Fort Leonard Wood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fort Leonard Wood
Pulaski County, Missouri, near St. Robert, Missouri
The schools located on Fort Leonard Wood
Coordinates	37°46′21″N 92°06′50″W / 37.77250°N 92.11389°W / 37.77250; -92.11389
Type	Military base
Site information
Controlled by	United States
Site history
Built	1940
In use	1940–present
Garrison information
Garrison	United States Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School United States Army Engineer School United States Army Military Police School United States Army Transportation Corps

Fort Leonard Wood is a big training base for the U.S. Army. It's located in the Missouri Ozarks region. The main entrance is close to the city of St. Robert.

This base was started in December 1940. It was named in January 1941 to honor General Leonard Wood, who was a former Chief of Staff for the Army. At first, the fort was meant to train infantry soldiers. But in 1941, it became a place to train engineers. During World War II, some Italian and German prisoners of war were held at the fort.

Over the years, Fort Leonard Wood became even more important for training. In 1984, the U.S. Army Engineer School moved most of its operations here. Before that, officers were trained at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Later, in 1999, other important schools moved to Fort Leonard Wood. The U.S. Army Chemical Corps and Military Police Corps schools came from Fort McClellan, Alabama. Because of these changes, the base was renamed the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center.

In 2009, its name changed again to the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE). This "center of excellence" name was given to almost all major U.S. Army training places.

Today, Major General Christopher G. Beck is the commanding general. Command Sergeant Major Jorge Arzabala is the command sergeant major.

History of Fort Leonard Wood

An M67A1 Flame Thrower Tank at the U.S. Army Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood.

Before this Fort Leonard Wood was built, the name "Fort Leonard Wood" was used for a different base in Maryland in 1928. That base was called Camp Meade. But lawmakers from Pennsylvania wanted the name changed back to Fort Meade. This was because George G. Meade, a hero from the Battle of Gettysburg, was from Pennsylvania. So, the name "Leonard Wood" became available again.

In 1939, the U.S. Congress wanted to buy land for a military base near Leon, Iowa. But they didn't give any money for it. In 1940, General George C. Marshall approved building a large military camp for 35,000 soldiers. This camp would be named after General Leonard Wood.

However, Army officials found that the Iowa site didn't have enough drinking water. So, they suggested a different place right next to St. Robert, Missouri. This is where Fort Leonard Wood is located today.

Fort Leonard Wood has always been a training base. It started this role during World War II. Soldiers from the fort have also helped in conflicts overseas. For example, the 5th Engineer Battalion from the fort served in the Middle East during the Gulf War.

After the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan began, more military units moved to Fort Leonard Wood. These included the 94th Engineer Battalion and the 92nd Military Police Battalion.

Geography and Location

Fort Leonard Wood is located at 37°44′17″N 92°7′2″W / 37.73806°N 92.11722°W / 37.73806; -92.11722. It covers a large area of land.

The base is about 97.6 square miles (252.8 square kilometers) in total. Most of this area, about 97.2 square miles (251.7 square kilometers), is land. A small part, 0.4 square miles (1.1 square kilometers), is water.

People Living at Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is also a place where many people live. In 2000, there were 13,667 people living on the base. These included 2,639 households and 2,335 families.

Many households had children under 18 living with them (71.5%). Most families were married couples living together (80.0%). The average household had about 3.32 people.

The population was quite young. About 27.8% of the people were under 18 years old. A large number, 35.0%, were between 18 and 24 years old. The average age was 21 years.

Army Training at Fort Leonard Wood

The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood offers different types of training for soldiers.

Basic Combat Training (BCT)

Many new soldiers who are not in combat roles do their Basic Combat Training (BCT) here. This is where they learn the basic skills to be a soldier.

Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

After BCT, soldiers go through Advanced Individual Training (AIT). This teaches them specific job skills. For example, soldiers who will drive military vehicles (MOS 88M) or specialize in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense (MOS 74D) train here.

Engineer and Military Police Training

Fort Leonard Wood also trains engineers. This includes combat engineers and bridging engineers (MOS 12B and 12C). They learn how to build and destroy things, and how to build bridges. Military police (MOS 31B, 31K & 31E) also get their AIT here. All training at Fort Leonard Wood is for both male and female soldiers.

Officer Training

New officers in the CBRN, Engineer, and Military Police branches come to Fort Leonard Wood. They attend the Basic Officer Leader Course Phase B to learn how to lead soldiers in their specific fields.

Continuing Education for Soldiers

Fort Leonard Wood also provides ongoing education for soldiers who are already serving.

NCO Academy

The Maneuver Support Center of Excellence NCO Academy offers courses for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs). These courses help NCOs in the Chemical, Engineer, and Military Police branches improve their leadership skills.

Professional Military Education

The CBRN, Engineer, and Military Police schools offer many courses for soldiers at all levels. This includes officers, warrant officers, and NCOs. These courses help them grow in their careers and learn new skills.

Transportation Around the Base

Fort Leonard Wood has its own airport, Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport. It's used by both military and civilian planes.

The main highway near the base is Interstate 44. Before I-44 was built, the famous U.S. Route 66 was the main road. You can still drive on parts of old Route 66 through towns like St. Robert and Waynesville.

Historic Route 66 Attractions

Along U.S. Route 66, you can find interesting places like the Old Stagecoach Stop in Waynesville. It's now a museum, but it used to be a place for travelers to stay. It's the oldest building in the county. The Elbow Inn is a popular spot for bikers on the old Route 66.

Military Railway System

Fort Leonard Wood also has its own railway system. It connects the base to the national railway network. This railway mostly carries heavy equipment to support the training center. It has 27 miles of track. The trains run from Monday to Friday.

The railway uses special locomotives. At one time, this railway was very busy. It brought vehicles, containers, and supplies like coal and fuel to the base. Today, there are still tracks and loading ramps for moving equipment.

Media and News in the Area

Fort Leonard Wood is in Pulaski County. Many military families live in nearby towns like St. Robert and Waynesville. They also live in other communities like Richland, Crocker, and Dixon.

The area has several newspapers and radio stations. These include the Daily Guide and the Pulaski County Mirror. Radio stations like KFBD-FM and KJPW also provide news. KFLW Radio is a local station known for supporting the military.

The Fort Leonard Wood Guidon is a weekly newspaper for the base. It shares news and information about Fort Leonard Wood.

Education for Families

The schools on Fort Leonard Wood are part of the Waynesville R-VI School District. This is the largest school district in the county.

New Year's Eve Tornado

On December 31, 2010, an EF3 tornado hit near the base. It caused damage to many homes and buildings, especially in the North Piney Hills Housing Area. Luckily, there were only minor injuries.

Preserving History

Samuel Countee's c. 1942 mural, Fort Leonard Wood's Countee Hall. Photo from 2017.

In 2019, a building at Fort Leonard Wood called the Black Officer's Club was renamed SSG Samuel A. Countee Hall. This was to honor Staff Sergeant Samuel A. Countee, an artist who painted a special mural inside the club. The building and the mural were fixed up around the same time. In 2021, this important work was recognized with an award for historic preservation.

Images for kids

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  Then Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander visits Fort Leonard Wood in November 2013. Kander previously worked there as an instructor.

See also

In Spanish: Fort Leonard Wood (Misuri) para niños