Military Bases in Missouri

Missouri’s Strategic Training and Strike Core

For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Missouri, Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster and Fort Leonard Wood in the Ozarks are key installations, anchoring the state’s role in strategic bombing and Army training. Whiteman hosts the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, while Fort Leonard Wood trains nearly 80,000 soldiers annually. This guide to military bases in Missouri offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Show-Me State.

Historical Foundations

Missouri’s military legacy began with frontier forts and expanded during WWII. Whiteman Air Force Base, established in 1942 as Sedalia Army Air Field, trained WACO glider pilots and C-46/C-47 crews, renamed in 1955 for 2nd Lt. George A. Whiteman, killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Fort Leonard Wood, created in 1940, was named in 1941 for Major General Leonard Wood, a former Army Chief of Staff, and served as an infantry and engineer training post, housing WWII POWs. These bases have shaped Missouri’s defense history, from air operations to soldier readiness.

Economic Impact

Missouri’s bases contribute over $3 billion annually, employing 20,000 personnel. Whiteman Air Force Base, spanning 4,677 acres, generates $1.5 billion and 9,000 jobs in Knob Noster, Warrensburg, and Johnson County, supporting local commerce with 3,800 military and 902 civilians. Fort Leonard Wood, covering 61,000 acres, adds $1.8 billion and 10,000 jobs to St. Robert and Pulaski County. Families access 2,000 housing units, DoDDS schools (e.g., Warrensburg School District, Waynesville R-VI Schools), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Whiteman air shows and Fort Leonard Wood’s Route 66 tours, enrich community life.

Key Military Facilities

• Whiteman Air Force Base (Knob Noster): Hosts the 509th Bomb Wing, operating 19 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, and the 442nd Fighter Wing with A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, supporting 3,800 personnel.

• Fort Leonard Wood (St. Robert): Home to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, training 80,000 soldiers annually in engineering, chemical, and military police specialties, with 10,000 personnel.

• Rosecrans Air National Guard Base (St. Joseph): Hosts the 139th Airlift Wing with C-130H Hercules, supporting 1,200 personnel for airlift and disaster response.

• Camp Clark (Nevada): A Missouri National Guard training center for the 35th Engineer Brigade, hosting 1,000 trainees annually for field exercises.

Strategic Importance

Missouri’s bases are vital to U.S. defense. Whiteman Air Force Base’s 509th Bomb Wing operates the B-2 Spirit, conducting 500 global strike missions annually, with 2024 designation as a B-21 Raider base enhancing future deterrence. The 442nd Fighter Wing supports 1,000 A-10 close air support missions. Fort Leonard Wood’s Maneuver Support Center of Excellence trains 80,000 soldiers in CBRN, engineering, and military police skills, with 2025 programs advancing leadership courses. Rosecrans Air National Guard Base’s 139th Airlift Wing conducts 600 C-130H missions, aiding disaster relief. Camp Clark trains 1,000 Guard members for domestic response. These bases ensure readiness despite unconfirmed 2024 drone reports.

Notable Distinctions

Whiteman Air Force Base is the Air Force’s only B-2 Spirit base, with a 2024 B-21 Raider designation, hosting the 509th Bomb Wing across 4,677 acres. Fort Leonard Wood, at 61,000 acres, is a premier Army training hub, integrating CBRN, engineering, and military police schools. The bases offer 2,000 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like St. Robert’s 2025 Ozark festivals and Warrensburg’s farmers’ markets, fostering vibrant communities in Missouri’s heartland.

U.S. service members on PCS to Missouri or TDY in Missouri will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Whiteman Air Force Base and Fort Leonard Wood. From Warrensburg’s historic charm to St. Robert’s Route 66 legacy, Missouri’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.