E Company Fort Leonard Wood Mo.

• Origins of E Company: E Company at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, is often part of the 31st Engineer Battalion, responsible for training Army Engineer Soldiers in basic combat and specialty engineer skills. • Basic Training Hub: Fort Leonard Wood, including E Company, has been a primary site for Basic Combat Training (BCT) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for soldiers since World War II. • Named for a General: Fort Leonard Wood is named after General Leonard Wood, a Medal of Honor recipient, former Army Chief of Staff, and prominent military leader in the early 20th century. • Women in Training: E Company and other units at Fort Leonard Wood were among the first to train female soldiers alongside male recruits, beginning in the 1980s. • Engineer Legacy: E Company has contributed to training thousands of combat engineers, who play critical roles in mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability in the Army. • “Sapper” Pride: Many E Company trainees go on to earn the coveted “Sapper” tab, awarded to combat engineers who graduate from the elite Sapper Leader Course. • Stories of Camaraderie: Former E Company soldiers often share tales of enduring Missouri's extreme weather—hot summers and cold winters—while forging lifelong bonds during tough field exercises. • Support to Disaster Relief: Alumni of E Company have participated in numerous disaster response missions, such as Hurricane Katrina relief and overseas humanitarian operations. • Traditions and Rituals: E Company maintains traditions such as “The Ruck March,” where soldiers complete challenging marches carrying heavy packs, symbolizing resilience and teamwork. • Alumni in Leadership: Many former E Company trainees have risen to senior leadership positions, including command sergeants major and officers, continuing the legacy of excellence instilled at Fort Leonard Wood.