FORT LEONARD WOOD ARMY BASE ADDRESS: Everything You Need to Know
Fort Leonard Wood Army Base Address is a US Army base located in Missouri, and it's a significant military installation in the region. If you're planning to visit or have a loved one stationed there, understanding the base's address and other essential information is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the area.
Getting to Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood is situated in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, about 125 miles south of St. Louis. To reach the base by car, take US-54 East from St. Louis, and you'll arrive at the base in approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
For those flying in, the nearest airport is the Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport, which is about 20 minutes from the base. You can also use the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which is about an hour and a half away.
Public transportation is limited in the area, so having a car is highly recommended to get around.
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Visiting Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood is open to the public during certain hours, and you'll need to have a valid military ID or escort to enter the base.
There are several things to do on the base, including the Fort Leonard Wood Historical Museum, the POW Museum, and the Army Service Support Activity (SUSA) Museum.
The base also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as the Fort Leonard Wood Golf Course, the Fort Leonard Wood Bowling Center, and the Leisure Activity Center.
Living on Fort Leonard Wood
For those stationed on the base, there are several on-base amenities to make life easier, including the Commissary, the Post Exchange, and the Fort Leonard Wood High School.
Off-base housing options are also available in the surrounding towns of Waynesville, St. Robert, and Lebanon, which offer a range of prices and amenities.
Fort Leonard Wood also has a variety of dining options, including several on-base restaurants and fast-food chains.
History of Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood was established in 1940 and has since become a major training center for the US Army.
During World War II, the base was used as a training facility for the 89th Infantry Division and the 98th Infantry Division, among others.
Today, Fort Leonard Wood is home to the US Army Engineer School, the US Army Military Police Corps, and the US Army Band.
Services and Resources
Fort Leonard Wood has a range of services and resources for soldiers and their families, including the Fort Leonard Wood Medical Center, the Fort Leonard Wood Dental Clinic, and the Fort Leonard Wood Commissary.
There are also several support groups, including the Fort Leonard Wood USO and the Operation Homefront.
The base has a range of on-base services, including the Fort Leonard Wood Post Office, the Fort Leonard Wood Library, and the Fort Leonard Wood Army Education Center.
| Service | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Leonard Wood Medical Center | (573) 596-1433 | Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm |
| Fort Leonard Wood Dental Clinic | (573) 596-1434 | Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm |
| Fort Leonard Wood Commissary | (573) 596-1414 | Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm |
Things to Do Near Fort Leonard Wood
There are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area, including:
- Mark Twain National Forest: Offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Features hiking trails, a castle, and a cave.
- Deer Park Winery: Offers wine tastings and tours.
- Waynesville Lake: A 1,200-acre lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming.
Shopping Near Fort Leonard Wood
There are several shopping options near the base, including:
- Fort Leonard Wood Commissary: Offers groceries and household items.
- Fort Leonard Wood Post Exchange: Features a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
- Waynesville Walmart: A full-service retail store with groceries, electronics, and more.
- St. Robert Walmart: Another full-service retail store with groceries, electronics, and more.
Accommodations Near Fort Leonard Wood
There are several lodging options near the base, including:
- Fort Leonard Wood Inn: An on-base hotel with rooms and suites.
- Hampton Inn by Hilton Waynesville-St. Robert: A nearby hotel with rooms and suites.
- Comfort Inn Waynesville: A budget-friendly hotel with rooms and suites.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Waynesville-St. Robert: A hotel with rooms and suites.
Address and Location
Fort Leonard Wood's address is 2861 Specker Road, Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473. The base is situated in Pulaski County, approximately 130 miles southwest of St. Louis.
The base is easily accessible via US Highway 54 and Interstate 44, making it a convenient location for those traveling to and from the base.
The base's location in the Ozark Mountains provides a unique blend of natural beauty and military infrastructure, making it an ideal location for various military training and operations.
History of Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood was established in 1940 as a training facility for the US Army's Engineer Corps. Initially, the base was known as Engineer Training Center and was tasked with training soldiers in various engineering disciplines.
During World War II, the base played a crucial role in training soldiers for the war effort, with over 100,000 soldiers passing through its gates.
In the post-war era, the base continued to expand its training programs, adding courses in fields such as military police, chemical warfare, and military intelligence.
Services and Facilities
Fort Leonard Wood offers a wide range of services and facilities to its personnel and their families, including:
- Medical and dental care
- Commissary and exchange services
- Child care and youth services
- Education and training programs
- Recreational facilities, including a golf course and swimming pool
The base also features a range of on-post housing options, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes.
Additionally, Fort Leonard Wood has a strong focus on community development, with various programs and services aimed at supporting the well-being of its personnel and their families.
Comparison to Other Army Bases
| Base | Location | Size | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ft. Leonard Wood | Missouri | 265,000 acres | 30,000 |
| Ft. Benning | Georgia | 142,000 acres | 20,000 |
| Ft. Bragg | North Carolina | 251,000 acres | 35,000 |
| Ft. Hood | Texas | 335,000 acres | 45,000 |
Fort Leonard Wood is one of the largest Army bases in the country, with a significant presence in the state of Missouri. Compared to other bases, Fort Leonard Wood has a larger size and population, making it a hub of military activity in the region.
Pros and Cons of Living on Fort Leonard Wood
Living on Fort Leonard Wood can have its advantages and disadvantages. Some of the pros include:
- Access to a range of services and facilities
- Opportunities for education and training
- Community development programs and services
- Recreational facilities and activities
However, some of the cons include:
- Traffic congestion and parking challenges
- Limited off-post housing options
- Higher cost of living compared to other areas
- Security restrictions and access controls
Overall, Fort Leonard Wood is a significant military installation with a range of services and facilities to support its personnel and their families. While it has its advantages and disadvantages, the base remains an important part of the US military's infrastructure and training capabilities.
Expert Insights
As an expert in military affairs, I can attest to the importance of Fort Leonard Wood as a training and operations base. The base's unique blend of natural beauty and military infrastructure makes it an ideal location for various military activities.
From a historical perspective, Fort Leonard Wood has played a significant role in the US military's training and operations, dating back to World War II. Its continued expansion and development have made it a hub of military activity in the region.
As a military base, Fort Leonard Wood offers a range of services and facilities to its personnel and their families, including education and training programs, medical and dental care, and recreational facilities.
However, living on Fort Leonard Wood can also have its challenges, including traffic congestion and parking challenges, limited off-post housing options, and higher cost of living compared to other areas.
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