PCS Pay-it-Forward

PCSing to Fort Leonard Wood: A Comprehensive Guide

PCSing to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri — 2026 Base Guide

If you just got orders to Fort Leonard Wood, you’ve landed in one of the most mission-dense Army posts in the country — home to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and the training hub for Army Engineers, Military Police, and CBRN. The Ozarks are beautiful, the cost of living is genuinely low, and the military community is tight-knit. This guide gives you the real numbers — 2026 BAH rates, on- and off-post housing details, school names with phone numbers, healthcare contacts, gate access, and the insider perspective only military families can give. Start your PCS plan here and come back to this page for every question that comes up along the way.

Join the Fort Leonard Wood PCS Pay-It-Forward® group on Facebook — thousands of military families who’ve been there, done that, and are ready to answer your questions.

Fort Leonard Wood PCS Pay-it-Forward®

Fort Leonard Wood at a Glance

Installation Fort Leonard Wood (FLW)
Location Pulaski County, south-central Missouri Ozarks
Size 61,000+ acres (~97 square miles)
Mission Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) — Engineer, MP, CBRN training
Annual Training Volume 80,000–90,000 soldiers and civilians trained per year
Commanding General Major General Christopher G. Beck
Base Operator (573) 596-0131 | DSN 312-581-0131
Welcome / Visitors Center (573) 596-0590
Nearest Airport Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport (~3 miles from post)
Cost of Living Pulaski County is 23.58% below the national average

2026 BAH Rates for Fort Leonard Wood

The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing at Fort Leonard Wood increased 10.5% from 2025. For the full story on how BAH works and how to use it toward a VA home loan, visit our 2026 BAH rates guide. Rates are set by zip code (65473 for Fort Leonard Wood). For 2026, soldiers with dependents receive 24.7% more BAH than those without.

Pay Grade With Dependents Without Dependents
E1 – E4 $1,386/mo $1,287/mo
E5 $1,479/mo $1,290/mo
E6 $1,722/mo $1,296/mo
E7 $1,833/mo $1,386/mo
E8 $1,956/mo $1,533/mo
E9 $2,064/mo $1,596/mo
W1 $1,740/mo $1,368/mo
W2 $1,884/mo $1,530/mo
W3 $2,034/mo $1,608/mo
W4 $2,073/mo $1,743/mo
W5 $2,130/mo $1,860/mo
O1 $1,515/mo $1,293/mo
O2 $1,719/mo $1,452/mo
O3 $2,028/mo $1,629/mo
O4 $2,142/mo $1,833/mo
O5 $2,223/mo $1,899/mo
O6 $2,238/mo $2,013/mo

Good news for buyers: Fort Leonard Wood’s BAH is one of the easiest in the Army to stretch. The median home value in Pulaski County is around $164,000 — meaning your BAH can often cover a full mortgage payment rather than just rent. If you’re thinking about buying, our VA Home Loan guide is the place to start.

Housing at Fort Leonard Wood

On-Post Housing — Fort Leonard Wood Homes by Balfour Beatty

On-post family housing at Fort Leonard Wood is managed by Fort Leonard Wood Homes by Balfour Beatty Communities. There are over 1,800 homes available in two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans — and in December 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of 56 additional new homes in the Woodlands area. Active duty families, qualified military retirees, DoD civilian employees, and even some general public applicants can apply.

What’s included with on-post housing: no application fee, no credit check, no security deposit, water and sewer covered, average electricity and gas covered, 24-hour emergency maintenance, lawn care, and pet-friendly communities. Most neighborhoods include a community center, fitness center, splash park, playground, and picnic pavilion.

Housing is assigned by rank and availability. Contact the PHA Office to get on the list as soon as you receive orders — waitlists can be weeks to months, especially in summer PCS season.

Neighborhood Eligible Ranks Bedrooms Notable Features
Eagle Point E5–E9 3–4 BR Near Partridge Elementary and North/South gates
North Lieber Heights E7 4 BR Near Partridge Elementary and a large community park
North Stonegate E5–E7 3–4 BR Garages and patios; easy access to Main Gate
Piney Estates E9, O5–O6 4 BR Porches and garages; near Thayer Elementary
Piney Hills E5–E9, O1–O4 2–4 BR Carport or garage options; near Thayer Elementary
South Lieber Heights E1–E9, O1–O6, Retirees, DoD 2–4 BR Walking distance to Wood Elementary; access to North and West gates
Woodlands E1–E4, O1–O3 3–4 BR Near Partridge Elementary; new construction underway (2025–2026)

On-Post Housing Contact:
Fort Leonard Wood Homes (Balfour Beatty): (573) 329-3105 | 1503 Big Piney Road, Building 1018
PHA Office: (573) 596-3754

Off-Post Neighborhoods — St. Robert, Waynesville & Beyond

Most military families at Fort Leonard Wood live off-post, and the local area actually delivers solid value. You’ll pay Midwest prices while collecting BAH that often exceeds actual rent — making it one of the better duty stations for building financial margin or taking a shot at homeownership.

