Fort Leonard Wood, MO

• Named After a Pioneer: Fort Leonard Wood is named in honor of Major General Leonard Wood, a physician, Medal of Honor recipient, and former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. • Established During WWII: The fort was established in 1940 as a basic training center to support the rapid expansion of the Army during World War II. • Engineer Training Hub: It is home to the U.S. Army Engineer School, making it the primary training site for Army engineers. • Home to Multiple Schools: Besides engineers, Fort Leonard Wood is also the headquarters for the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) School, and the U.S. Army Military Police School. • Women in the Military: In the 1970s, Fort Leonard Wood was one of the first Army posts to integrate basic training for women alongside men. • Environmental Commitment: The post is known for its environmental stewardship, protecting thousands of acres of Ozark wilderness and endangered species like the Indiana bat. • Hollywood Connection: The 1957 movie "The D.I." starring Jack Webb was partially filmed at Fort Leonard Wood, showcasing the base's training areas. • Massive Training Throughput: Over 80,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines receive training at Fort Leonard Wood annually, making it one of the busiest training installations in the U.S. • Prisoner of War Camp: During World War II, Fort Leonard Wood housed thousands of German and Italian prisoners of war. • Community Ties: The fort is a major economic driver for central Missouri, with deep ties to the surrounding communities of St. Robert and Waynesville, hosting annual events like Engineer Regimental Week and the Best Sapper Competition.