What can you tell me about Fort Campbell, the good the bad and the ugly?

2018-07-30T18:59:08-04:00

I'm PCSING to Fort Campbell in 3 weeks and I just want the low down. I've heard that the housing contractor is trash. What neighborhoods should I not live in? I'm thinking pierce village and Gardner hills back loop, I'm not sure about either of them. I'm a 13B, how are the units there? I know and am excited for air assault school, proud to be apart of such a great legacy.
I understand that they put you through air assault PT when you get there but I want to do some prep before I get there, what is the air assault PT program look like?
What stuff is there to do with a family besides the obvious Nashville?
Thanks guys for any feedback

Response by LTC Jeff Shearer made Jul 30 at 2018 7:46 PM

2018-07-30T19:46:36-04:00

Luke I have never been stationed at Campbell, however, you have something going for you. The units at the Post have a very high OPTEMPO so I am sure they try and take good care of their people.

Good luck in Air Assault, everyone I knew who was stationed there had zero complaints.

Response by SGT Adam Kolin made Jul 30 at 2018 7:57 PM

2018-07-30T19:57:48-04:00

Fort Campbell was the best station I had. Never should have left it, everyone that left said the miss it everyday.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Jul 30 at 2018 8:23 PM

2018-07-30T20:23:52-04:00

For Air Assault school.... know how to climb a rope, use a foot lock technique (j hook, s hook).... be able to do cardio within the Army standards (9 minute or less mile... too easy right? knocks out wayyy too many student)... and ruck... if you can do those three things reasonably well the rest is paying attention to details.. doing what the black hats tell you to do and you should do great.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 7:47 AM

2018-07-31T07:47:02-04:00

Welcome to Fort Campbell, KY where most of the base is on the TN side but the Post Office is 100’ (approx.) on the KY side.

A lot has changed since I was there, no doubt, (1977-1980) but if you like the outdoors (hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, etc.) you’re going to a great place. Check out Land between the Lakes. I remember lots of PT and the Air Assault school. I wasn’t good enough to pass the school at the time because I had a problem with heights, but at least I tried - twice. Hope you do better though. Best of luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 8:48 AM

2018-07-31T08:48:44-04:00

Congrats on your PCS. I highly encourage you to start rucking with at least 40lbs in increments of 3, 6, 9 and 12 miles. Ensure that you are able to complete the 6 in 1.5 hours and your 12 in 3 hours you're golden. Find the packing list (it should be on line).

For phase one start being able to identify each aircraft by photo, it'll help you for the test. If I can remember correctly, they'll put an aircraft on the test and you'll have to be able to identify it, how much it can sling, how many fire extinguishers should accompany it (also how many are required on Campbell), how many first aid kits (also how many are required on Campbell), how many personnel in the crew (also how many are required on Campbell), how many litters/ambulatory patients it can hold etc.

For Phase two, ensure that you pay close attention to the sling load prepping, the tape placement, link counts, the different types of webbing etc. Ensure that you remember what type of aircraft can lift what for the test from phase one as well as how much the different types of loads weigh (i.e. fuel blivets, HMV's,). Take your time when being evaluated!

Phase three, start learning how to tie a swiss seat, before you get there bc you will do a lot of it during this phase in between repelling. I believe that you're tested on tying one and will have to do it in a minute or two.

Good luck Airassault.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 9:05 AM

2018-07-31T09:05:53-04:00

Campbell was the best duty station I had. Lots of outdoorsman stuff to do but a lot of city stuff as well. Try the best you can to get out and explore the area.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 9:53 AM

2018-07-31T09:53:45-04:00

Air Assault pt is a good program depending on what unit is running it, If you decently fit AA School isn’t bad what gets a lot of people is the sling load portion and the 12 mile ruck. If your looking to train for it work on running two miles in uniform in 17:00 or less do a couple practice day 0 layouts(you can find the example on the TSAAS website) and make sure you can ruck 12 miles in 3 hours or less and you can climb a rope. As far as Clarksville there isn’t a whole lot to do but there is a couple things they have that are pretty cool. Jazz on the lawn and movie in the park which are both free and out door events that are kid friendly but most of your entertainment is going to come from Nashville. If you have anymore specific questions just let me know and I’ll square you away.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 31 at 2018 12:46 PM

