The National Guard Training Yard in Fallout 4 is packed with high-tier military loot, a collectible magazine, and essential quest triggers, but it's also heavily defended by feral ghouls and active security turrets. Located in the northern section of the Commonwealth—directly north of Country Crossing—this zone poses a genuine threat if you wander in unprepared.
You'll find the primary entrance on the south side of the main administrative building. Clearing this location efficiently requires navigating rooftop defenses, tracking down security passwords, and unlocking the separate armory building out back. Here's how to secure every piece of valuable loot, trigger the relevant quests, and survive the area without burning through all your stimpaks.
Navigating Exterior Defenses and Turrets
Before you step foot inside the main building, sweep the perimeter. The facility's layout features multiple automated turrets mounted on roofs and concrete guard towers that will open fire the moment you enter their line of sight.
- Rooftop Turrets: Pull out a scoped rifle and pick off the turrets on both the main building and the separate armory roof before pushing forward.
- Land Mines: Look closely at the ground near the entryways. The yard features scattered laser tripwires and mines that detonate easily if you aren't watching your step.
- Sleeping Ghouls: Several feral ghouls lounge around the grounds, including one slumped inside an old rusted bus near the southern entrance. Clear them from a distance to avoid getting swarmed.
If you head to the northeast corner of the property, you'll spot a concrete guard house containing a small ammo box. Behind the armory building out back, an expert-locked cargo container holds a full set of Power Armor complete with a fusion core—though you'll need a high Lockpicking perk to pry it open early in your playthrough. Further details regarding the matter are covered by Associated Press.
Interior Walkthrough and Key Loot Locations
Step through the main southern doors into the administrative area. The ground floor contains several dormant feral ghouls that will spring to life as soon as you loot items or make too much noise. Use V.A.T.S. to spot them crouching in corners or behind desks.
Triggering The Lost Patrol
As soon as you enter the small room in the southwest corner of the main ground floor, you'll automatically trigger the Brotherhood of Steel side quest, The Lost Patrol. Inside this room, inspect the body of Knight Austin to retrieve his holotape and Brotherhood armor pieces, which provide a solid defense boost for early-to-mid game characters.
Finding the National Guard Officer's Password
Head up the interior stairwell to the second floor. Clear out any remaining ghouls on the upper landing, then make your way to the small corner office.
- Search the metal desk drawer inside this office to find the National Guard Officer's Password.
- Check the nearby desk or room corners for extra ammo and a wall safe if your lockpicking skills are high enough.
Collecting the U.S. Covert Operations Manual
While you're upstairs, check the break room or surrounding desks for the collectible issue of the U.S. Covert Operations Manual. Picking up this magazine permanently improves your stealth capabilities, making it one of the most valuable items hidden in the entire building.
Accessing the Armory and Bunker
With the officer's password secured, drop back down to the ground floor. Locate the terminal situated next to the locked interior security door.
Use the terminal to open the interior security door leading into the barracks hallway. Be ready immediately: stepping through this threshold usually triggers two or three feral ghouls—sometimes including a dangerous Legendary Ghoul—charging down the corridor.
Once the hallway is clear, follow these steps to access the separate armory building outside:
- Navigate to the short left-side corridor inside the barracks.
- Locate the secondary terminal inside that small side chamber.
- Use the terminal interface to unlock the National Guard Armory exterior security door located on the north side of the complex.
- Exit the main building, walk over to the separate armory structure, and step inside to claim your rewards.
Inside the armory, you'll find military ammo boxes, weapon crates containing pre-war firearms, and miscellaneous crafting components.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the Front Door: Ignoring the rooftop turrets will leave you pinned down in the open yard with little cover. Take them out from a distance first.
- Forgetting the Terminal Toggle: Players often search endlessly for a physical key to the armory door, missing the secondary terminal tucked away in the barracks side room.
- Wasting Lockpick Bobby Pins: If your lockpicking skill isn't high enough yet, don't waste time trying to force the expert-locked power armor container outside; mark your map and return later in the game.
For further reading on official game mechanics and locations, consult the Fallout Wiki on Fextralife or check out community strategies on IGN's Fallout 4 Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a specific quest to enter the National Guard Training Yard?
No quest is required to visit or explore the location. You can clear the yard and loot the buildings at any point during your playthrough, though visiting will automatically start The Lost Patrol for the Brotherhood of Steel.
Can I get the Power Armor without high lockpicking skills?
The full set of Power Armor sitting behind the armory requires an expert-locked container. If you don't have the required Locksmith perk rank, you'll need to level up or bring companion Cait along if you want her to pick the lock for you.
What is the best weapon to use against the ghouls here?
Feral ghouls move fast and absorb significant damage if you target their torsos. Use shotguns or high-damage ballistic weapons to cripple their legs instantly, rendering them harmless while you finish them off.
Are there any bobbleheads hidden at this location?
No. While the yard contains a valuable magazine and high-tier military gear, the local Bobbleheads are located elsewhere in the Commonwealth.
