The United States Army runs Pine Bluff Arsenal (PBA), which is a unique operation among Army installations. Located in Jefferson County, Arkansas, PBA is one of a small number of Army sites in the United States that was responsible for the storage chemical weapons. Today Pine Bluff Arsenal is considered a “technology center” for infrared weapons and is said to be the only location in this part of the world involved with white phosphorus munitions.
Find information about Pine Bluff Arsenal, including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PSCing personnel, and inprocessing.
Pine Bluff Arsenal Mission & Units
The mission of Pine Bluff Arsenal includes “providing the U.S. and Allied Forces with critical products and services that are primarily unavailable from other sources” according to the official site.
Training, logistical support, and chemical/biological warfare defense are all part of the operations at PBA in support of a variety of missions including those carried out by the Department of Homeland Security. The unique nature of this Army base includes its’ small size, and the fact that there are no major units at the installation. In spite of this, Pine Bluff Arsenal plays a very important part in Army readiness.
Pine Bluff Arsenal History
In 1941, the Chemical Warfare Arsenal began operations just outside Pine Bluff, Arkansas to manufacture incendiary munitions. That mission would include production and warehousing of chemical weapons, riot control products, and incendiary grenades. Only a few short months after starting this project, the Chemical Warfare Arsenal was renamed Pine Bluff Arsenal.
There was a brief period following World War Two where PBA produced biological weapons, but American involvement in this area ended following a large public protest over the use of the Agent Orange in Vietnam.
A presidential order banning the use of biological weaponry resulted in all biological agents manufactured at Pine Bluff Arsenal being destroyed between 1971 and 1973. The chemical weapons manufactured at Pine Bluff Arsenal were stockpiled and monitored until all such weapons were finally destroyed-the last of which were eliminated in 2010.
Since the destruction of these weapons began, there have been other projects at Pine Bluff Arsenal associated with chemical and biological weapons remediation. One of those projects involved something known as the Pine Bluff Ton Container Decontamination Facility.
Operational in 2003, this facility had the task of decontaminating and recycling more than 4,300 hazardous material storage containers. This project is said to be responsible for the safe recycling of more than 6,500,000 pounds of steel.
Today, the United States Army operates Pine Bluff Arsenal as one of nine Army installations known for formerly producing chemical weapons; PBA is responsible for production, storage, maintenance and distribution of “readiness products” and is the only site in this part of the world where white phosphorus munitions are part of the mission.
PBA supports the Department of Homeland Security by providing training for first-responders and other activities.
Pine Bluff Arsenal Contacts
Main Address And Phone Number
Pine Bluff Arsenal
10020 Kabrich Circle
Pine Bluff, AR 71602-9500
- 870-540-3495
- DSN 312-966-3495
Important Contact Numbers
- Child & Youth Services – (870) 540-2972
- Child Development Center – (312) 966-2972
- Civilian Personnel Advisory Center – (870) 540-3090
- Commander’s Hotline – (870) 540-3300
- Community Club – (870) 540-3981
- DA Photo – (870) 540-3422
- Employee Assistance Program – (870) 540-3094
- Guest Accommodations – (870) 540-3008
- Hunting & Fishing – (870) 540-3257
- Military Personnel Office – (870) 540-3030
- Pass & ID – (870) 540-3795
- Payroll – (870) 540-3756
- Procurement Office – (870) 540-3020
- Public Affairs Office – (870) 540-3421
- Recreation Services Information – (870) 540-3778
- Security Office – (870) 540-3501
Pine Bluff Arsenal Surrounding Area
Located just under 40 miles from Little Rock, Arkansas, the Pine Bluff area features a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions. The Delta Rivers Nature Center includes both live animals and museum-type exhibits; the Arts and Science Center of Arkansas features both traveling exhibits and performances and special events.
You can also explore the Arkansas Railroad Museum or take a drive to nearby Little Rock to visit the Clinton Presidential Library, Riverfront Park, or catch a live concert at the Verizon Arena.
