Hailey
The U.S. Army has announced a big expansion at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, one of its main basic combat training centers. With a sharp rise in Army recruitment, the post is preparing to handle thousands more soldiers each year.
This expansion not only strengthens the Army but also brings major economic and community benefits to Missouri. Let’s explore what this means for the Army, the state, and the soldiers’ families.
Army Recruitment Success in 2025
After facing major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Army recruitment has bounced back strongly. In 2022, the Army fell short of its recruitment target by nearly 25% (about 15,000 soldiers). But by late 2024, all branches of the military had not only met but exceeded their goals.
This rise in new enlistees has created the need for more training companies across the country.
Expansion of Training Companies
The Army has added 10 new basic training companies recently:
- 5 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma
- 5 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
At Fort Leonard Wood, this means a 30% increase in training capacity, raising the total number of soldiers in training to about 18,000 per year.
Historical Role of Fort Leonard Wood
Fort Leonard Wood was built in 1940, during World War II, as a critical location for preparing troops. Since then, it has remained one of the main Army training facilities, continuing its mission of shaping soldiers for generations.
Brig. Gen. Bradley Leonard, deputy commander at Fort Leonard Wood, explained:
“Just like we did in the early 1940s for the divisions going overseas, we’re continuing to carry out the basic combat training mission today.”
Staff and Resources Expansion
To handle the larger number of recruits, the Army will bring in:
- 16 new drill sergeants
- 11 additional staff members
These professionals will ensure that new soldiers receive proper guidance, discipline, and skills to serve effectively.
Economic and Community Impact
The expansion will also boost the local economy. Each year, there will be around 20 more graduation ceremonies at the post. These events attract families and friends from across the country, bringing business to hotels, restaurants, and shops in Missouri.
Additionally, Missouri’s congressional representatives are pushing for more investment in infrastructure, housing, and training areas at the base to support long-term growth.
U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Cass County, stated:
“These investments are just a down payment on ensuring that Fort Leonard Wood remains a pillar of our military training and preparedness for generations to come.”
Why Recruitment Declined During COVID-19
During the pandemic, military recruitment dropped because of:
- Fewer in-person recruitment events
- Limited school visits and job fairs
- Travel restrictions and health concerns
By 2025, with these barriers gone, recruitment numbers have risen again, leading to this strong expansion effort.
Fort Leonard Wood Expansion
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri, USA |
| Year Built | 1940 (WWII) |
| Expansion in 2025 | +5 new training companies |
| Training Increase | 30% rise in soldiers |
| Soldiers in Training (Yearly) | 18,000 |
| New Staff Added | 16 drill sergeants, 11 staff |
| Graduation Ceremonies | 20 more each year |
| Economic Impact | Boost in tourism, local businesses |
Importance of the Expansion
This growth means:
- Stronger U.S. military readiness
- Job opportunities for drill sergeants and staff
- Community benefits for Missouri towns near the base
- Stable future investment in training infrastructure
The expansion at Fort Leonard Wood marks a turning point for the U.S. Army. From recovering after a recruitment crisis during the pandemic to now training 18,000 soldiers annually, this facility is once again a central pillar of American military strength.
For Missouri, the benefits go beyond defense—boosting the local economy, job opportunities, and national pride. With new companies, staff, and ceremonies, Fort Leonard Wood continues its historic mission of preparing soldiers to serve and protect the nation for years to come.