Fort Campbell

Kentucky / Tennessee

Overview

Fort Campbell is one of the most well-known U.S. Army installations in the country and serves as the home of the legendary 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Located on the Kentucky–Tennessee border near Clarksville, Tennessee, Fort Campbell is a major center for air assault operations, rapid deployment forces, and combat aviation.

The installation supports tens of thousands of soldiers, families, civilians, and retirees and plays a critical role in the Army’s ability to deploy forces worldwide.

Fort Campbell is best known for the proud heritage of the 101st Airborne Division, also known as the “Screaming Eagles.”

History

Fort Campbell was established in 1942 during World War II as the United States rapidly expanded its military forces.

The installation was named after Brigadier General William Bowen Campbell, a Tennessee soldier and statesman who served in the Mexican-American War and later as Governor of Tennessee.

Originally created as Camp Campbell, the installation was upgraded to Fort Campbell in 1950 as the Army recognized its growing importance as a permanent military installation.

Throughout the decades, Fort Campbell has supported soldiers preparing for major conflicts including:

• World War II

• The Vietnam War

• Operation Desert Storm

• Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan

Today, Fort Campbell remains one of the Army’s most important operational bases.

Home of the 101st Airborne Division

Fort Campbell is most closely associated with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), one of the most famous divisions in U.S. military history.

The division earned global recognition during World War II, particularly during the D-Day invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge.

While originally trained as a parachute infantry division, the 101st transitioned to an Air Assault mission, focusing on helicopter-borne operations that allow soldiers to deploy quickly into combat zones.

Today the division’s motto, “Rendezvous with Destiny,” continues to represent the spirit and legacy of the Screaming Eagles.

Sabalauski Air Assault School

Fort Campbell is also home to the Sabalauski Air Assault School, one of the most challenging and respected schools in the U.S. Army.

Soldiers who complete the demanding course earn the Air Assault Badge, symbolizing their ability to conduct helicopter-borne combat operations.

Training at Air Assault School includes:

• Obstacle courses and physical endurance tests

• Sling load operations with military helicopters

• Rappelling from towers and aircraft

• Tactical air assault planning

The school is widely known throughout the Army as a demanding but rewarding training experience.

Units and Mission

Fort Campbell supports several major units that provide combat power and operational readiness for the United States Army.

Key organizations stationed at the installation include:

• 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

• 101st Combat Aviation Brigade

• 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

• 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers)

These units support missions across the globe, providing rapid response capabilities and special operations support.

Installation Role Today

Today, Fort Campbell remains one of the most active military installations in the United States.

The base supports:

• Combat ready Army units

• Air assault and aviation operations

• Special operations forces

• Large-scale training exercises

Its strategic location and extensive training areas allow soldiers to prepare for modern combat operations.

Fort Campbell Today

Fort Campbell continues to serve as a major military community supporting soldiers and their families.

The installation includes:

• Training ranges and airfields

• Aviation facilities

• Family housing and schools

• Medical services and support facilities

It remains one of the Army’s most recognizable posts and a key hub for operational readiness.

Did You Serve at Fort Campbell?

Many soldiers remember their time at Fort Campbell through:

• Their unit assignments

• Air Assault School training

• Deployments with the 101st Airborne Division

• Life in the Clarksville military community

If you served at Fort Campbell, your experiences are part of the long history of soldiers who trained and deployed from this historic installation.