Inside Fort Campbell: A Rare Behind-The-Scenes Look At The 101st Airborne Division

Fear is meant to be overcome, and a recent mission-immersive trip to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home to the 101st Airborne Division and several special operations units, helped me do exactly that. Located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border near Clarksville, Tennessee (the base carries a Kentucky address, but two-thirds of the property sits in Tennessee), Fort Campbell has a storied legacy as the home of the world's only Air Assault Division: the 101st Airborne, dubbed the "Screaming Eagles."

The 101st Airborne Division changed the trajectory of world history. Originally elite paratroopers, the Screaming Eagles played a pivotal role in D-Day on June 6, 1944, one of the most consequential military operations in history. Alongside the 82nd Airborne Division, they helped secure the success of the Normandy invasion that turned the tide of World War II. The division has since evolved into the world's only Air Assault Division, capable of rapid helicopter-borne deployment anywhere in the world.

Fort Campbell is rarely accessible to civilians. In partnership with the USO, the USO's annual "Week of the Eagles" event, and the newly released Focus Features film Pressure, I was privately invited, alongside other journalists and influencers, to an advance screening in Nashville and an immersive visit to historic Fort Campbell. Pressure, which stars Brendan Fraser, Andrew Scott, and Kerry Condon, covers the 72 hours leading up to D-Day, focusing on meteorologist Group Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott) and how his weather predictions shaped one of the most important military decisions in history. The timing couldn't be more fitting: June 6, 2026 marks the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day.

The Storied History of Fort Campbell and the Screaming Eagles

Fort Campbell's reputation precedes it. It's one of the most specialized military installations in the U.S. Army, built around rapid deployment and elite special operations. The base is home to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), known as the "Legion," and the 160th Special Operations Airborne Aviation Regiment, known as the "Night Stalkers."

A monument at Fort Campbell honors the "Triple Nickles," the 555th Infantry Battalion, the first all-Black paratroopers in U.S. history. It speaks to the spirit of camaraderie you feel across the entire base. General Colin Powell commanded the 2nd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell from April 1976 to July 1977 and has often said his time there shaped his leadership style. And yes, Jimi Hendrix had a brief stint at Fort Campbell before his music career took off. Walking the facilities, you feel the spirit of excellence, discipline, and unity in every corner.

The immersion gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday lives of soldiers in their element. The day started with a live demonstration of military working dogs and the bond between canines and their handlers. What struck me most was the depth of loyalty on both sides and the serious commitment required to build that relationship.

Getting Up Close with CH-47 Chinooks at Campbell Army Airfield

Next, we headed to Campbell Army Airfield for an up-close look at military aircraft, including the CH-47 Chinook helicopter and the Black Pearl. We sat in cockpits and explored the interiors of military helicopters while learning about their capabilities. Watching soldiers work hands-on with the aircraft was genuinely humbling. There was a precision and efficiency to everything, paired with a quiet, humble expertise that showed up in every interaction. Doors held open, consistent eye contact, easy smiles, real collaboration. The theme of working together for something bigger than yourself ran through every moment.

Crew Chief Specialist Brown of the "Hurricanes" put it simply: "We're always checking to make sure that things are not just safe for ourselves, but for our pilots and anyone that's going to be in the helicopter with us. It's a very fulfilling job. We get to do a lot of other cool things, like humanitarian aid. For example, during hurricanes, we get to provide relief here, and it's a passion of mine." That earnestness about being of service to others was consistent across every soldier I met.

On patriotism, Specialist Brown was direct: "It's important that if you do really care about this country and you feel as if there needs to be a change in this country, then be that change. I don't think that hating this country or being non-patriotic is progressive for people who may be struggling, regardless of their ethnic group. If you love this country, being that change is something that you will put the effort forward to do."

Conquering Fears at The Sabalauski Air Assault School

Then came The Sabalauski Air Assault School, and a rappelling lesson that turned out to be the most personally rewarding part of the day. Climbing the many steps to the rappelling platform, I got scared and told one of the soldiers checking my harness. He looked at me and said: "Fear is not a good enough reason not to try. Fear is not a good enough reason to learn something new. And fear is not a good enough reason not to have fun."

That hit differently coming from someone who embodies it daily. Not all soldiers are fearless. Mostly, they just push past the fear. He spoke with authority and compassion, and I had no choice but to jump off that platform. My rappel was more of a slow dangle than anything graceful, but I made it down, and it was empowering. Fear isn't pretty, but it's definitely meant to be overcome.

We had a BBQ lunch with the servicemen and servicewomen at the Fort Campbell USO Center: Southern-style macaroni and cheese, baked beans, pulled pork, cornbread, brownies, the works. Comfort food at its best. We got to see soldiers walking through common areas with their kids, chatting with each other and with us. I learned that military parents have to plan well in advance for childcare when they're deployed, sometimes with only days' notice. We also got a look at their gym and fitness facilities.

A military boxing match at the Lozada Physical Fitness Center wrapped up the afternoon on base. The atmosphere was electric and a good reminder that soldiers like to have fun just like the rest of us, though the level of physical fitness on display was something else entirely.

We closed out with a military brief from Brig. Gen. Travis McIntosh on the legacy of Fort Campbell, the 101st Airborne Division, and the specialized units that call it home. He spoke about the role AI enhancements will play for the military going forward and made a point that civilians should understand: soldiers have families and lives, too.

The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum at Fort Campbell

The evening wrapped up with a VIP tour of the Wings of Liberty Museum, which takes about an hour and covers the full legacy of the 101st Division, the 5th Special Forces Group, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, and Fort Campbell itself. It's a great stop for history buffs, educators, and anyone curious about a lesser-known side of American history. If military history isn't your thing, Nashville, Tennessee has plenty to offer nearby: The Johnny Cash Museum, The National Museum of African American Music, and The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, among others.

Being around highly specialized soldiers gave me a deeper respect for the men and women who serve and protect this country. What I noticed most wasn't physical strength or tactical skill. It was a genuine desire to serve: doors held open, encouragement offered freely, help extended without being asked. I've always respected our troops, but my time at Fort Campbell deepened that gratitude in a real way.

Planning Your Visit to Fort Campbell

While the operational heartbeat of Fort Campbell remains restricted, civilians can still access several areas of the base, including:

• The Wings of Liberty Museum & Memorials: Perfect for history buffs and families.
• Outdoor Recreation Facilities & Programs: Access to select gear rentals and the privately owned firearms range.
• Base Dining & Shopping: Open access to the Commissary, The Exchange, and designated Warrior Restaurants.

If you are planning any trips through Kentucky or Tennessee, exploring the footprints of these real-life heroes will instill an undeniable sense of pride and gratitude. Being around active service members is an inspiration, and to see soldiers in their own element will definitely instill pride, gratitude, and admiration for those who fight for these United States! And, be sure to check out the new Pressure movie at a theater near you!