What's Fort Leonard Wood like? I'm headed there for AIT, and I want to hear your experiences (not just "lost in the woods" misery).

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 18:54:49 -0400

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 6:58 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 18:58:39 -0400

Hahahahaha, good luck.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 7:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 19:01:14 -0400

Being stationed here and being here for training are two completely different things.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 7:12 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 19:12:39 -0400

The only tr h I no you need to worry about being there is completing A.I.T. nothing else. When you go back to attain an additional skill iditifier (A.S.I.) o ar Non Commission Officer Education School.(N.C.O.E.S) that's when you should ask what it is like. But until then Goodluck with training and obtaining the 74 Delta MOD

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 7:27 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 19:27:02 -0400

I spent almost 4 months there. Have absolutely no idea what it's like. Unless you get a heck of a lot more freedom than I did, you won't find out either, LOL.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made May 9 at 2016 7:30 PM

LTC Ed Ross — Mon, 09 May 2016 19:30:19 -0400

It's a pile of rocks. I did basic training there in 1965 and I commanded an AIT company there in 1968. I'm sure the place is changed a great deal since then. Please let me know it is like today.

Response by COL John McClellan made May 9 at 2016 7:48 PM

COL John McClellan — Mon, 09 May 2016 19:48:06 -0400

You may not "get out" much during AIT but there are a couple of places on Post to check out (1) There's a very good USO there with movies, videos, wifi, etc. (2) It's one of the few army Posts left where there are actually still movies shown in the on-Post theater!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 7:59 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 19:59:28 -0400

Well first you should be focused on obtaining your MOS. Its different training in AIT than training in a regular army school school. But considering you'll probably get some time to go out:
I'm currently stationed here and can't wait to leave. But not the area did that really; more of the unit and work. But it's a place where it's how optimistic you look at it and what you make of it. There's not a lot going on here, a couple good bars out of the gate, cheap movie theatre on post, badass USO. But the weather sucks. So like I said it's what you make of it. You probably won't be able to make much considering you aren't getting stationed here and can't make plans or see into anything bigger than just a night out in good ole Saint Robert.

Response by SPC Shon Covington made May 9 at 2016 8:05 PM

SPC Shon Covington — Mon, 09 May 2016 20:05:56 -0400

They were in the process of tearing down the old 1739 specker barracks when I left, you should be in nicer barracks. Hopefully you get Charlie company, they tend to be more fair and straight forward than Bravo. Leonard wood has a movie theatre that plays pretty new movies,px is ok and there is fishing and out doors stuff to do and roberts Missouri was getting bigger sooooo, pass your pt test and don't see screw up and they let you off post on the weekend. Good luck!
Elementis Regamus Proelium!

Response by PV2 Scott Goodpasture made May 9 at 2016 9:40 PM

PV2 Scott Goodpasture — Mon, 09 May 2016 21:40:22 -0400

Run while you still can

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 9 at 2016 10:44 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 09 May 2016 22:44:09 -0400

River, given that you are there for AIT do not bother asking because it will only create false ideas which can create conflicts. Don't give any mind to what others say about their experience at training sites because each is different.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2016 11:21 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 May 2016 23:21:38 -0400

When I was there, the Army had basic military training BMT and advanced individual training AIT. It also had other US military services there also, which is now the norm across the US. Travel around the post was by: 1. Foot, 2. Base taxi or 3. Military arranged transportation (cattle car) a semi trailer with bench type seats installed.
PX/BX is close to both BMT and AIT dorms.
Off post...typical military town in close proximity.
Have fun.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 7:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 07:21:05 -0400

It's not bad. But let's talk about the promotable status next to the private rank for a minute. Fuckin really guy?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:30 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 09:30:16 -0400

I had a pretty good time at FLW, granted I was there for BOLC and not AIT, and therefore afforded a lot more freedom. I can tell you that there isn't really much to do on post, but there is some stuff you can do off post. The privates I saw there looked generally happy. Unless it was at PT. I heavily recommend running a lot before getting there. You'll probably end up running Car wash Hill, which is honestly so steep I could have used a ladder to climb it.

Pay attention in class, especially when it comes to hazmat operations. Even the officers lose plenty of students when it comes to the hazmat exams. I think the average is something like 8-10 failures per class. But other than that, nothing there will be worse than basic training.

