What can I expect at Fort Leonard Wood as prior service reclass to 88m?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 13:42:29 -0400

Coming from the guard switching to Active duty.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jun 18 at 2022 2:36 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 14:36:37 -0400

Story from 50 some years ago, and may not reflect current state. When I was a company clerk, I told 1SG that a soldier had gone AWOL. He said if I had orders to Leonard Wood, I would go AWOL, too, but that is no excuse. LOL

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2022 3:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 15:51:10 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Here is one previous post. You can search on "88M" and "Fort Leonard Wood" to find the other posts.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/can-someone-give-me-any-insight-on-what-being-an-88m-is-like-also-any-insight-to-ait-at-ft-leonard-wood-is-like-for-prior-service

Can someone give me any insight on what being an 88M is like? Also any insight to AIT at Ft....

I recently decided to go active duty. I was able to keep my E-4 rank and went with the 88M MOS. I will be shipping out January 7th for AIT to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Any advice on what I can expect, personal experiences, packing list, do's & dont's, etc.? I would greatly appreciate it.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 19 at 2022 7:57 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 07:57:17 -0400

Granted it's been thirty years since I was stationed there for my Officer Advanced Course, but the base facilities were topnotch at the time (just moved the Engineer Officer Course there from Belvoir) and I've not heard anyone complaining about them since. Decent Recreational Facilities on post and the Fort runs a very nice Military Recreation Area on Lake of the Ozarks. I played my last round of Golf on post.
Generally, prior service reclass are given more freedom than the kids coming for BCT. Act like a professional and you will normally be treated like one.
Bad new is that the fort as a nickname of Lost in the Woods for a reason. The nearest town of any real size is Springfield and it's about 90 miles. I don't remember anything in St Roberts, which is outside the gate, or at least anything that wasn't geared to removing your paycheck as fast as possible. But if you like the outdoors, plenty of things to do.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 19 at 2022 11:38 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 11:38:32 -0400

I’ve been there to visit my son. I now know why it has it’s nickname Fort Lost In The Woods!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2022 11:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 11:04:04 -0400

As a SPC you can expect to be housed with the other IET soldiers, unless you are specifically going to a reclass only school ... I am not familiar with that at LW. You will be listed as MOS'QD; but I would bank on not getting much more freedoms than the IET soldiers. Although you will most likely be housed with them in the same building you are more than likely going to be a separate room/area and will be told not to interact with them unless in class. I would highly recommend you not hang out with them outside of class... there is a reason they make this a rule in most all reclass situations.

Response by 1SG Mitchell Smith made Jun 29 at 2022 6:30 PM

1SG Mitchell Smith — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 18:30:18 -0400

When you get to the 58th Trans as a 88M with CSM Rice. Expect to go any of the companies of the company, probably HHC because drills go to all others unless a commander drivers slot.

Now, if attached to a local company as a Mike, look forward to the basic support.

Good luck...