Area Direction from Post Drive Time Average Rent Range Notes
St. Robert North (Main Gate) 3–10 min $428–$800/mo (avg $574) Most military-heavy off-post area; Walmart, dining, shopping
Waynesville West (West Gate) 5–15 min $331–$678/mo (avg $476) Chain restaurants, upgraded movie theater, more residential feel
Plato South (South Gate) 15–25 min Below Waynesville avg Very rural; good for privacy, longer commute
Rolla East (I-44) ~30 min Similar to Waynesville College town; Ross, TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, Kohl’s
Crocker / Dixon Varies 20–35 min Lower end Quieter options; longer commute to post

Thinking about buying instead of renting? It often makes financial sense here — especially for families who want 4+ bedrooms. Median purchase prices in Pulaski County are around $164,000, and buyers with VA loans can skip the down payment entirely. If you’re exploring that route, connect with a VA-savvy lender through our VA Home Loan guide before you even land in Missouri.

Real talk: Fort Leonard Wood gets the nickname “Fort Lost in the Woods” for a reason. There’s no Target nearby — the closest one is over an hour away. There is a Walmart in St. Robert and growing retail in Rolla, but if you’re used to suburban amenities, it takes some adjustment. The trade-off is a small-town, deeply military-friendly community where you’ll never have to explain why you moved again.

Connect with other families already living there in the Fort Leonard Wood PCS Pay-It-Forward® group — they’ll tell you which streets to avoid, where the best deals are, and which landlords are worth working with.

Housing Services / Referral Office (HRO): Building 486, Replacement Ave | (573) 596-0212 x7

Ready to figure out your housing options?

Our PCS Plan tool walks you through housing, finances, and timelines — specific to Fort Leonard Wood. Start it free, no email required.

Schools at Fort Leonard Wood — Waynesville R-VI School District

There are no DoDEA schools on Fort Leonard Wood. All schools on and around post — including the four elementary schools located within the housing areas — belong to the Waynesville R-VI School District. The district serves approximately 6,000 students, about 75% of whom are military-impacted and 60% of whom are military dependents. That level of military saturation means the staff genuinely understands PCS transitions, mid-year enrollment, and the unique challenges military kids face.

On-Post Schools (K-5 and Early Childhood)

School Grades Address Phone
Williams Early Childhood Center Birth – Age 5 (special needs support) 12225 Pulaski Ave, FLW, MO 65473 (573) 842-2650
Partridge Elementary K–5 2225 Young St, FLW, MO 65473 (573) 842-2600
Thayer Elementary K–5 15392 Thayer Road, FLW, MO 65473 (573) 842-2200
Wood Elementary K–5 4590 Buckeye Ave, FLW, MO 65473 (573) 842-2625

Note: On-post elementary assignment is based on your housing area address. You must reside on-post to attend one of these schools. Bus transportation is provided to all students during the academic year.

Off-Post Schools (Grades K–12)

School Grades Address Phone
East Elementary K–5 1501 State Road F, Waynesville, MO 65583 (573) 842-2150
Freedom Elementary K–5 286 Eastlawn Ave, St. Robert, MO 65584 (573) 842-2100
Waynesville Sixth Grade Center Grade 6 810 Roosevelt St, Waynesville, MO 65583 (573) 842-2300
Waynesville Middle School Grades 7–8 1001 Historic Route 66, Waynesville, MO 65583 (573) 842-2550
Waynesville High School Grades 9–12 200 G.W. Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583 (573) 842-2400
Waynesville Career Center Grades 9–12 + Adult 400 G.W. Lane, Waynesville, MO 65583 (573) 842-2097

District Office: 200 Fleetwood Drive, Waynesville, MO 65583 | (573) 842-2097 | waynesville.k12.mo.us

The district’s School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Fort Leonard Wood can help with mid-year transfers, IEP transitions, and navigating the Waynesville system. Contact Army Community Service at (573) 596-0212 to be connected. Before and after school care through Child and Youth Services (CYS) is also available — register early, as spots fill fast.

Healthcare — General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital

Your primary medical facility at Fort Leonard Wood is General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH), a full-service military treatment facility with 75 inpatient beds and over 900 staff members. It offers inpatient and outpatient care, women’s health, pediatrics, dental services, mental health, pharmacy, and more. The hospital website is leonard-wood.tricare.mil.

