PCS to Fort Pickett: A Complete Relocation Guide

Fort Pickett Fast Facts

About Fort Pickett

Fort Pickett has one of the more complex naming histories of any Army installation in the country. Established in 1942 as Camp Pickett, it supported training for multiple infantry divisions during World War II — at its peak, more than 60,000 soldiers trained here simultaneously. It was redesignated Fort Pickett in the early 1960s as its mission shifted to National Guard and Reserve component training. In March 2023, it was renamed Fort Barfoot in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Tech Sgt. Van T. Barfoot of Virginia. On June 11, 2025, by order of the Secretary of Defense, the name reverted to Fort Pickett — this time honoring 1st Lt. Vernon W. Pickett, a WWII soldier who received the Distinguished Service Cross for destroying enemy machine gun positions under fire, escaping German captivity, rejoining his unit, and later being killed in action.

Today, Fort Pickett is the home of the Virginia Army National Guard’s Maneuver Training Center and one of the most versatile multi-purpose training installations on the East Coast. The 42,000-acre installation offers live-fire ranges, forward operating base (FOB) training areas, urban assault courses, training villages, and Blackstone Army Airfield — which can accommodate C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft. Users include the Virginia Army National Guard, Army Reserve, active duty units on rotation, Navy and Marine Corps personnel, and multiple federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Virginia State Police and Civil Air Patrol also use the installation’s facilities.

The biggest change to Fort Pickett’s profile in recent years has been the opening of the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) in November 2019. This 1,350-acre State Department facility on the Fort Pickett grounds consolidated security training from 10 separate national venues into one purpose-built campus. FASTC trains Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) special agents, foreign service officers, and members of the broader foreign affairs community in surveillance detection, emergency medical care, IED recognition, defensive driving, and firearms. It has brought permanent staff and their families to the Blackstone area in numbers the region hadn’t seen in decades.

A Note for Incoming Families: What Kind of PCS Is This?

Fort Pickett operates differently from a traditional active-duty installation — understanding that upfront will save you frustration. The permanent party population is small. Most personnel here fall into one of three categories: Virginia Army National Guard members assigned to the installation headquarters or the Maneuver Training Center; permanent civilian and military staff at FASTC; or active duty and Reserve soldiers on short-term training rotations (TDY, not PCS). If your orders are for a training rotation, your family situation is different from a full PCS — confirm with your command whether housing, BAH, and dependent support programs apply before making any housing decisions. The PCS Plan tool can help you think through what your specific orders mean for housing and schools.

Arriving at Fort Pickett

Access and Directions

Fort Pickett is located approximately 4 miles off U.S. Route 460, which is the primary access corridor connecting Blackstone to Petersburg and Richmond to the northeast and Lynchburg to the west. Coming from Richmond, take Route 460 West through Petersburg and continue southwest to Blackstone. The main entrance is on Military Road, Blackstone, VA 23824. Always verify current gate hours and access requirements with your gaining command before arrival, as access procedures for a National Guard installation differ from a large active-duty post and may vary by training cycle.

In-Processing

Report to the Maneuver Training Center headquarters at Building 472, Military Road, upon arrival. Because Fort Pickett supports multiple commands and tenant organizations — including FASTC, the Virginia National Guard, and rotating training units — your in-processing steps depend entirely on your command. FASTC personnel in-process through State Department/DSS channels separately from National Guard in-processing. Confirm your specific check-in location and required documents with your gaining command before your report date. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all IDs, dependent documents, medical records, and vehicle registration. For a complete PCS document checklist, see the PCS binder and checklist.

Transportation Office

As a National Guard installation without a large permanent-party population, Fort Pickett does not operate a full Transportation/Household Goods office at the same scale as a major active-duty post. Arrange your HHG shipment or PPM/DITY move through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS) well in advance of your report date. For guidance on how PPM/DITY moves work, your weight allowances, and how to maximize your entitlements, see the PCS Pay It Forward® DITY/PPM guide.

Housing at Fort Pickett

On-Post Housing

Fort Pickett does not offer on-post family housing. The installation provides barracks and temporary billets for soldiers on training rotations, but there are no privatized family housing neighborhoods comparable to what you’d find at a large active-duty post. On-post lodging is available for TDY and short-term assignment personnel — contact the Fort Pickett Lodging office for availability and rates. All permanent PCS families live off-post in surrounding communities.

