Fort Barfoot, Military facility in Blackstone, Virginia, United States
Fort Barfoot is a military installation near Blackstone, Virginia, serving as home to extensive training grounds, barracks, and the Army National Guard Maneuver Training Center. The facility includes an airfield and operates training areas for combat exercises and operational readiness programs.
Established in 1942 during World War II, the installation was built with over 1,400 buildings and two rail spurs to support troop movements and military operations. This infrastructure became fundamental to wartime efforts and continues to shape the facility's layout.
The 2023 renaming from Fort Pickett to Fort Barfoot honors Colonel Van T. Barfoot, a Medal of Honor recipient, for his extraordinary courage during World War II. This change reflects the installation's commitment to recognizing individual heroism and service.
Access is generally available during business hours for non-military visitors, though security clearance and identification verification are typically required. Plan ahead and understand that movement within the grounds may be restricted to certain areas.
The installation houses the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center, which prepares security personnel for diplomatic missions and has become one of the country's principal training sites for this specialized role. This program draws participants from across the nation.
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