Service Location Phone
GLWACH Main Line 4430 Missouri Ave, Bldg 310, FLW, MO 65473 (573) 596-0035
Appointments — 866-299-4234
Family Practice 4430 Missouri Ave, 1st Floor (573) 596-1765
Pediatrics 4430 Missouri Ave, 1st Floor (573) 596-1766
Women’s Health & Pregnancy 4430 Missouri Ave, 3rd Floor (573) 596-1770
Pharmacy 4430 Missouri Ave, 1st Floor (573) 596-0514
Pharmacy Refills — (573) 570-3211 | 800-245-1953
TRICARE BCAC (benefits questions) At GLWACH (573) 596-0440
EFMP – Family Support — (573) 596-0212
Boak Dental Clinic 12720 Kansas Ave, Bldg 789 (573) 596-1470

Pharmacy hours: Mon–Wed & Fri: 0800–1800 | Thu: 0800–1300 and 1400–1800 | Sat: 0800–1200 and 1300–1700 | Closed Sunday and federal holidays.

For TRICARE coverage details and how to enroll at a new installation, visit tricare.mil. EFMP families should contact the EFMP coordinator as soon as orders arrive — the sooner you start, the smoother the transfer of services.

Getting On Post — Gate Access & Visitor Information

Security personnel conduct 100% ID checks at all gates for all persons of driving age entering Fort Leonard Wood. You must have a valid DoD ID or state/federal government ID.

Gate Also Known As Hours Notes
Main Gate Sverdrup Gate / North Gate 24/7 Primary entry point; most traffic
East Gate — Mon–Fri: 0500–0830 & 1400–1800 Commuter gate; closed weekends and holidays
West Gate Waggener Gate Mon–Fri: 0500–0800 & 1400–1800 (approx) Hours reduced from 24/7; verify before travel

Visitor passes: Visitors need a valid picture ID, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and TDY/assignment orders if applicable. Sponsor must be present or call ahead. For visitors without a DoD ID, use the Main Gate and allow extra time.

Directions to the Main Gate from I-44: Take Exit 161 for Missouri Y / I-44 Spur toward Fort Leonard Wood. Turn right onto Missouri Ave, continue 0.2 miles to the Main Gate.

In-Processing at Fort Leonard Wood

Active duty Army personnel report to the Central In/Out Processing Office in Building 470, Room 2102 between 0730 and 1630, Monday through Friday. If you’re arriving during non-duty hours, single soldiers should report to the Charge of Quarters (CQ) in 1st Brigade, Building 844 — phone (573) 596-0225.

Before or during in-processing, make sure you visit these key offices:

Office Location / Phone Why You Need It
Transportation Office (ITO) 14673 1st St, Bldg 380 | (573) 596-0617 | Mon–Fri 0700–1530 File HHG / PPM claims, coordinate shipment pickup and delivery
Finance Office Contact unit for location Establish travel pay, BAH, and DLA entitlements
Personnel Support Office (573) 596-2700 Records, assignments, personnel actions
ID / CAC Card Processing (573) 596-0744 New ID cards for service member and dependents
Housing Office (PHA / Balfour Beatty) (573) 596-3754 | (573) 329-3105 Apply for on-post housing or get off-post referral list
Army Community Service (ACS) Bldg 486, Replacement Ave | (573) 596-0212 x7 Financial counseling, relocation assistance, school liaison, spouse employment

For household goods questions and DITY / Personally Procured Move (PPM) information, bookmark our complete DITY move guide — it covers the full process from requesting authorization to submitting your reimbursement claim.

Temporary Lodging at Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood offers temporary lodging for incoming service members and families while waiting for permanent housing. Contact the Lodging Office early — summer PCS season books out fast. You’re entitled to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) for up to 10 days off-post while awaiting government quarters. Off-post hotels in St. Robert and Waynesville are also available and generally affordable. Verify TLE entitlements with Finance before incurring costs.

Recreation & Quality of Life at Fort Leonard Wood

The installation has a robust MWR program — substantially more amenities than you’d expect for a post its size. On-post recreation includes:

Facility Notes
Fitness Centers (4 gyms) Specker (weights focus), Davidson (family / sports / classes), plus two more
RecPlex Indoor pool, mini-golf, go-karts, family entertainment center
Bowling Alley Full-service lanes on post
Movie Theater On-post theater; Waynesville also has an updated commercial theater with reclining seats
Golf Course 18-hole course on post; open seasonally
Hunting & Archery Seasonal; Missouri license and base permit required
Mark Twain National Forest On-post access to hiking, fishing, and exploring Ozark terrain
Library Storytime programs for children; adult resources and computer access
Youth Sports & CYS Programs Intramural sports, after-school programs, Child Development Centers

Day Trips and Weekend Destinations

Fort Leonard Wood’s Ozark location means outdoor recreation is on your doorstep. The local rivers — the Gasconade, Big Piney, and Roubidoux — are favorites for floating, kayaking, and fishing. The Ozarks region is also famous for its limestone caverns — Onyx Mountain Caverns is less than 30 minutes from post.