Off-Post Housing Options

The good news: Southside Virginia’s cost of living is well below the national average. Nottoway County’s cost of living index sits around 84.7 — meaning your housing dollar goes significantly further here than at most duty stations. Property taxes are low (median around $900/year on most homes), home prices are affordable, and the rental market is manageable compared to Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads.

Most permanent-party families and FASTC staff settle in Blackstone or Farmville for the short commute, or push out to the Chesterfield/Petersburg corridor when they need access to larger schools, shopping, and the medical facilities that a small rural area can’t support. Blackstone is genuinely military-friendly and has built its community around the installation for decades — locals understand the military lifestyle in a way that surprises most first-time arrivals.

If you’re considering buying in this market, the VA Home Loan is a particularly powerful tool here. Home values in Nottoway and surrounding counties are well below state and national averages, which means your zero-down VA purchasing power goes exceptionally far. The region has also benefited from FASTC’s arrival, which has added stability to an area that was previously at greater economic risk. Run a free VA Loan Snapshot to see what you qualify for before your search begins.

BAH at Fort Pickett — What to Know

Fort Pickett falls within zip code 23824 (Blackstone, Nottoway County). Because this is a rural area with a small military population, Nottoway County is assigned to a County Cost Group (CCG) rather than a major Military Housing Area (MHA). CCG BAH rates are generally lower than rates at large urban installations — reflecting the area’s actual, much lower rental market. The good news is that your BAH at Fort Pickett will typically cover housing costs comfortably in Blackstone or surrounding communities, since the cost of living is genuinely lower than the national average.

CCG BAH rates vary by pay grade, dependency status, and the specific cost group assigned to your zip code. Always verify your exact rate before signing a lease by using the official DoD BAH Calculator with zip code 23824. For context on how Fort Pickett’s BAH compares to other Virginia installations and statewide trends, see the 2026 BAH guide. If you’re comparing housing options in Richmond suburbs (for a longer commute), check the BAH rate for those zip codes separately — rates may differ significantly across county lines.

Schools Near Fort Pickett

Local School Districts

There are no DoDEA schools at Fort Pickett. School enrollment depends on where you live off-post. Families near the installation primarily attend Nottoway County Public Schools. Those commuting from Farmville attend Prince Edward County Public Schools. Families choosing to live in the Richmond/Chesterfield corridor access some of Virginia’s highest-rated districts — but with a substantially longer commute. Contact your gaining command’s School Liaison Program for current enrollment requirements, immunization documentation, and records transfer procedures.

Families who prioritize top-ranked schools and are willing to drive 45–55 minutes should look seriously at Chesterfield County, which consistently ranks among the best districts in Virginia. Those who want a short commute and a small-town school environment will find Nottoway County Public Schools serves families well, particularly for elementary and middle grades. Be realistic about commute distance — Route 460 between Petersburg and Blackstone is well maintained but not a highway, and bad weather or unexpected delays add up over a school year.

Higher Education Nearby

Longwood University in Farmville (20 miles west) is a state university offering undergraduate and graduate programs — an excellent option for military spouses pursuing degrees during a tour here. Virginia State University (Petersburg, ~35 miles) and Richard Bland College (also Petersburg) are within commuting distance. The University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond are within 50–55 miles for additional graduate and professional options.

Healthcare Near Fort Pickett

Fort Pickett does not have a dedicated military treatment facility (MTF) comparable to a large active-duty post. Military families in the area access TRICARE through civilian network providers. The following facilities serve the region:

Enroll in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select and identify your Primary Care Manager (PCM) within your plan’s network as soon as you arrive. Because there is no on-post clinic, all care routes through the civilian TRICARE network. Confirm your network providers before your first appointment by contacting the TRICARE Service Center at 1-800-444-5445 or visiting tricare.mil. For 24/7 nurse advice, call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), Option 1.

On-Post Amenities

Fort Pickett’s amenity profile reflects its primary identity as a training installation rather than a family-life post. What’s available on-post is geared toward supporting training rotations and permanent staff — not the full commissary/PX/fitness/childcare ecosystem of a large active-duty installation. Confirm current availability of all facilities with your gaining command or the Maneuver Training Center, as access and hours change with training cycles.

