FORT LEONARD WOOD
ARMY
Waynesville, MO
United States
FORT LEONARD WOOD
ARMY
Waynesville, MO
United States
Fort Leonard Wood
Base Essentials
Soldiers and their families assigned to Fort Leonard Wood (FLW) in Waynesville, MO, will soon be getting some swanky new digs. On Dec 10th, a groundbreaking took place in FLW’s Woodlands Housing Area to mark the official beginning of the construction of 56 new homes in 28 duplex units. Housing Investment Focused on Readiness & Quality of Life Col. Alexander Lovasz, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood deputy commanding officer, said the groundbreaking was about more than construction; it was about quality of life. “Fort Leonard Wood is built on the foundation of readi...
Base Details
Type
Army Post
Branch
ARMY
Command
TRADOC
Status
Active
Est.
1940
Acres
61,000
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
55,000
Economic Impact
$2.2 billion
Fort Leonard Wood History
Named AfterMajor General Leonard Wood (Medal of Honor)
Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks was established in 1940 as a basic training center and has been in continuous operation since. Named after Medal of Honor recipient Major General Leonard Wood, it is home to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, which trains engineers, military police, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialists. The installation also conducts Basic Combat Training and is one of the Army's major initial entry training sites. Fort Leonard Wood benefits from its central location and extensive training areas.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence
—
—
Engineer School
—
—
Military Police School
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
Fort Leonard Wood Established in the Ozarks
Fort Leonard Wood was established in the rugged Ozark Mountains of Missouri during World War II, named after Army Gen. Leonard Wood — Medal of Honor recipient, former Army Chief of Staff, and original commander of the Rough Riders. The remote location provided vast training land for combat engineer development.
1950
Reactivated for Korean War
Fort Leonard Wood was reactivated to support rapid mobilization for the Korean War, expanding engineer and combat training capacity. The fort trained tens of thousands of soldiers in combat engineering, demolitions, and field fortification skills needed for the demanding Korean Peninsula terrain.
1984
Military Police School Relocates to Fort Leonard Wood
The U.S. Army Military Police School relocated to Fort Leonard Wood from Fort McClellan, Alabama, joining the existing Engineer School and beginning the transformation of the installation into a multi-branch maneuver support training center.
1999
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Established
Fort Leonard Wood was designated the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE), consolidating the Engineer School, Military Police School, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School under one headquarters. The fort became the Army's center for all combat support branch training.
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1941
Fort Leonard Wood Established in the Ozarks
Fort Leonard Wood was established in the rugged Ozark Mountains of Missouri during World War II, named after Army Gen. Leonard Wood — Medal of Honor recipient, former Army Chief of Staff, and original commander of the Rough Riders. The remote location provided vast training land for combat engineer development.
1950
Reactivated for Korean War
Fort Leonard Wood was reactivated to support rapid mobilization for the Korean War, expanding engineer and combat training capacity. The fort trained tens of thousands of soldiers in combat engineering, demolitions, and field fortification skills needed for the demanding Korean Peninsula terrain.
1984
Military Police School Relocates to Fort Leonard Wood
The U.S. Army Military Police School relocated to Fort Leonard Wood from Fort McClellan, Alabama, joining the existing Engineer School and beginning the transformation of the installation into a multi-branch maneuver support training center.
1999
Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Established
Fort Leonard Wood was designated the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE), consolidating the Engineer School, Military Police School, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School under one headquarters. The fort became the Army's center for all combat support branch training.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Fort Leonard Wood.
Fort Leonard Wood Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Fort Leonard Wood.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Fort Leonard Wood.
Housing
Fort Leonard Wood Breaks Ground on 56 New Homes for Families
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Information
Suspect Charged in Sgt. Sarah Roque's Fort Leonard Wood Murder
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Information
21 of the Best Things to Do in Fort Leonard Wood
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Information
Guide to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri Military Base
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Military Spouse & Family
Double Trouble: Married Army Couple Takes Home Back-to-Back Sapper School Course Awards
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Fort Leonard Wood.
Welcome and Visitors Center
Phone
(573) 596-0590Hours
Open daily, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
In-Processing
Active-duty Army personnel report to the Central In/Out Processing Office at Building 470 (Dillard Hall), Room 2105, 13486 Replacement Avenue, at 0745 on their report date. Soldiers must be in duty uniform and hand-carry PCS orders, Leave Form (IPPS-A absence request), military ID, passports, naturalization papers, powers of attorney, medical/dental records, social security cards, and official vital documents. The office operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM (closed 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM for lunch). After-hours arrivals: single Soldiers report to the Charge of Quarters, 1st Brigade, Building 741 at (573) 596-0222; Soldiers with families should proceed to Candlewood Suites, Building 2020, staffed 24 hours.
