PCSing to Fort Campbell (General)

2013-11-16T19:55:12-05:00

What should I know about Fort Campbell before PCSing?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2014 11:42 PM

2014-03-04T23:42:42-05:00

SPC Vicars,<div><br></div><div>Congrats on your re-enlistment!  I've been at Fort Campbell for almost 2 years, and I love it.  Esprit de corps is high and there are lots of family-friendly activities in the area.</div><div><br></div><div>Here is a prior discussion that hit all of the highlights:</div><div><br></div><div>https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/fort-campbell-outlooks<br></div><div><br></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://www.rallypoint.com/assets/fb_share_logo.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/fort-campbell-outlooks">RallyPoint | Fort Campbell outlooks</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">My first duty station will be at Fort Campbell. Any advice or highlights about the place? I will really appreciate.</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2014 12:40 AM

2014-03-05T00:40:53-05:00

As listed above, it is dependent on unit.<br><br>However....<br><br>Go to these places:<br><br>1) G's Pancake House<br><br>2) New Korea Restaurant south of gate 1<br><br>3) Nashville<br><br>4) Land Between the Lakes<br><br>5) Austin Peay State University (close enough to attend as a resident rather than distance learning)<br><br><br>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 1:39 AM

2014-03-06T01:39:06-05:00

I'm going to make the assumption that you are in some way or form going to find yourself to the 101st. If not, and are for example going to Blanchfield Hospital or something, then disregard the following.

- Expect to ruck
- Expect to ruck A LOT
- Expect to run more than you're probably used to, and take precautions against overuse injuries.
- Expect to be expected to go to Air Assault School. Slots are plentiful, and the 101st is obviously big on it.
- Do not expect to go to Airborne School. Short of being one of the best soldiers in the division, your chances of getting an airborne slot from the 101st is slim to none.
- Expect to be expected to be an expert rifleman if you're not already.
- Expect to live at the range. It is not unheard of to spend a whole week at a range, come back for a weekend, and then go right back out Monday and repeat the process until the CSM has deemed at least one marriage irretrievably broken.
- Expect your SPC rank to mean practically nothing on your first day. I arrived to the 101st as a SPC with a 1st ID combat patch and CMB, but I still had to prove myself. This leads into...
- Expect to be tested, figuratively and literally. Again, your implied experience due to your rank means nothing.
- And finally, expect to be able to take great pride in your 101st patch and heritage. It's a great division, and your time there will be remembered for the rest of your life. Embrace it, and remember you will always be able to say you were a part of one of the greatest divisions the U.S. Army has ever had.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 1:53 AM

2014-03-06T01:53:44-05:00

Expect to serve in the greatest division on the face of the planet!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2014 11:03 PM

2014-03-06T23:03:19-05:00

<p>Courtesy Patrol...</p><p><br></p><p>Make sure your uniform is dress-right-dress ALL. THE. TIME.  If you even have one button undone, you will be written up.  Your name will go to the Division CSM, who will call your Brigade CSM, who will call your Battalion CSM.  You, your first-line, your PSG, and your BN CSM will be standing in front of your BDE CSM because you had one button undone.  Then you and your PSG will be assigned to the Courtesy Patrol with a quota of Soldiers to catch with uniform deficiencies.</p><p><br></p><p>Did it happen to me?  No, but it happened to a lot of guys I worked with...</p>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 8:24 AM

2014-04-19T08:24:52-04:00

Most of the post should be finished remodeling some buildings on post. There's a movie theater being built outside of gate 7 which will be very soldier convenient. I would say it depends on where you're going but it doesn't matter. Esprit de Corps is very high on Campbell. Every unit has its own unit shirt and sweatshirt  that you can wear for PT. You're going to get there right before the week of the Eagles. You're going to love that. Get ready for Air Assault School if you hadn't gone yet. 

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 12:09 PM

2014-04-19T12:09:41-04:00

My husband and I enjoyed Campbell so much that we are PCSing there in July for our THIRD time! :o) The area is beautiful and there is a lot to do that isn't too far away. Nashville is about a 45-50 drive. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is The Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area near base as well as Mammoth Cave National Park up in KY. There are plenty of things to do with the family and kids as well. I agree with SGT Eashman about the Esprit de Corps; people take a lot of pride being part of the 101st and there is a big Division Run that is held there once a year. The Independence Day celebration is pretty impressive as well, they usually have a big concert with a famous band or singer along with a carnival and fireworks. The one thing I dislike about Campbell is the long wait for on post housing (usually 3-6 months). The last two times we lived off post just because we hated the idea of moving twice. However, this time we will probably live on post just for the convenience.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 12:55 AM

2015-05-14T00:55:38-04:00

Be ready to be Air Assault it your not already. Be proud to wear Old Abe and you'll probably wind up getting your full on chicken sandwich fairly soon...unit depending. Read up on the division history for sure....as it is rich in it.D Day in particular. However, there is really no place screaming Eagles haven't already set foot. As we tend to be first in the chute.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 6:35 AM

2015-05-14T06:35:47-04:00

Your going to Air Assault school! If not you won't get promoted!

Response by SSG James Doherty made May 14 at 2015 8:06 AM

2015-05-14T08:06:26-04:00

Stay away from Kickers.

