Power Armor Training (Fallout 3)

Power Armor Training is a Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas perk. This perk must be obtained before a suit of power armor or a power helmet can be operated. The perk can be gained in different ways in the two games.

Through the main storyline
After gaining permission from Elder Lyons, speak to Paladin Gunny in the Bailey (courtyard) of the Citadel. There is no charge or other requirement for training - the screen simply fades to black as Gunny begins teaching it. Once that's done, the Lone Wanderer may use any kind of power armor, including the Enclave and the Outcast variants.

If having not asked for training on one's own, it will automatically be given at the end of The American Dream when becoming an honorary member of Lyons' Pride, however, these options appear very late in the main quest.

Through Operation: Anchorage
This perk is automatically gained when finishing the Anchorage Reclamation simulation in the Operation: Anchorage add-on.

Fallout: New Vegas

 * After completing the quest Still in the Dark, return to either Nolan McNamara or Edgar Hardin, depending on who is now Elder.
 * If McNamara remains elder, wait 24 hours outside of the bunker for the lockdown to be lifted, then talk to him. Telling him one wishes to join the Brotherhood of Steel will begin the Eyesight to the Blind quest. When this is completed, one will then receive Power Armor Training.
 * If helped Hardin become elder, complete the Tend to Your Business quest.
 * The other option for training is the For Auld Lang Syne quest, given by Arcade Gannon. Once having gathered the Remnants together, the Courier will be provided with the perk, in addition to a suit of Remnants power armor.

Bugs
It is possible to obtain the perk without completing any quests past Escape! There is a mapping bug northwest of the entrance to the Citadel on the Arlington Bridge (The only bridge that fully crosses the Potomac River). There are a few mounds of rubble that one needs to get to the top. The "bald" mound of rubble allows one to fall in, once under the map, working the way to the Citadel by going left when possible. See it in action here.