For most family amenities — groceries, a commissary, full fitness center, childcare — families will drive to Farmville, Petersburg, or Richmond. The nearest full commissary and AAFES exchange are at Fort Lee (now Fort Gregg-Adams, approximately 35–40 miles northeast in Prince George County), which military families assigned to Fort Pickett frequently use for commissary shopping and access to full on-base services.

Living in Southside Virginia

Blackstone and the Surrounding Region

Blackstone is a small, tight-knit community of roughly 3,500 people that has organized its economy around Fort Pickett for more than 80 years. The town genuinely welcomes military families — this isn’t a place where the military presence is incidental or tolerated; it’s foundational. Fourth of July celebrations, community events at the NCO Club, and a local culture that understands PCS cycles all contribute to a surprisingly warm first-tour experience for families who arrive expecting rural isolation.

That said, be honest with yourself about what “small town” means day-to-day. Blackstone has limited dining, retail, and entertainment options. The nearest Walmart is in Farmville (20 miles). Specialty stores, large hospital networks, and major entertainment options require a drive to Richmond or Petersburg. Families with children who are involved in competitive sports leagues, specialized academic programs, or performing arts may find local options limited and need to commute for activities. These are real quality-of-life factors worth discussing before you commit to a specific housing area.

Outdoor Recreation

Southside Virginia is excellent for outdoor recreation — a genuine advantage for families who hunt, fish, hike, or enjoy nature. Fort Pickett’s 42,000 acres include on-post fishing at multiple lakes. The surrounding region offers deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting on private land with permission or at nearby public wildlife management areas. Twin Lakes State Park (near Burkeville) is just 15 miles away and provides swimming, boating, camping, and trails. The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is about 30 miles west — a remarkable piece of American history and a compelling day trip for families with older children.

Military Spouse Employment

Employment options in Blackstone itself are limited. FASTC has brought permanent staff positions to the area, and the Virginia National Guard employs civilian support staff on-post. For meaningful career opportunities, most military spouses working in professional fields commute to Farmville (Longwood University employs a significant workforce), Petersburg, or Richmond. Remote work has become a practical solution for many families at this installation — the region’s broadband infrastructure has improved but remains a consideration, especially in rural subdivisions. Military OneSource offers free career coaching and job search support. For PCS-related financial planning, see the PCS tax guide and the PCS Toolkit.

Frequently Asked Questions — PCS to Fort Pickett

What is Fort Pickett’s current official name?

The installation is currently Fort Pickett, effective June 11, 2025, by order of the Secretary of Defense. It now honors 1st Lt. Vernon W. Pickett, a World War II soldier who received the Distinguished Service Cross for destroying enemy machine gun positions under fire, was captured, escaped from German custody, rejoined his unit, and was later killed in action. The installation was previously named Fort Barfoot (2023–2025) in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Tech Sgt. Van T. Barfoot. You may still see “Fort Barfoot” on some older signage, web listings, or official documents as the transition continues.

Is there on-post family housing at Fort Pickett?

No. Fort Pickett does not offer on-post family housing. The installation provides barracks and temporary billets for soldiers on training rotations, but there are no privatized family housing neighborhoods. All permanent PCS families live off-post in Blackstone and surrounding communities. Contact your gaining command for on-post lodging availability for your arrival period. For the nearest installation offering full family housing services, Fort Lee (approximately 35–40 miles northeast) is the primary option for the region.

What BAH rate applies at Fort Pickett?

Fort Pickett falls under Nottoway County (zip code 23824), which is assigned to a County Cost Group (CCG) for BAH purposes. CCG rates are typically lower than major urban MHA rates — which is appropriate because housing costs in Southside Virginia are genuinely much lower than the national average. Use the official DoD BAH Calculator with zip code 23824 to look up your exact rate by pay grade and dependency status. If you’re considering living in Richmond suburbs (Chesterfield, Henrico), check those zip codes separately — rates can differ significantly.

What schools will my children attend near Fort Pickett?

There are no DoDEA schools on Fort Pickett. School enrollment depends on where you live off-post. Families in Blackstone attend Nottoway County Public Schools, reachable at (434) 645-9596. Families in Farmville attend Prince Edward County Public Schools at (434) 315-2100. Families who commute from the Richmond corridor attend Chesterfield County Public Schools, one of Virginia’s highest-rated districts at (804) 748-1405. Contact your gaining command’s School Liaison for enrollment requirements and records transfer support before your report date.

