Base guide
Fort Pickett
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Fort Pickett, near Blackstone, Virginia, is a Virginia National Guard training installation. The Army describes it as sitting “on about 41,000 acres” and “operated by the Virginia National Guard, which took control of the post in 1997”, with open-terrain and wooded maneuver areas, more than 20 ranges capable of training on nearly every Army weapons system, a rail spur and a C-17 capable airfield, according to an Army article on the 2023 redesignation. “The installation’s primary customer is the Virginia National Guard, but also regularly hosts units from other states and services.”
The name: Camp Pickett, Fort Barfoot, Fort Pickett
The post was built during World War II and originally named Camp Pickett. On March 24, 2023, it was redesignated Fort Barfoot in honor of Col. Van T. Barfoot, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient with extensive Virginia ties, in a ceremony at Blackstone Army Airfield. In June 2025, the Army announced that “Fort Pickett (formerly Fort Barfoot) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient 1st Lt. Vernon W. Pickett for his extraordinary heroism during World War II”, per the Army’s announcement of seven installation name changes.
Who trains here
Recent Defense Department coverage shows the post in use for mobilization training. On Oct. 7, 2026, Virginia and Maryland National Guard Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division completed M4 carbine qualification at Fort Pickett in preparation for their upcoming mobilization, and on Oct. 16, 2026, the Virginia National Guard Command Chief Warrant Officer met with the division’s warrant officers there, according to DVIDS coverage of the 29th Infantry Division at Fort Pickett.
If you are coming for training
Before you travel to Fort Pickett for training, ask your unit:
- where and when to report on the installation, and which gate to use;
- what billeting is assigned for the rotation, and whether family members may visit;
- where sick call and emergency care will be provided during training;
- whether your orders or travel documents still use the Fort Barfoot name.
Before you arrive
Confirm reporting instructions and billeting with your unit, and check that your orders reflect the Fort Pickett name.