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Fort Leonard Wood, MO

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Fort Leonard Wood, MO

Fort Leonard Wood is a U.S. Army training installation located in the Missouri Ozarks. The main gate is located on the southern boundary of the city of St. Robert. The post was created in December 1940 and named in honor of General Leonard Wood (former Chief of Staff) in January 1941. Originally intended to train infantry troops, in 1941 it became an engineer training post with the creation of the Engineer Replacement Training Center. During World War II Italian and German POWs were interned at the fort. In 1984, as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process, most of the U.S. Army Engineer School's operations were consolidated at Fort Leonard Wood. Before that, officer training was conducted at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

In 1999, again as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process, Fort McClellan, Alabama, was closed, and the U.S. Army Chemical Corps and Military Police Corps schools were transferred to Fort Leonard Wood, which was concurrently redesignated the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center.

In 2009, the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center was redesignated the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE); the "center of excellence" designation was placed on almost all U.S. Army training institutions. The current commanding general is Major General Christopher G. Beck and the command sergeant major is Command Sergeant Major Jorge Arzabala.

Before the establishment of the current Fort Leonard Wood, the name was used in 1928 to rename Camp Meade in central Maryland when it was decided that the facility, originally established as a temporary World War I cantonment, would become a permanent military post. However, after a brief time, the change of name was successfully challenged by U.S. legislators from Pennsylvania (where George G. Meade, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, was from), and the name was changed back to Fort Meade. This left the name Leonard Wood unused. In 1939, Congress approved the purchase of a 40,000-acre tract of land near Leon, Iowa, for use as a military reservation, but did not authorize any funds to do so.

Fort Leonard Wood is located at 37°44′17″N 92°7′2″W (37.738191, −92.117275). According to the United States Census Bureau, the base has a total area of 97.6 square miles (252.8 km2), of which 97.2 square miles (251.7 km2) is land and 0.4 square miles (1.1 km2) (0.43%) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Fort Leonard Wood, with a range of facilities and initiatives dedicated to promoting residents' well-being. The General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital - Tricare offers comprehensive healthcare services to military personnel, veterans, and their families, ensuring access to quality medical care. Start your fitness journey at the Davidson Fitness Center, which provides a wide range of exercise equipment and classes. For a unique fitness experience, try Fort Leonard Wood Outdoor Adventure Center which offers activities like rock climbing and paintball. Participate in group fitness classes at Specker Gym, known for its excellent facilities. Sports and Fitness Complex hosts various sports leagues and tournaments for all ages. Additionally, enjoy the natural beauty of the area by hiking the Piney Valley Golf Course and Trails. Stay active at the RecPlex, which includes amenities like pools and courts for various sports.
 

The top sites in Fort Leonard, MO are Stark Caverns, Roubidoux Park, and Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

Population: 14,779 (2020). ZIP code:  65473. Area Code: 573. Area: 97.6 square miles (252.8 km2). Elevation: 318 meters (1049.6 feet).
 

FAQs

What is the history of Fort Leonard Wood, MO?

Fort Leonard Wood was established in 1940 as the US geared up for expected involvement in World War Two. It was created as an infantry training center, but soon became the Engineer Replacement Training Center (later renamed the Army Service Forces Training Center), and trained 300,000 men during the war. The post was named for Major General Leonard Wood, physician, military governor of Cuba, Governor-General of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, and Medal of Honor recipient.

What training is done at Fort Leonard Wood, MO?

Today, Fort Leonard Wood is a busy installation where 80,000 military and civilians are trained in active component classes each year. Diverse activities conducted at the site have resulted in impacts on the environment. Environmental concerns at the site include soil and groundwater contamination, military munitions cleanups, landfill cleanup activities, and long-term stewardship. Fort Leonard Wood is home to the Military Police School and Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear School; both transferred from Ft. McClellan, Alabama, as well as the U.S. Army Engineer School.

How did Fort Leonard Wood, MO get its name?

The post was created in December 1940 and named in honor of General Leonard Wood (former Chief of Staff) in January 1941. Originally intended to train infantry troops, in 1941 it became an engineer training post with the creation of the Engineer Replacement Training Center. During World War II Italian and German POWs were interned at the fort.

Sources

Pulaski County

Wikipedia 

Fort Leonard Wood Housing

Oembed-Dnr

Stark Caverns

Roubidoux Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital - Tricare

Davidson Fitness Center

Fort Leonard Wood Outdoor Adventure Center

Specker Gym

Sports and Fitness Complex 

Piney Valley Golf Course and Trails

RecPlex

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