are you married? do you have children??

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 9:36 AM

2018-05-07T09:36:22-04:00

You got about 2 years before you’re even eligible to PCS the climate here at Campbell could change by then

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 9:45 AM

2018-05-07T09:45:22-04:00

TRADOC isn't the and as the main force. Period.

A little over nine years of service and I really enjoy 101st ABN DIV. It's family friendly, they got a POF range that's easily accessible compared to Fort Shafter, HI or even Fort Bragg, NC. Now I love Bragg! It was fun and made a lot of friends, but for the workload and family I'll take Campbell and the 101st ABN DIV hands down. Minus the occasional traffic issues on post.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 7 at 2018 1:09 PM

2018-05-07T13:09:25-04:00

I have yet to hear anyone that was stationed at Ft. Campbell complain about it. Oh and long ago RAKKASAN here too.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 7 at 2018 2:43 PM

2018-05-07T14:43:25-04:00

Learn to deal with the life you have now. Going to another unit or duty station will not change much. I have been to 5 or 6 duty stations in my career and it's the same stuff but different place. Some leaders can make your life hard though as I know first hand and so can your co-workers so there is not denying that. Asking for a better environment is not necessarily the best way to go about your situation; learning how to deal with your environment in a productive way is more realistic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 4:16 PM

2018-05-07T16:16:01-04:00

Enjoyed my time while at Campbell 3BCT. Just have to go in knowing that all units are not the same; experiences will differ; every soldier regardless of rank have to make lemons out of lemonade (that’s how Army operates regardless of where you are); make opportunities for yourself and initiate those opportunities and don’t wait on your leaders to do it for you! Have fun and enjoy Campbell! If you want the job done send the 101!

Response by SSG Brian L. made May 7 at 2018 6:54 PM

2018-05-07T18:54:56-04:00

you are a Private... be a Private ... you will have more influence later on in your career... learn good and bad lessons and drive on... I have a feeling you barely understand what is going on at your unit at your level of understanding

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 7 at 2018 10:13 PM

2018-05-07T22:13:04-04:00

A sponsor for an E2? unusual to say the least. Their OPTEMPO is high, and they work like dogs- I doubt you have a direct unit assignment, just a 101st REPL probably- which means they will not slot you to a Brigade/Battalion till after you have gotten there.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2018 11:19 AM

2018-05-09T11:19:06-04:00

I just got here to ft Campbell and it's great. Great community and support structure. My leadership is quite good at what they do. No complaints from me. Currahee!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2018 12:08 PM

2018-05-09T12:08:40-04:00

Keep in mind that you are still very junior to the army at this point. Every unit has is struggles, but we have to be careful to not allow ourselves to get too jaded. I've faced my fair share of toxic units and leaders, and at the end of the day, so long as you don't quit, you'll leave the unit a stronger soldier. When you become an NCO, the experience will be critical in shaping your leader philosophy with your own soldiers. Adversity will bring out the best in you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2018 6:19 PM

2018-05-09T18:19:31-04:00

101st is the best duty station in the Army! Hooah Iron Rakkasan!! BEST UNIT IN THE ARMY!

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made May 10 at 2018 10:19 PM

2018-05-10T22:19:58-04:00

There's no toxic units, only toxic leadership, it starts at the top.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2018 10:58 PM

2018-05-10T22:58:22-04:00

Everything is what you make it from here until the end of your career. Don’t get sucked into the “everything sucks” mentality. Learn and grow in every aspect of your life from day one and never look back. The sky’s the limit, kid!

Response by SPC David Dupey made May 15 at 2018 10:59 AM

2018-05-15T10:59:05-04:00

This is what i learned is that you have good or bad in the service this could be NCOs or officers and even units or base. You will get tested by units and NCO officer as a test or something but other time it's a all out harassment be cause some one dose not like you because were you are from.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 8:54 PM

2018-05-25T20:54:09-04:00

Every post has its challenges. Lots of opportunities at Campbell. Go for those AASLT and Pathfinder Quals.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 19 at 2018 10:37 PM

2018-08-19T22:37:02-04:00

Two best units in the Army are the last one and the next one...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2018 12:24 PM

2018-08-20T12:24:56-04:00

I agree with SSG (ret) William Martin While on Active Duty, I always told my Soldiers that "Every post/division has it's own flavor of stupid." And it's true. You might get away from one type of stupid, but there will likely be one or more types of stupid to replace that one. There is no post that has no stupid. The closest I've ever come to a "perfect" post without all the stupid of Big Army was Fort Leavenworth, KS. The only drawback is that the OpTempo is so slow, you really do get bored and start wishing for "the real Army" again.

