Fort Pickett

Fort Pickett. It is a United States Army National Guard installation located primarily in Nottoway County, Virginia, with portions extending into Brunswick County, Virginia and Dinwiddie County, Virginia. Established during World War II, the post serves as a major maneuver training center for military forces from across the United States and allied nations. Its extensive facilities support a wide range of combat and logistical training exercises.

History

Construction began in 1941 under the authority of the United States Department of War to establish a new infantry training facility as the nation prepared for potential entry into World War II. The site was selected for its remote, undeveloped terrain suitable for large-scale maneuvers, and the installation was activated in 1942. During the war, it served as a critical training ground for United States Army units, including elements of the 29th Infantry Division prior to the Normandy landings. In the post-war era, the facility transitioned to reserve component training and saw significant use during the Cold War, with its airfield occasionally hosting United States Air Force and NATO aircraft. The post was temporarily inactivated in the 1990s but was later reopened and has since been modernized to support contemporary military training requirements for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Geography and facilities

The installation encompasses approximately 41,000 acres of varied terrain, including dense forests, open fields, and numerous water features. Key infrastructure includes the Blackstone Army Airfield, which features a 5,500-foot runway capable of handling C-130 Hercules and similar transport aircraft. The training area contains over 50 live-fire ranges for weapons from small arms to M1 Abrams tank cannons, as well as extensive MOUT facilities simulating complex urban environments. Other significant facilities include a Forward Arming and Refueling Point, multiple drop zones for airborne and air assault operations, and logistical support areas. The terrain is managed to support realistic large-scale brigade-level exercises and joint training events.

Military units and training

As a Maneuver Training Center, it hosts a permanent garrison provided by the Virginia National Guard, including the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute. The installation regularly supports training for active-duty components of the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, and various United States Department of Defense agencies. Key recurring exercises include joint operations with the United States Navy and United States Air Force, as well as multinational training events with partners from NATO and other allied nations. Specialized training encompasses military intelligence, combat engineering, field artillery live-fire, and logistical sustainment operations, making it a comprehensive training platform for the Total Force Policy.

Name change and controversy

The installation was originally named for Confederate States Army General George Pickett, best known for leading Pickett's Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg. In the early 21st century, amid nationwide reexamination of Confederate memorials, the name attracted increasing scrutiny. This culminated in the 2021 recommendations of the Naming Commission, established by the United States Congress, which identified military assets honoring the Confederate States of America. In accordance with the commission's findings and subsequent Department of Defense directives, the installation was officially redesignated in 2023. The new name honors Van T. Barfoot, a Medal of Honor recipient from World War II and a native of Mississippi.

In popular culture

The installation has served as a filming location for several major motion pictures and television productions, leveraging its realistic military infrastructure and controlled environment. It provided key settings for the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers, which depicted the training of Easy Company prior to Operation Overlord. The post also appeared in the film The Siege, starring Denzel Washington and Bruce Willis, and has been used for training sequences in various documentaries produced by the History Channel. Its airfield and urban training sites are particularly valued by production companies seeking authentic military ambiance.