Fort Leonard Wood's newcomer orientation program, called "Arrive Strong," runs every other Thursday beginning at 10:00 AM at the USO. The program provides newcomers with mandatory briefs and the opportunity to learn about installation amenities and surrounding community resources. A Community Information Fair is held midday, featuring representatives from EFMP, Community Spouses Club, CPAC, AAFES, the Commissary, and area chambers of commerce. First-term Soldiers may also participate in the enhanced "Arrive Stronger" tour with additional briefings on Army Emergency Relief, tuition assistance, and a mentorship lunch at the NCO Academy.
Army Community Service (ACS), located at Building 486 on Replacement Avenue ((573) 596-0212), serves as the central hub for relocation support. ACS offers Welcome Packets, the Lending Closet (30-day temporary use of household items — dishes, cookware, utensils, cribs, highchairs, and portable mattresses), one-on-one relocation counseling, Employment Readiness Program, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), and MyCAA scholarship assistance. For medical in-processing, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital provides separate incoming personnel guidance.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Fort Leonard Wood.
On-post housing at Fort Leonard Wood is managed by Balfour Beatty Communities, which operates family neighborhoods across the installation in the Missouri Ozarks with 2- to 4-bedroom homes, community centers, playgrounds, and fitness facilities. Balfour Beatty provides 24/7 maintenance services and an online resident portal supporting applications and work order man…
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Cost of Living Around Fort Leonard Wood
75
25% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Fort Leonard Wood.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
2
Elementary Schools
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1
Middle Schools
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1
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
St. Robert
Small Town
St. Robert is the town that exists to serve Fort Leonard Wood and sits directly outside the gate. It's the most convenient and most military-dense community in the area. It's not a destination assignment, but St. Robert is functional, affordable, and has the infrastructure that Fort Leonard Wood families need. High military turnover means a strong understanding of the military lifestyle throughout the community.
Commute: 3–8 min
Gate: Main Gate (Missouri Route 17)
Schools: Waynesville R-VI School District
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Mark Twain National Forest surrounds the area with excellent outdoor recreation. Big Piney River and Gasconade River for float trips and fishing. Springfield is 90 min for bigger-city amenities. The Ozarks character gives this posting an underrated natural beauty.
Waynesville
Small Town
Waynesville is the historic county seat just east of Fort Leonard Wood with a slightly more established community character than St. Robert. It's served by the same Waynesville R-VI school district (which is the dominant choice for Fort Leonard Wood families) and has a small-town charm with local restaurants and a walkable historic district. Many families prefer it for the slightly lower military saturation.
Commute: 10–15 min
Gate: Main Gate (Missouri Route 17)
Schools: Waynesville R-VI School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Waynesville has a genuine small-town Ozarks character. The Route 66 heritage runs through town. Close to Roubidoux Spring and Big Piney River for outdoor recreation. Same school district as St. Robert but with more residential charm.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Fort Leonard Wood.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Missouri has a top income tax rate of approximately 4.7% (2025, being phased down). All active duty military pay include…
Spouse Income Tax
Nonresident military spouses accompanying a service member stationed in Missouri are exempt from Missouri income tax on…
Vehicle Registration
Standard SCRA protections apply for nonresident service members stationed in Missouri. Home-state registration is honore…
Property Tax
Former POWs with 100% total service-connected disability receive a complete property tax exemption on their homestead. S…
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Pet Policies at Fort Leonard Wood
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Fort Leonard Wood.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Fort Leonard Wood Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(573) 596-0094Hours
Mon–Fri (call to confirm current schedule)
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Fort Leonard Wood.
Commissary
1
Fort Leonard Wood Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
PX
Medical
1
General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital — Hospital
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fort Leonard Wood.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (North / Sverdrup) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Fort Leonard Wood Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10am–6pm.
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03
Is there a PX on base?
Yes, Fort Leonard Wood has a PX (Post Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital is the primary military treatment hospital serving Fort Leonard Wood. Call (573) 596-0131 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Fort Leonard Wood has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Fort Leonard Wood has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Waynesville R-VI School District (rated B-) serves most military families at Fort Leonard Wood. Visit https://www.waynesville.k12.mo.us for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Fort Leonard Wood restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Akita, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, Paw Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at Fort Leonard Wood.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Fort Leonard Wood has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
How is military pay taxed in Missouri?
Fully exempt. See the Finance section of this page for a full breakdown of Missouri's tax rules for military members.
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12
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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13
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Fort Leonard Wood.
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14
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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15
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Fort Leonard Wood.
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Data & Methodology
The information on this page is compiled through a combination of sources. We reference official U.S. Department of Defense publications, branch directives, and installation command websites on a regular cadence to ensure accuracy across policy, regulation, and operational data. Where relevant, we supplement that foundation with credible auxiliary resources, including verified government agencies, military support organizations, and established partners with direct ties to the installation community.
Our editorial team includes past and present military personnel who review and contribute firsthand knowledge — ensuring what you read reflects the real experience of military life, not just what's written in a regulation.
MyBaseGuide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or any government agency. Information is provided for general reference and updated periodically. It may not reflect the most recent changes to installation policy or command decisions. Always confirm time-sensitive details directly with your gaining installation.