2018-07-31T12:46:08-04:00

It will be what you make. Air Assault training is among the toughest in the Army. Rick it up, run your hind end off, prep to climb and slide on a rope and do push-ups. Three weeks is not enough I hope you are fit. As for the rest, it is like every Army Post, it is what you make it. Thanks for your service.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2018 9:34 PM

2018-07-31T21:34:22-04:00

A big part of Air Assault is attention to detail. A lot of guys here treat it like a joke because it's pretty much handed to you here where's the rest of the Army it isn't but you'll get dropped for something as small as the wrong color pen. Study the A22 cargo bag as that slingload configuration gets a lot of people dropped on the test. Practice the Air Assault big 5 and do some ruck marching on your own.

PT is a big deal at my unit and if you can't pass a PT test they'll offer you little mercy. Air Assault PT for me was a pretty good workout. You'll do weekly 2 mile runs in OCPs (with PT shoes) to get acclimated to doing the same in AASLT school.

Werner Park is great and I have no complaints other than nosy neighbors here and there. That being said the community here as a whole is very welcoming and if you have kids there are playgrounds EVERYWHERE. Maintenance is expedient and professional if you have an issue with your house. I had a broken fence and messed up plumbing when I moved in and they fixed it right away. Xfinity on post is fast most of the time.

There's so much to do in town if you're married or single I can't even begin to cover them. They'll give you so many pamphlets at replacement.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. Welcome to Campbell.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 1:38 AM

2018-08-01T01:38:32-04:00

I was in 1997 it had time and some bad

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 4:21 AM

2018-08-01T04:21:27-04:00

I am currently at Campbell, and I like it here a lot. I would stay for much longer if I could. I am not part of 101st, so I can't tell you about the units here. Housing is decent. They have great deals going on. If you don't mind living in a smaller apartment, you can save some money on BAH. Come here and do your homework before you reach any conclusion about anything. Like others have said, start ruck marching now and try to keep yourself in the best physical shape possible.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-08-01T16:33:58-04:00

Ft. Campbell is my favorite duty station that I was stationed at. I love that area. There's a lot of outdoor type stuff to do if you're into that. Clarksville is big enough to have the basic stuff (shopping/dining) but not too big. Nashville is close enough to enjoy but far enough away to no be in a big city.

Air Assault school is all about attention to detail. Pay attention and study. You'll be fine.

Response by SPC Brett Robertson made Aug 2 at 2018 9:39 PM

2018-08-02T21:39:15-04:00

I am sure the Army has changed since I was in and sounds like air assault school has to. So take the following with a grain of salt. Pull ups start doing them now make sure you can do at least 30 with palms facing away from you and 30 with palms facing you. A little advice on the 12 mile road march run as much if it as you can . It makes it so much easier. Also go to your supply Sgt and ask for sand bags 1 should do. Fill it up and use it for training weight as someone else has mentioned before . When I did my 12 mile my company sent someone to walk it with me and told me if I finished it in the top 10 I could have a week pass. Unfortunately I was in a group with a bunch of Ranger tabers so I didn't make the top ten. Hope this helps you

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2018 5:54 AM

2018-08-03T05:54:10-04:00

I'm here now, housing is great, bit you need to put your name on the waiting list ASAP. Call Campbell Crossing immediately, and you'll be okay.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2018 11:07 AM

2018-08-04T11:07:34-04:00

Nvr been but all leaders I had that were actually leaders said Campbell was by far the best base to be on as a 13B

