Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood PCS Guide
Base History & Name
1st Lt. Coltan Schaal, right, a platoon leader, and Sgt. Noah Bielak, left, a squad leader — both assigned to the 63rd Combat Engineer Company, 41st Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI) — carry a training mannequin during the Sapper Stakes event during the 18th Lt. Gen. Robert B....
Fort Leonard Wood began in 1940 as a key training center for the U.S. Army. Its original mission was to prepare troops for World War II, focusing on engineering and chemical warfare specialties.
The base’s location in the Missouri Ozarks offered ample space for large-scale training and maneuver exercises. This setting allowed the Army to conduct extensive drills and develop specialized skills for soldiers.
During World War II, the installation expanded rapidly. New barracks, ranges, and support facilities were built to accommodate tens of thousands of soldiers.
The post became a hub for the Engineer Replacement Training Center. Later, it hosted the Chemical Corps and Military Police training schools, which have remained central to the base’s mission for decades.
Throughout the Cold War, Fort Leonard Wood continued to evolve. The base modernized its infrastructure and expanded training programs to meet changing Army needs.
- Prepared troops for conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War
- Adapted training to new military technologies and strategies
Today, Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence. It trains soldiers in engineering, chemical defense, and military policing.
The installation also supports joint training with other services and agencies. This makes it a vital asset for both the Army and the local Missouri community.
Name Changes: Fort Leonard Wood has retained its original name since 1940. There have been no significant official name changes in its history.
Namesake
Wood played a key role in modernizing the Army and led the "Rough Riders" alongside Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War. His leadership and reforms left a lasting impact on the U.S. military, making him a fitting namesake for the installation.
Major Units & Training Programs
1st Lt. Coltan Schaal, right, a platoon leader, and Sgt. Noah Bielak, left, a squad leader — both assigned to the 63rd Combat Engineer Company, 41st Engineer Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI) — carry a training mannequin during the Sapper Stakes event during the 18th Lt. Gen. Robert B....
Major Units
1st Engineer Brigade
Trains and develops engineer soldiers and leaders through initial entry and advanced individual training, preparing them for operational assignments across the Army.
3rd Chemical Brigade
Responsible for training Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) soldiers, including initial entry and advanced courses, supporting the Army's CBRN defense capability.
14th Military Police Brigade
Conducts Military Police training for new recruits and advanced students, preparing soldiers for law enforcement, security, and combat support roles within the Army.
Training Schools
U.S. Army Engineer School
Overview
Provides comprehensive training in combat engineering, construction, demolition, and bridging operations for enlisted soldiers and officers.
Course Length
Varies (typically 5-20 weeks depending on course)
Who Attends
Engineer MOS soldiers, officers, and NCOs
U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School
Overview
Trains soldiers in CBRN defense, detection, decontamination, and response operations to support Army and joint force readiness.
Course Length
Varies (typically 9-12 weeks for initial entry)
Who Attends
CBRN MOS soldiers, officers, and NCOs
U.S. Army Military Police School
Overview
Delivers training in law enforcement, security operations, and combat support for Military Police personnel.
Course Length
Varies (typically 9-20 weeks depending on course)
Who Attends
Military Police MOS soldiers, officers, and NCOs
Arrival & In-Processing
1st Lt. Jared Dequenne (front), from High Point, North Carolina, a Sapper platoon leader with the 7th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division ignites an exothermic cutting torch during the “Raven’s Gate” event on day three of the 17th Lt. Gen. Robert B....
Welcome to Fort Leonard Wood! Arriving well-prepared ensures a smooth check-in and transition for you and your family. Review all requirements before your arrival to make your first days at the installation stress-free. For more information, visit the official Fort Leonard Wood website.
Fort Leonard Wood's primary entry point is the Main Gate, located off Missouri Avenue. The Main Gate is open 24/7 for authorized personnel and vehicles. All drivers and passengers must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or approved state driver’s license compliant with the REAL ID Act. Expect 100% ID checks at all gates and be prepared for random vehicle inspections as part of the base's heightened security posture. If you need to sponsor a family member or visitor, they must obtain a visitor pass. Direct them to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) before attempting entry. Ensure all identification is current and compliant to avoid delays.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if already arranged)
Fort Leonard Wood offers a robust sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit or reach out via the Army Career Tracker (ACT) Sponsorship Module. If unsure, ask your unit's administrative office for guidance.
Formal in-processing is conducted at the Soldier Service Center, Building 470, located near the Main Gate. Operating hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Key steps include personnel check-in, finance, housing, medical and dental in-processing, and unit assignment. Most personnel complete in-processing within 2–3 business days, but allow extra time if you have dependents or special needs.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Main Gate on Missouri Avenue. The VCC operates Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. All visitors must check in at the VCC before entering the installation.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
With a large portion of military moves requiring the involvement of packers and movers, it’s the Army Transportation Office’s job to ensure standards are being met.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor from your gaining unit as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep your orders, IDs, and important documents with you during travel.
- Use DPS to schedule your move and monitor shipment status.
- Take photos of high-value items for insurance and claims.
- Label boxes by room and contents for easier unpacking.
- Contact Fort Leonard Wood’s Transportation Office for base-specific info.
- Book temporary lodging early, especially during summer PCS season.
Important Forms & Links
Schedule and track your household goods move.
Check TLE, DLA, and per diem rates.
Get PCS checklists, planning tools, and support.
Find arrival details and local resources.
Schools & Childcare
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Families stationed at Fort Leonard Wood rely on local public schools, as there are no DoDEA schools on the installation. The area is served by several nearby school districts, each offering a range of academic and extracurricular programs. School Liaison Officers (SLOs) play a vital role in helping military families navigate enrollment, school transitions, and special education services. For personalized guidance, families can contact the Fort Leonard Wood SLO through the installation's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office or the garrison website.
Childcare Options
Child Development Center (CDC)
The CDC offers full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants through preschoolers. The program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and emphasizes early learning and social development.
School Age Center (SAC)
The SAC provides before- and after-school care, holiday camps, and summer programs for school-age children. Activities focus on homework help, STEM, arts, and recreation in a safe, supervised setting.
Family Child Care (FCC) Program
FCC offers in-home childcare with trained and certified providers. Flexible hours and small groups make it ideal for families needing tailored care, including part-time and evening options.
Local Schools
Waynesville R-VI School District
The Waynesville R-VI School District serves most military families stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. The district is known for strong support of military-connected students and offers STEM, gifted, and AP programs. According to GreatSchools.org, several schools in the district earn above-average ratings for academic growth and college readiness.
Laquey R-V School District
Laquey R-V School District is a smaller district near Fort Leonard Wood, praised for its close-knit community and supportive staff. State report cards highlight solid academic performance and a safe, inclusive environment for students.
Richland R-IV School District
Richland R-IV School District serves parts of the surrounding area and is noted for its dedicated teachers and small class sizes. The district emphasizes individualized attention and offers a variety of extracurriculars.