As always, do your best, and you'll be fine. I just got back from FLW 3 days ago, so if you have any more questions or want any more advice, feel free to ask.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 9:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 09:30:40 -0400

I was in Leonard wood for BCT and AIT. Let me tell you how people say "lost in the woods" is horrible. Well it's not. Specker barracks is awesome they are by far the best, that everyone wants. Our chow hall is amazing without having to mention that everyone wants that too. U will train at nord hall. Trust me, u will love it. A lot of things will definitely be wonderful and those times were some of the best times in my life. Just don't mess up or u will be sorry. I served a lot of time there after graduating everything but after so long u will wanna be somewhere else just because anywhere u go and stay over a few yrs naturally u will want to see other places. I was there count em....6 yrs. really it's what u make of it just like anywhere else. Don't listen to the other joes tell u how terrible it is, do the right thing and make the best of it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 11:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 11:28:18 -0400

Summer time: Hot and VERY HUMID. Winter time: COLD and VERY COLD.

Since you will be there for AIT, focus more on your training than anything else. You will get some time off, more than likely. There will be a list provided/posted somewhere in your training company of off limits establishments. You more than likely will not be allowed to travel anywhere....during off time.....solo.

Again, remember that you are there for training. Focus on that.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 12:46 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 12:46:00 -0400

It doesn't matter where you go, the expectations are always the same. Be respectful, courteous and be where you're suppose to be, and you will be fine. The chow halls are actually pretty decent, be smart about your money. Don't eat at px everyday. Save your money. You are paying for meals at the chow hall regardless of whether or bottom choose to eat there. Say away from the opposite sex unless you are working together as a team. Keep your head level and focused on why you are there in the first place. Never forget that the minute you piton the uniform, you represent something bigger than yourself and conduct yourself accordingly. Good luck soldier!

Response by SFC Randall Atchison made May 10 at 2016 6:53 PM

SFC Randall Atchison — Tue, 10 May 2016 18:53:32 -0400

Is FLW no longer called Little Korea?

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made May 10 at 2016 9:58 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Tue, 10 May 2016 21:58:49 -0400

I was the Night shift NCOIC of the Post ComCenter 81-82. The fishing was great and I met my wife there. (34 years together). I can't tell you about the training but it is one of the best duty stations i was at in 22 years. Lots to do if you have the time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 10:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 22:25:30 -0400

It's training young man, you're not here to enjoy it. Doesn't matter what it's like, you won't have time to think about Ft Leonard Wood before you realize your time is over. Your here for training and nothing more, Enjoy!!!

Response by SPC Sheryl Koch made May 12 at 2016 5:11 PM

SPC Sheryl Koch — Thu, 12 May 2016 17:11:15 -0400

The DS are not kidding about the weather is unpredictable! In May one moment it's sunny the next it's freezing with golf ball hail. Stick to the packing list. Don't have any snaks sent that your DS has not allowed at Dfact yet. Just remember when it comes to chemical school stay focused. Don't let your head get the best of you. If the are good NCO'S they will train you like your going Airborne! To love your troops is to train them to save their life and so they will save others. Always Vollenteer! Don't listen to the stay under the radar. They will always get you one way or another. It's their job. Look out for each other!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2016 5:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 May 2016 17:15:55 -0400

Fort Leonard Wood really is not that bad.. It is what you make it to be. It can be good and it can be bad. I will tell you being in AIT you are limited to what you can and can not do. Just focus on graduating AIT stay out of trouble and enjoy your weekend and I am sure your time in Fort Leonard Wood will be just fine. I went to basic AIT and it my first duty station. So I know plenty about this place.

Response by SPC Delbert Cannoy made May 25 at 2016 12:29 PM

SPC Delbert Cannoy — Wed, 25 May 2016 12:29:48 -0400

Get ready for one day seasons..hot one minute, raining the next, cold an hour from now. Plenty of hills and trees. Oh I hope you like raking leaves.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 9:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 09:02:33 -0400

Ft Leonard Wood sucks PVT, Just so you know. Keep your chin up and embrace it. As a fellow CBRN I can tell you that you will spend most of your AIT in no less than MOPP 3 which is at times cumbersome, with the exception of death by PowerPoint classes which are boooring but relatively easy but shouldn't be taken nonchalantly. The weather will be hot in the summer, making MOPP3 exhausting as it raises your body temp approximately 10 more degrees than you are accustomed to, you will adapt. Best of luck to you in your CBRN journey

Response by PV2 Kristina Guerro made Jun 1 at 2016 11:51 PM

PV2 Kristina Guerro — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 23:51:10 -0400

I loved it there, because it was a new place for me to see. It does get humid, and it snows alot. I miss it there.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2016 7:35 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:35:54 -0400

its going to suck plain and simple just do your training and move on

Response by SPC Timmie Ballard made Sep 2 at 2016 1:14 PM

SPC Timmie Ballard — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 13:14:22 -0400

It's worse! The most miserable duty I ever did there for training! Don't go there if you have a choice!