What is the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC)?

FASTC is the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service training campus, located on 1,350 acres within Fort Pickett’s footprint. Opened in November 2019, it consolidated security training from 10 locations nationwide into one purpose-built facility. FASTC trains DSS special agents, foreign service officers, diplomats, and their families in surveillance detection, emergency medicine, IED recognition, firearms, and defensive driving across 19 miles of driving courses, multiple ranges, and a mock urban environment including a mock embassy. If your orders are for FASTC rather than the National Guard Maneuver Training Center, your in-processing, chain of command, and support resources are entirely separate — you’ll work through State Department/DSS channels.

What is the nearest full commissary and base exchange to Fort Pickett?

The nearest full commissary and AAFES exchange are at Fort Lee (Prince George County, approximately 35–40 miles northeast of Fort Pickett). Families assigned to Fort Pickett regularly make the drive to Fort Lee for commissary shopping and access to full on-base services. Richmond and Petersburg also have well-stocked civilian grocery options. Blackstone’s local stores — including a Food Lion — cover day-to-day needs.

What healthcare options are available near Fort Pickett?

There is no military treatment facility (MTF) on Fort Pickett. Military families access healthcare through the TRICARE civilian network. VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital in South Hill (~30 miles) and Southside Community Hospital in Farmville (~20 miles) provide emergency and inpatient care. For major specialty care, the VCU Health main campus in Richmond (~50 miles) is the regional referral center. Enroll in your TRICARE plan and identify a PCM before you need one. Call TRICARE at 1-800-444-5445 or visit tricare.mil to confirm network providers in the Blackstone area.

Is Fort Pickett a good assignment for a family?

That depends heavily on what your family values most. Families who love outdoor recreation, low cost of living, a genuine small-town community, and want to own a home will find this assignment genuinely rewarding. The VA Home Loan goes exceptionally far in this market — run your free VA Loan Snapshot to see what’s possible. Families who need strong career options for a spouse, top-rated schools in every grade, or a full-service base with on-post childcare and amenities may find the trade-offs challenging. Be honest about your family’s priorities before you commit to a housing location — the commute to Richmond is real.

How do I request a PCS sponsor at Fort Pickett?

Contact your gaining command’s administrative office as soon as you receive orders. Because Fort Pickett supports multiple tenant organizations (National Guard, FASTC, and others), your sponsor request goes through your specific command rather than a centralized installation office. For broader relocation support and community connection before you arrive, start your free PCS Plan and connect with the PCS Pay It Forward® support group for local insight from families already stationed in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Fort Pickett is currently named in honor of 1st Lt. Vernon W. Pickett, a WWII Distinguished Service Cross recipient, effective June 11, 2025. You may still see “Fort Barfoot” on legacy signage and documentation during the transition.
• This is primarily a training installation — no on-post family housing exists. All permanent PCS families live off-post. Blackstone is the closest community (5–10 min); Farmville, Petersburg, and Richmond suburbs are the main alternatives at increasing commute distances.
• The cost of living in Nottoway County is approximately 15% below the national average. Your BAH will typically cover housing costs in Blackstone and surrounding communities comfortably. Verify your exact County Cost Group BAH at the DoD BAH Calculator with zip code 23824.
• No DoDEA schools. Nottoway County Public Schools serves Blackstone families; Chesterfield County is the top-rated option for families willing to commute 45–55 minutes.
• No MTF on-post. Enroll in TRICARE and identify a civilian PCM before you arrive. VCU Health Community Memorial (South Hill, 30 miles) handles emergencies; VCU Health Richmond is the Level 1 trauma center for serious cases.
• The nearest full commissary and AAFES exchange are at Fort Lee, ~35–40 miles northeast. Plan for a weekly or bi-weekly drive for commissary shopping.
• The VA Home Loan is especially powerful in this market. Low home prices, low property taxes, and a VA zero-down benefit can make homeownership here more affordable than renting. Get your free VA Loan Snapshot before your search begins.
• Start your free PCS Plan now — especially important for a non-standard installation where all housing, schools, and healthcare resources are off-post and require more advance planning than a traditional base.