Kentucky's strategic location along the Ohio River has made it a key military region throughout U.S. history. The state played a pivotal role in early conflicts, including the French and Indian War, and has remained a vital part of national defense ever since. Over time, Kentucky has been home to multiple military installations, but today, it hosts two major bases: Fort Campbell and Fort Knox.
For a closer look at each Army installation, including Blue Grass Army Depot and 2026 housing allowance rates, see our guide to Army bases in Kentucky.
Fort Campbell
Fort Campbell was established during World War II in response to the growing need for expanded training facilities after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Named after Brigadier General William Bowen Campbell, the base was originally used to train armored divisions, including the 12th, 14th, and 20th Armored Divisions, which played key roles in the European theater of the war.
Current Role and Units
Today, Fort Campbell is known for housing some of the U.S. Army’s most elite units, including:
- 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) – Specializes in rapid air assault operations and large-scale combat.
- 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) – Focuses on unconventional warfare and special operations.
- 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) – Also known as the Night Stalkers, this elite aviation unit specializes in nighttime missions, supporting Special Operations Forces worldwide.
Fort Campbell is one of the most active bases in the country, continuously training and deploying troops to global hotspots. It remains a cornerstone of rapid deployment and special operations training.
For more information, visit the Fort Campbell Website.
Fort Knox
Fort Knox was established in 1918 and named after Major General Henry Knox, the first U.S. Secretary of War. Initially, the base served as a training ground for infantry divisions preparing for deployment to Europe during World War I.
Home of the U.S. Gold Bullion Depository
In 1933, Fort Knox was selected as the site for the U.S. Bullion Depository, housing much of the nation’s gold reserves. The location was chosen due to its central positioning, existing military infrastructure, and heavily secured terrain. The depository remains one of the most secure locations in the world, known for its reinforced vaults and layers of military protection.
Training and Operational Focus
While Fort Knox is famous for its gold reserves, it is also an important military training facility. The base is home to:
- U.S. Army Cadet Command, overseeing the ROTC program that trains future Army officers.
- U.S. Army Human Resources Command, which manages personnel operations for the entire Army.
- General George Patton Museum, which preserves the history of the U.S. Armored Corps and honors the legacy of one of America’s most famous generals.
For more information, visit the Fort Knox Website.
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Other Military Sites in Kentucky
Fort Campbell and Fort Knox are the big two, but they are not the only military sites in the state:
- Blue Grass Army Depot sits in Madison County near Richmond. It covers about 15,000 acres and stores and ships munitions for the joint force, per the Blue Grass Army Depot page. In July 2023 the plant there finished destroying the last chemical weapons stored at the depot.
- Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort is home to the Kentucky National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters, per the Kentucky National Guard.
Planning Your Kentucky PCS
Before you house hunt, check your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), the monthly amount the military pays toward off-base housing. Our 2026 BAH explainer shows how to look up your rate. Our Fort Campbell PCS guide and Fort Knox PCS guide cover nearby towns, and our Kentucky veteran property tax guide explains the homestead exemption for totally disabled veterans.
Relocating to Kentucky? We Can Help!
If you are PCSing to Kentucky, VeteranPCS can connect you with veteran-friendly real estate agents and lenders who understand the challenges of military relocation. Whether you are searching for a home near Fort Campbell or Fort Knox, we can help you navigate the process smoothly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What military units are stationed at Fort Campbell? Fort Campbell is home to several elite units, including the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers).
2. Can civilians visit Fort Knox? While some areas of Fort Knox, such as the General George Patton Museum, are open to the public, the U.S. Bullion Depository is off-limits due to security reasons.
3. Why was Fort Knox chosen as the site for the U.S. Bullion Depository? Fort Knox was selected because of its central location, existing military presence, and high-security infrastructure, making it an ideal place to safeguard the nation's gold reserves.
4. Is Fort Campbell an active deployment base? Yes, Fort Campbell is one of the most active deployment bases in the country, with the 101st Airborne Division frequently deploying to global conflict zones.
5. How can I find housing near Fort Campbell or Fort Knox? VeteranPCS specializes in helping military families find housing near major installations. Our veteran-friendly agents and lenders can assist you in finding a home that suits your needs and VA loan benefits.
If you're preparing for a PCS move to Kentucky, let VeteranPCS help make your transition easier.