Inprocessing and Check-In
The small size of PBA means inbound Army personnel, DoD civilians, and other new arrivals must check in with their gaining unit and arrange in-processing or sign up for the next round of orientation/in-processing. Pine Bluff Arsenal is considered a “closed post” meaning that all new arrivals to the base (PCS, TDY, just visiting, etc.) must be screened by security forces prior to entry.
This procedure may be different than for entry in bases considered “open”, much like your entry procedure to a restricted area will be different than for a “common area” on a larger installation.
Services
Healthcare
Due to the size of PBA, there is no hospital on post. Military members and family should coordinate care in the local community via facilities available in the TRICARE network.
Child Care
Due to its’ small size, some newcomers to PBA might not expect there to be a Child Development Center (CDC) operation on post, but PBA does provide child care services which include the following:
- Child Development Center
- School Age Center
- Middle School Teen Youth Programs
- Sports/Fitness
- Outreach Services
- Parent Central Services
These programs are offered to active duty military, DoD civilians, Reservists on active duty, Federal employees, and DoD contract employees. Waiting lists may apply, call Parent Central Services at 870-540-2972 to learn what the latest requirements are for enrollment and care. Child Development Center care is available for eligible dependent children ages six weeks to five years.
Household Goods
All incoming PCS troops are directed to track and manage their household goods shipment to Pine Bluff Arsenal via the Defense Personal Property System at Move.mil.
Dependent And Retiree ID Card Renewal, Replacement, New Issue
The Pine Bluff Arsenal ID Card Office handles all ID card requirements on-post. Walk-in service is available, and all appointments should be scheduled by calling (870) 540-3787.
Two unexpired forms of ID are typically required to get ID card services; family members must have the military member present or present a Power of Attorney that authorizes the ID Card Office to provide services on the member’s behalf.
The Pine Bluff Arsenal ID Card Office handles all ID card requirements on-post. Walk-in service is available, and all appointments should be scheduled by calling (870) 540-3787. Two unexpired forms of ID are typically required to get ID card services; family members must have the military member present or present a Power of Attorney that authorizes the ID Card Office to provide services on the member’s behalf.
REAL ID Act requirements may apply to all forms of state-issued photo ID, and other regulations may also apply.
Schools
There are no on-post schools at Pine Bluff Arsenal. Those who live on or near the installation will send school age children to the White Hall School System. The local area also offers six private schools.
Housing
There is limited on-post housing available at Pine Bluff Arsenal and there will be a waiting list for on-post housing. It’s best to contact the PBA Housing Office to check on wait times, availability, and advice on getting housing options in the local area. Single and unaccompanied service members between the ranks of E1 and E5 will be offered on-post unaccompanied housing on a first-come, first-served basis.
PCS and TDY Lodging
PBA is a very small facility compared to other Army installations, and there is limited temporary lodging available; twenty six rooms in three buildings. Call the Lodging Office at 870-540-3008 or 870-540-3779 to make reservations as soon as your orders are available; reservations are required for all arrivals after duty hours. There is a no pets policy at the temporary lodging facilities on this post.
Transportation
The closest major airport to PBA is Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas. New arrivals should coordinate with their gaining unit if transportation is needed from Little Rock to Pine Bluff Arsenal. The usual commercial and ride sharing options may be available based on time of day, demand, etc.
Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License
Pine Bluff Arsenal is a closed post, and all newcomers will be required to pass through Security to enter the installation, obtain base driving privileges, etc. Vehicle registration is done at the Pass and Visitors Registration Office, located in the White Hall/Plainview Administrative Complex.
Military members PCSing to PBA are required to register privately owned vehicles in-state and obtain an in-state license within a few months of relocating to the area. All vehicles must carry the minimum state-required insurance and all state-required safety equipment including car seats for children where applicable, seat belts, etc.