The National Guard Training Yard in Fallout 4 looks like an ordinary, ghoul-infested military ruin on the surface, but it hides high-tier loot, a permanent stat magazine, and a power armor frame that catches many players off guard. Located north of Country Crossing and directly south of Listening Post Bravo, this location packs a serious punch for mid-level explorers.
Navigating the area requires careful planning because feral ghouls spawn in large numbers, and a surprise enemy ambush can easily overwhelm unprepared wanderers. This breakdown covers every terminal, key loot item, and hidden secret buried within the training yard to help you clear it efficiently.
Navigating the Grounds and Exterior Threats
Before stepping inside any buildings, clear the perimeter. Two automated gun turrets sit atop the main armory roof, alongside scattered landmines hidden near the entryways. Sniper rifles or explosives work best to take out these turrets from a distance.
Feral ghouls—including potential Glowing Ones—frequently surge out of the ground or nearby tents once you make noise. Don't rush into the courtyard. Pick off the ghouls from the perimeter fence to avoid getting swarmed in close quarters.
Once the yard is quiet, check the metal shipping containers and outbuildings. One locked container houses a partial suit of power armor, though the exact model depends on your character level when you first enter the cell.
The Recruitment Office and Administrative Terminal
The main administration building contains the recruitment office and access terminals leading to the barracks. Inside, you'll find standard pre-war office loot, ammunition boxes, and medical supplies.
The interior terminal controls the security gates. Hacking it requires expert-level terminal proficiency, but you can bypass the lock entirely if you find the National Guard Officer's Password stored nearby or on terminals deeper inside the complex.
- Check every desk for civilian and military notes that flesh out the pre-war panic.
- Look for ammo crates tucked underneath broken administrative counters.
- Watch out for dormant ghouls playing dead among the office debris.
Unlocking the Armory and the U.S. Covert Operations Manual
The primary prize of this location rests inside the secure armory building. To get inside without struggling with high-level locks, you need the password or patience for advanced terminal hacking.
Inside the armory room, head straight for the small metal desk. Resting right on top is a copy of the U.S. Covert Operations Manual, a permanent collectible magazine that makes your character harder to detect while sneaking.
The armory also contains weapon racks, ammo boxes, and military-grade circuit boards. Grab everything you can carry, as ballistic fiber and aluminum components are scattered throughout the lockers.
Surviving the Interior Ghoul Ambush
Clearing the barracks triggers one of the most infamous ambushes in the commonwealth. As you move through the narrow hallways, several dormant feral ghouls burst out of closets and utility rooms simultaneously.
If you're playing on survival difficulty, this room can end your run instantly. Use a shotgun or a high-fire-rate automatic weapon to stagger incoming ghouls. Throwing a Molotov cocktail or a fragmentation mine into the hallway before triggering them gives you a massive tactical advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get power armor at the National Guard Training Yard?
Yes. A power armor frame spawns inside a locked military transport container outside the main buildings. The specific armor pieces attached to the frame scale with your player level.
Do I need a high hacking skill to enter the armory?
Not necessarily. While the terminal is locked, you can find the override password on administrative logs within the complex, letting you bypass the skill requirement entirely.
Are there any quests linked to this location?
While the base game doesn't force a main quest line through the yard, radiant quests from the Minutemen or Brotherhood of Steel frequently send players here to clear out enemies or retrieve lost technology.
How do I deal with the glowing ghouls effectively?
Target their legs first using VATS to immobilize them. This stops them from rushing you and prevents them from using their radiation burst attack at close range.