Destination Drive Time Highlights
Lake of the Ozarks ~1 hour Boating, fishing, water parks, Osage Beach outlets
Rolla ~30 min Shopping, dining, Missouri S&T campus
Springfield ~1.5 hours Malls, restaurants, Bass Pro Shops flagship store, college sports
Branson ~2 hours Silver Dollar City, Titanic Museum, Table Rock Lake, live music
Columbia (Mizzou) ~1.5 hours University of Missouri events, dining, city feel
St. Louis ~2.5 hours Free zoo, City Museum, Cardinals baseball, STL airport

The St. Louis Cardinals are a big deal in Missouri — and they host Military Appreciation events and offer service member discounts regularly. Worth the drive for a game.

Spouse Employment & Community Support

Fort Leonard Wood’s Army Community Service (ACS) program is one of the most active on-post support networks you’ll find at any installation. ACS offers financial counseling, relocation assistance, employment workshops, and connection to the MilitaryOneSource resource network. Reach ACS at (573) 596-0212 x7, located in Building 486 on Replacement Avenue.

For spouse employment, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program helps connect spouses to employers who have committed to hiring, developing, and retaining military spouses. Ask ACS for the local employer partnership list at your in-processing appointment.

The surrounding area — St. Robert, Waynesville, Rolla — has a significant base of military-friendly employers. Healthcare, education, retail, and government contracting are the most common sectors. Remote work has also opened up options for spouses bringing portable careers.

For PCS financial planning — what you can deduct, how to budget your move, and managing the gap between homes — check our PCS tax write-offs guide and our PCS binder checklist.

Get connected before you arrive.

The Fort Leonard Wood PCS Pay-It-Forward® group is full of families who just went through what you’re going through. They know the best neighborhoods, the current housing waitlist situation, and which off-post landlords to avoid. Join before you even start packing.

About Fort Leonard Wood — History & Mission

Fort Leonard Wood was established in January 1941 in the lead-up to America’s entry into World War II, built as an infantry and engineer training center to rapidly expand the Army. It was named for Major General Leonard Wood — Medal of Honor recipient, commander of the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry (“Rough Riders”), Commanding Officer of Theodore Roosevelt, and eventual Army Chief of Staff.

Today, Fort Leonard Wood is one of the Army’s premier training installations, home to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE). It hosts the U.S. Army Engineer School, the U.S. Army Military Police School, and the U.S. Army CBRN School. Remarkably, it also supports the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Detachment on any Army post in the country, plus a Navy Seabee Detachment and Coast Guard training contingent. You genuinely could end up with neighbors from every branch of service.

The installation trains and educates 80,000 to 90,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, guardians, and civilians every year — making Fort Leonard Wood one of the highest-throughput training posts in the DoD.

Fort Leonard Wood Phone Directory — Quick Reference

Office Phone
Base Operator (573) 596-0131
Welcome / Visitors Center (573) 596-0590
Information & Referral Services (ACS) (573) 596-0212
Personnel Support Office (573) 596-2700
ID / CAC Card Processing (573) 596-0744
Transportation Office (ITO) (573) 596-0617
CQ (Non-duty hours, 1st Brigade) (573) 596-0225
PHA Housing Office (573) 596-3754
Balfour Beatty (On-Post Housing) (573) 329-3105
GLWACH Main Hospital (573) 596-0035
GLWACH Appointments 866-299-4234
GLWACH Pharmacy (573) 596-0514
GLWACH Pediatrics (573) 596-1766
GLWACH Women’s Health (573) 596-1770
TRICARE BCAC (573) 596-0440
Waynesville R-VI School District (573) 842-2097

Have you thought about buying instead of renting?

With BAH that often exceeds local rent and home prices averaging around $164,000, Fort Leonard Wood is one of the better duty stations to use your VA loan benefit. Our VA Home Loan guide walks you through the full process — eligibility, finding a lender, the timeline, and what to expect at closing. Free, no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Leonard Wood PCS

What is the 2026 BAH rate at Fort Leonard Wood?