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2016 12:30 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 00:30:20 -0400

I just got back from 74d AIT on Ft. Leonard Wood. There isn't much to do in terms of entertainment on your weekends off. Off post there is a 12 room theatre every type of resturant and lots of fun stuff two do. I went from 11Apr - 31Aug so wheather was hear there and everywhere haha lot more rain than expected.

Response by CPL Christopher Wallace made Dec 15 at 2016 10:54 AM

CPL Christopher Wallace — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 10:54:34 -0500

Its cold and tge water fountains taste like crap lol

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2016 9:01 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 21:01:01 -0500

There isn't really much to do here. There is a bowling alley woth Wi-Fi, a large exchange a mini mall and a ton of small exchanges

Response by SSG MrMr John made Dec 17 at 2016 12:33 PM

SSG MrMr John — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 12:33:19 -0500

I loved it there. IT'S a huge facility with plenty of activities on your down time. They even have a CBRN Museum.

Response by SPC Jeremy Joerg made Dec 20 at 2016 11:00 PM

SPC Jeremy Joerg — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 23:00:02 -0500

I was stationed there for 2 years. Granted this was 14 yars ago. There isn't much to do other than travel in the weekends. We used to go to Lake of the Azarks during the summer, that was a good time.

You can always find something to do in St Louis. Rolla is a college town. Springfield is about an hour away. Branson isn't far.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2016 8:18 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 08:18:35 -0500

I enjoyed my time there. Other than running carwash hill it was good training and quite pleasant.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 12:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 12:16:08 -0500

Your cbrn...... if your there in spring you'll have new barracks and defac. The marines will still prbly cut in chow line (shower first and then go back for grub) get your name tapes sown on....itll help keep you squared away....cuz theres always someone looking. Ask sgt jackson about star pattern and ft hood when you get to dismounted recon....oh yeah....and study like crazy for hazmat..
.awareness is easy. Ops is a beast!

Response by Kelsey Chlovechok made Jan 8 at 2017 3:31 PM

Kelsey Chlovechok — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 15:31:14 -0500

I'm strongly considering CBRN as my MOS when I enlist next month. This information was all so great to read! Thanks to everybody who posted. I am a firefighter/EMT in the civilian world and already have my HAZMAT OPS certification so I'm not too worried about that part of school. I was considering mostly medical MOSs but the more I researched the more I thought CBRN was a better fit with better advancement opportunity than most of the medical jobs I was considering. This is great.
Edit to add: I'm 27 and prior service. I also have a husband and kids. Knowing I'll be able to extend my career as far as possible as long as I try, get as many schools as possible etc. is really encouraging.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2017 3:42 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jan 2017 15:42:46 -0500

I was there far too long ago to be of help. I see someone said the taxi is not $3. It was $.25 in 1960/1 when I was there.

Response by SPC Michael Campbell made Jan 15 at 2017 9:49 PM

SPC Michael Campbell — Sun, 15 Jan 2017 21:49:54 -0500

Cold and windy

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2017 2:35 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 14:35:31 -0400

My fiancé just got there fir AIT training, I haven't heard anything from him since the night he arrived telling me he was there safe , I'm worried. When will he call , I heard that you could have your phones there on your free time ?

Response by SPC Richard Skeen made Sep 30 at 2017 10:06 PM

SPC Richard Skeen — Sat, 30 Sep 2017 22:06:39 -0400

Just be in shape. It isn’t no joke. I was their in 1983. Basic. 1984 AIT. AIT was the best.

Response by Jesus Regules made Oct 23 at 2017 10:01 PM

Jesus Regules — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 22:01:39 -0400

Get ready for EXTREME WEATHER , bugs , and 10000% humidity.

Response by Michael Voort made Oct 24 at 2017 3:14 PM

Michael Voort — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 15:14:12 -0400

All good reading. My Son is there ready to start 74D AIT. Anyone know if they allow AIT SIT's to have a POV?

Response by CPL Terrence Williams made Oct 27 at 2017 10:05 AM

CPL Terrence Williams — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 10:05:16 -0400

I DID MY BASIC THERE AND IT IS LOST IN THE WOODS. MY SON DID HIS BASIC&A.I.T THERE HE LIKED IT.

Response by SPC Oakley Jones made Aug 1 at 2018 11:54 AM

SPC Oakley Jones — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:54:13 -0400

I think the post on Stripes was based on Ft Leonard Wood.