Response by SGT Joe Downs made Aug 12 at 2019 9:42 PM

2019-08-12T21:42:43-04:00

You've been in the ARMY now, what 10 months? Hardly time to be so disillusioned. You should find opportunities to exceed and excel, and build toward your future. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is only a faint promise, so TODAY is the present you give to yourself. Caveat Emptor. Take charge. Rise to the challenge. You'll love or hate Ft. Campbell. It's all on you. Most Screaming Eagles love duty with the 101. You can too. Or you can preconceive that you will fail there also. Buck up, stand tall, square yourself and reach for the stars. Winners never quit. Quitters never win.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2019 7:03 PM

2019-08-28T19:03:50-04:00

Why do you need a sponsor if you've been there 2 months?

Response by SFC Dennis Griffirh made Sep 1 at 2019 9:59 PM

2019-09-01T21:59:09-04:00

Best unit I was ever with.

Response by SGT Joe Downs made Dec 11 at 2020 9:36 PM

2020-12-11T21:36:25-05:00

I think you may just be a bit disappointed in your duty assignment after the high-speed BCT and possibly your AIT. You don't mention what your MOS is, what your duty position is, nor have you spoken at all about any positives about your current assignment. From your rank I must assume that you are in your first year of enlistment, therefore you should still be keeping your eyes and ears open and your thoughts between you and your battle buddy. Never let your emotions override your logic. No one, not your recruiter, your DS, or anyone else in your limited career promised you a rose garden or a ride on the gravy train. At this stage you should still be like a sponge, sucking in every bit of knowledge about your duty MOS and becoming a STRAC troop. I guess I'm just too far removed from active duty as mine started in 1974 and hasn't really ended yet: (I took an OATH, three different times, Active, USAR, and finally TNARNG and I've never UNTOOK it!!) to really comprehend how you have found yourself so disillusioned and so quickly. IF and WHEN you are assigned/attached to the 101st you will find that they are: Professional, Exceptionally Well Trained, High-speed/Low-Drag, voraciously hungry for any activity, Dedicated to the Mission and to their Brothers-In-Arms, Proud of their Heritage and accomplishments and generally on the "alert-strip" for any contingency anywhere in the world and anytime. I would seek EVERY opportunity that presented itself to learn my MOS, cross train if possible with other MOS's, take every chance for professional development, education, distance learning, miilitary school, acheivement, make an attempt to be Soldier of the Month, Quarter, Year ect. I would have the mindset of being flexible like a willow branch, able to bend and sway with challenges, but rooted like an oak tree in my core values and discipline. Find an NCO that can mentor you/assist you and take you under the wing to show you the ropes. BUT YOU GOTTA GET BUSY with making your Service worthwhile for yourself. Just putting on the uniform and showing up and doing the minimum required is not going to lead you anywhere but an ETS and a bad memory. Waiting on a Unit Sponsor? I don't quite understand that, it's after my time. I reported from Repple/Depple and Indoc to the Orderly Room at Co B 2/327 Inf. Regt., reported to TOP and was assigned to a Platoon, where I met the LT, PSG, Squad Leader, TL and my "Brothers" and was expected to start soldiering. I didn't have a babysitter or a hand holder. I don't want to be judgemental here, but maybe the "Screaming Eagles" is just not the place for you................. or Maybe you will dust off the debris and shine. Light some candles instead of cussing the darkness.

Response by SPC Adrian Rodriguez made Apr 28 at 2021 12:48 AM

2021-04-28T00:48:09-04:00

It is what you make it!....The 101 is a volunteer unit, nobody ordered you to join it....Quit winning!... Do Your JOB, be a leader and good example in dress, talk, assignments, and be positive about your unit.

You wear a unit badge that has battled in every war since WW2 and been an example of unity, pride and success under the worst conditions from 506th in Bastogne to 187th in Korea, Hill 932 Ashau Valley, the desserts of Iraq, TWICE!, now Afghanistan, more than once.....AIRBORNE!!

GROW UP!!

Response by SFC James Welch made May 4 at 2021 7:08 PM

2021-05-04T19:08:45-04:00

Are you part of the solution or part of the problem? Army life is what you make it. If you are a pain in the ass for your NCO’s to deal with, I’m sure life doesn’t seem very good to you. However, no unit is perfect and you can help make it better by doing your best at whatever job you are given. Things won’t necessarily be better at your next duty station if you carry your baggage and attitude with you. Give it some thought!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 5 at 2021 12:10 PM

2021-05-05T12:10:37-04:00

I retired out of Fort Campbell 3 years ago.... and chose to stay here because the base is exceptionally supportive and the local community is great.

No place is perfect, but this is one of the best bases I have been at.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Jun 13 at 2021 2:50 AM

2021-06-13T02:50:31-04:00

My former Battalion commander at Fort Ord Commanded 101st Dennis Benchoff. He retired as a 3 Star and I was seeing him everywhere. Luxembourg as a Civilian. He would say hi Craig. You do not need to salute you are a DOD Civie.