2026 BAH rates at Fort Leonard Wood increased 10.5% from 2025. An E-5 with dependents receives $1,479/month; an E-5 without dependents receives $1,290/month. An O-3 with dependents receives $2,028/month. All rates are tax-free. See the full table above for all pay grades, or use the DoD BAH Rate Lookup tool to verify your specific rate.

Is Fort Leonard Wood a good duty station for families?

Yes — with caveats. The cost of living is genuinely low, the military community is tight-knit, and the schools are accustomed to military families. The trade-off is limited suburban amenities (no Target nearby, and the closest major retail hub is Rolla, about 30 minutes away). Families who enjoy outdoor recreation — hiking, floating, fishing, hunting — tend to love it. Families who need urban amenities often have a harder time. Most families give it at least a neutral-to-positive review by the time their orders come up.

What schools will my kids attend at Fort Leonard Wood?

All schools at and around Fort Leonard Wood are part of the Waynesville R-VI School District — there are no DoDEA schools on post. If you live on-post, your elementary-aged children will attend one of the three on-post K-5 schools (Partridge, Thayer, or Wood Elementary) based on your housing area. Middle schoolers attend Waynesville Middle School and high schoolers attend Waynesville High School, both located in Waynesville. Bus transportation is provided for all students.

What on-post housing options are available and what is the wait time?

Fort Leonard Wood Homes by Balfour Beatty manages over 1,800 on-post homes in seven neighborhoods. Floor plans range from two to four bedrooms and are assigned by rank and availability. There is no security deposit and most utilities are included. Waitlist times vary by rank and season — contact the PHA Office at (573) 596-3754 as soon as you receive orders to get on the list. Summer PCS season has the longest waits.

How do I get on post as a visitor at Fort Leonard Wood?

The Main Gate (Sverdrup Gate) is open 24/7 and is the primary entry point. All visitors need a valid government-issued photo ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If visiting on assignment or TDY orders, bring those as well. Your military sponsor can meet you at the gate or call ahead to authorize entry. For civilian visitors, additional verification may be required — allow extra time at the gate.

Where should I live off-post near Fort Leonard Wood?

St. Robert (exiting the North / Main Gate) is the most popular off-post area for military families — it’s 3 to 10 minutes from post and has Walmart, restaurants, and the most military-focused services. Waynesville (West Gate) is slightly more residential, with similar drive times and a bit more small-town feel. Rolla (about 30 minutes east on I-44) offers the best retail selection in the area. For buyers, Pulaski County home prices average around $164,000 — a 4-bedroom home is often attainable on an E-6 or above BAH rate.

What medical care is available at Fort Leonard Wood?

General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital (GLWACH) is the on-post military treatment facility, located at 4430 Missouri Avenue, Building 310. It offers inpatient care (75 beds), outpatient care, family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, pharmacy, dental, and mental health services. Call (573) 596-0035 for the main line or 866-299-4234 for appointments. The TRICARE Beneficiary Counseling and Assistance Coordinator (BCAC) is available at (573) 596-0440 if you have questions about coverage, enrollment, or transitioning your TRICARE plan.

What is the in-processing procedure at Fort Leonard Wood?

Active duty Army personnel report to the Central In/Out Processing Office in Building 470, Room 2102, between 0730 and 1630, Monday through Friday. Soldiers arriving outside duty hours report to the 1st Brigade CQ in Building 844 at (573) 596-0225. After initial check-in, plan to visit the Transportation Office for HHG claims, Finance for travel pay and BAH, ACS for relocation support, and the Housing Office if you’re seeking on-post quarters. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit before you depart — they can help you navigate the first few days significantly faster.

Does Fort Leonard Wood have good recreation options?

More than most people expect. On-post amenities include four gyms, a RecPlex with an indoor pool and go-karts, a golf course, a bowling alley, hunting and archery ranges, and access to Mark Twain National Forest. Off-post, the Ozarks deliver world-class floating, fishing, and cave exploring. Lake of the Ozarks is about an hour away, Branson (Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake) is two hours, and St. Louis is two and a half hours — a worthwhile drive for a Cardinals game or a free day at the zoo.

request pcs support
Base Map
Join our Support Groups

Keep Planning Your Military Move

VA Home Loan

This guide covers everything military families need to know about the VA home loan benefit — eligibility, how BAH counts as qualifying income, the four VA loan types (including IRRRL for refinancing a higher rate), funding fees, and how to use your benefit more than once when you PCS.

Read More »

PCS Resources

Free PCS Planning Toolkit — Military Families Since 2016 Your Personal Guide to Every Military Move Whether it’s your first PCS or your fifth, you

Read More »

Find Your Base

Three gold downward arrows stacked vertically on a transparent background.
< >