Response by SPC James Martin made Aug 7 at 2018 1:43 PM

2018-08-07T13:43:05-04:00

Never been to Campbell. Was at Ft. Sill

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2018 7:19 AM

2018-08-09T07:19:21-04:00

never been to fort Campbell I am in the 101fa national guard out of Massachusetts

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2018 7:08 AM

2018-09-18T07:08:01-04:00

Junt have fun with the Down syndrome airborne

Response by SSG Trevor S. made May 21 at 2019 6:00 PM

2019-05-21T18:00:18-04:00

I'm not certain how on base housing works. When I was stationed there it was crowded an d I was able to go immediately for off post housing. From what I remember with my junior troops who did get into housing, you were assigned housing. You don't get much of a choice about what is open for you.
Off duty activities:
Nashville is not just country music. You can enjoy a Predators game or a Titans game if you still follow the NFL. MWR often has cheap tickets for those games. The Nashville zoo is pretty extensive, my family enjoyed it. Fishing and hunting opportunities are everywhere. In fact, there is a good chance you will have to shoo away deer when trying to park on post during deer season (they know you can't get them in populated areas). Land Between the Lakes is excellent fishing.
If you are into a few hours driving, Chattanooga had an awesome aquarium. St Louis is fairly close.
I hope you have fun in your assignment.

Response by SPC Cesar Freytes made May 26 at 2019 11:06 PM

2019-05-26T23:06:30-04:00

Your attitude is great you will do just fine, but don't listen to the self bragging hero's on Air Assault school . Day zero is the obstacle course and run and after that you need to maintain that attitude and use your time to study what they teach you, most of these guys said it right physical readiness is needed but also pay attention to school work. I have seen soldiers fail on that. As for the area its been a long time since I lived there. Not much very close for family but check out land between the lakes its beautiful also check out some state parks close by that are pretty cool , The area has natural beauty Have fun

Response by SGT Jeremy Cribb made May 31 at 2019 11:31 PM

2019-05-31T23:31:35-04:00

My information is old, as I haven’t been there in six years. Housing is based upon rank, so I don’t think that you get to choose where you live, unless things have seriously changed. The housing list used to be long as hell, if it still is, be prepared to rent off post until you get an assignment. Hope you love to ruck and run, if not, you better learn to tolerate it. Plenty of stuff to do, but I don’t know what you like to do, therefore suggestions from us may not be well reciprocated.

Response by SGT Joe Downs made Aug 5 at 2019 12:31 AM

2019-08-05T00:31:26-04:00

The good: Legacy, Tradition, Honor, Respect, History. Wearing the patch of the most recognized military Division in the world. Being a "Screaming Eagle" and the pride that accompanies wearing that SSI. Having endless opportunities for professional and personal growth. Earning your wings. Being on the edge of excitement at all times. Being close to Nashville, Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountains, Louisville, and Land Between the Lakes, St. Louis, MO and Paris, TN and the myriad attractions of each place. Great place for family, good people, a caring community. Best duty station I ever lived at as a dependent, and as a Soldier. The bad: (If you want to call it that) Field duty, post guard, but realistic and durable training, with opportunities to be deployed to other locales, in Humanitarian and Real-World missions. As a Red-Leg, you will be expected to be "On Target, STEEL!" and proficient. Ready, Willing and Able. You'll be "STRAC" and expected to uphold the highest and finest traditions of the United States Army. Looked up to, and admired. Join the Association, they can be helpful and supportive to you. IF you hunt or fish, there are endless lakes and grounds to utilize. Civilians salivate at the thought of drawing Ft. Campbell for a hunt. Opportunities abound for those who want to take advantage. Air Assault is a mind-set. You can make it, many before you have. Be in good physical shape, prepare your mind to absorb the lessons, and take charge! "Screaming Eagles" are a brotherhood, they take care of each other. Current, Former, Retired. It's a Community. And an Honor to be assigned there. Make it the best you can, the success is all on you. "The Stars fall on Ft. Campbell and just keep Rising". Welcome, "Volens Et Potens" Be: WILLING AND ABLE.