Response by SGT Jeanine Mezei made May 14 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-05-14T09:17:42-04:00

You will love it! It has the best military camaraderie I experienced in the Army and you will road march a lot in the back 40. Expect lots of running and the opportunity to go to Air Assault is always there, which is great because you can practice the obstacle course almost as much as you want and know what to expect. Every NCO I met before I PCSed there spoke of it as the assignment they always loved best. They were right in every aspect. Avoid Oak Grove as a place to live or hang out. The nicer homes are right off the highway in Sango or off Tiny Town Road. Close to Nashville so lots of nightlife and weekend activities. Either way, you will likely love it and have lots of opportunities to further your career with NCOs who actually mentor Soldiers as opposed to some other units I experienced.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-05-14T10:41:15-04:00

Wow... a lot of melodramatic responses. Campbell's not that bad. I liked it, was there from 04 to 10, then another short 8 months in 13 and 14 before coming here. The surrounding area is growing quick and it's getting a little too crowded, but plenty to go out and do. Every unit had its pros and cons, so it would be stupid to assume what your unit experience will be. Do expect a stout training schedule though. Air assault all was fun, enjoy it. Reception will likely give a bad taste... lots of rejects there with something to prove, so don't be disheartened by the juvenile clownery you'll experience there for about a week or two. You may a shitty command and add the guidon is passed you'll have a fantastic command. JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER PLACES IN THE ARMY. I wouldn't mind getting stationed there at all. Oh, and to airborne school isn't all that elusive. ..at all. However, depending on your job and unit, they're are several units they're that week take priority. I see you're a medic, and quite frankly u don't know the difference between a medic a unit a medic at the hospital I'dthere's one at all. If you're in a unit that jumps, you'll be sent. If you're maid and don't mind a slightly longer come, get a place up around exit 1 on the highway, or by 101 blvd. Oak Grove is kind if crappy and the cost to turn on utilities is a couple hundred bucks. Pretty ridiculous. On post housing isn't bad either. Not the best I've ever seen, but far from the worst and continually improving. I think is pretty much everywhere now, but the housing us privatized. In my experience, for E5 and below, is generally more financially beneficial to live on post. E5 with a couple years in E6, you go either way without much difference, E6 with a bit more time and E7, a little better to start living off post. For E7 at camel though you get bigger housing, and if course below that, the number of dependents is favored in. Anyway, overall you will very likely enjoy your time there, but they'll definitely be times where they'll make sure you're earning your pay.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made May 14 at 2015 5:37 PM

2015-05-14T17:37:28-04:00

Get good shoes for Running, lots of running and rucking. you MUST go to Air Assault. not really an option for most units. Learn how to shine jump boots.

Stay away from ...bars,, just all of them!

If you are single get in with the MWR. They always have good stuff going on. Find you some good back yard BBQ people to hang out with and you will love it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 14 at 2015 5:46 PM

2015-05-14T17:46:29-04:00

There is a good dam for fishing 40 minutes from Ft Campbell.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made May 14 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-05-14T18:23:22-04:00

Prepare to PCS to Korea sometime while you're there, I didn't, but while I was there, we went to Saudi Arabia.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-05-14T21:24:51-04:00

Like already read, get perpared for Air Assault school and be proud of being part of the best Division's in the Army. This is the obsolete best post to go to military schools so take full advantage of it.

You will have to attend Air Assault school, but remember you're part of the only Air Assault Division in the army and this is the only 10 days. Plus this is the only post in the Army you are garrented to attend Air Assault School the other post that offer Air Assault you have to pull teeth to go, here you just go.

So like I said, take full advantage and attend as many military schools as you can while your here.

Air Assault!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 14 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-05-14T22:22:21-04:00

You should know how to run a lot of 8 minute miles, how to tie a swiss seat in 60 seconds, and the words to Rendezvous with Destiny. One of the BEST units on the planet!!!

Response by CPL Bryan Nicholas made May 14 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-05-14T22:55:13-04:00

Stay out of the PX during duty hours. Don't even go into it while in uniform. Enjoy the back 40, ie. Fishing, hunting, hiking. If you want to know any good places let me know. Land between the lakes is awesome. Enjoy your time there. Campbell has been known to push good soldiers out. I've seen plenty before I got out. (60% of my company ets'd after redeployment.)

Response by SSG John Bacon made May 15 at 2015 1:32 AM

2015-05-15T01:32:09-04:00

You could expect to stay at Campbell for a very long time, it's one of those posts that seems to hold on and never let go.

Expect to be placed in the 86th CSH as you are a medical MOS, or be placed at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH).

Rucking, Lots of Rucking, Being Yelled at while your Rucking, by a CSM you have never met before because your not wearing your eye pro.

Expect to go to Range 23, 51, and 73 and not have your targets drop because Green man is Swiss cheese.

Expect to see more MP's than you have ever seen in your life.

I spent 9 1/2 years at Fort Campbell it was my only Army duty Station besides Deployments to Iraq.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2015 6:54 PM

2015-05-21T18:54:04-04:00

I'm PCSing there myself in March. Glad to finally be leaving Stewart.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 30 at 2015 10:15 PM

2015-09-30T22:15:20-04:00

SPC Tony Rodgers, Learn to enjoy Country Music, Ft Knox in 1953 was a shock! One Soldier would get on his upper bunk, remove the light bulb above his head, plug in his itty bitty radio, tune it to Real Nashville Country Music as the rest of we'uns went to the PX or day room!