Visit to Fort Leonard Wood

[johenz]

I spent a good part of last week in Fort Leonard Wood, MO for my son's graduation from basic training (HOOOOAH!). While I could carry either open or concealed in Missouri, carrying on post was, of course, prohibited. Transporting the weapon in the car was not an issue so long as the weapon and ammo were separated. I was never queried, however, about the presence of firearms on entering the post.

For those wo are currently serving in or retired from the military, and who find themselves in the Rolla-St Robert-Waynesville, MO area, there is a Privately Owned Weapon (POW) available on post at no charge. All you have to do is sign in and out at Range Control. The Range Control folks were friendly and helpful.

The range is totally outdoors, no shelter is available. Firers run the range, no range officer is assigned. There are approximately a dozen firing points. The range runs out to about 100 meters and there seems to be no restriction on the calibers which can be fired there. We were shooting .45, but others were firing .30-06 and 12 gauge shotguns (mebbe 5.56 as well).

We had a ball. My son got to shoot my new 1911 for the first time.

Oh...and did I mention he's officially a soldier and that I'm immensely proud of him carrying on a afamily tradition? I didn't? Well, I am. HOOOOAH! if you read this, Son.

 

[Joe Williams]

I went through Basic and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood. For some reason, I have no desire to ever return LOL.

Congrats to your son, and send him our thanks!

 

[johenz]

I went through Basic and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood. For some reason, I have no desire to ever return LOL.

Congrats to your son, and send him our thanks!

I went through Basic and AIT there as well in 1979. He graduated in the same theater I did.

 

[Kagnew]

I went through Basic and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood. For some reason, I have no desire to ever return LOL.

Congrats to your son, and send him our thanks!

I, too, went to basic at Fort Lost-in-the-Woods (F-4-2, class of November 1966) and had not been back until about 5 years ago. We were heading west on vacation, and I decided to take a side trip and see if I could find my old company area. Drove right to the location, but all the old barracks, mess hall and admin/supply building were long gone. Strangely enough they had not erected a monument or even a plaque. Obviously an oversight.

 

[dleeharrison]

I went through AIT (Pioneer School) at Fort Lost in the Woods (aka "Little Korea") in the 1960's. Remember "Bloodlands", Waynesville, etc. - I too have no desire to go back. This was my last stop before Vietnam. I recall taking a two week orientation course for Vietnam in the snow and cold of central Missouri.

 

[rwstahlh]

I went college at Rolla Mo. and basic training and Ft. Leonard Wood. Haven't been back since 1969.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Congrats to your son!!!

One of my best friends recently graduated BT / AIT there a few months ago. He's a 31-B.

-J-

 

[Joe Williams]

I, too, went to basic at Fort Lost-in-the-Woods (F-4-2, class of November 1966) and had not been back until about 5 years ago. We were heading west on vacation, and I decided to take a side trip and see if I could find my old company area. Drove right to the location, but all the old barracks, mess hall and admin/supply building were long gone. Strangely enough they had not erected a monument or even a plaque. Obviously an oversight.

I may have blown it up during AIT... premature detonation, ya know

 

[blue2golf]

Job well done to your son. You have every reason to be proud.

 

[MoparMan]

Congrats to your son. Always glad to see the younger generation wanting to help protect this nation and replace us older dogs.

 

[Armed-N-Ready]

Congrats and Thanks,

Congratulations to your son and thanks to you and your family for raising another great American. I understand the immense pride you feel and will include him in my prayers for all of our troops. I'm certain the 1911 was a joy to shoot after the 92 he had to endure. Hooah

 

[kedie]

Congrats! What's your sons MOS?

 

[E5RANGER375]

congrats proud papa! and a beer for your boy!

 

[dvcr8tor]

Congrats - I drove by a couple years ago but didn't stop... did BT/AIT in 89 there.

 

[dukeboy_318]

Ah good old FT lost in the woods. Been there for basic and AIT, I actually liked the post itself not so sure about St. Roberts

 

[johenz]

He's a 12N, heavy equipment operator. I was a 12B, combat engineer. C-5-3 was my basic training unit. It's still there.

 

[Kagnew]

I may have blown it up during AIT... premature detonation, ya know

Oh, man. That's cold, Joe!

 

[Squib]

Ah, nostalgia; I too did Pioneer AIT at Lost In The Woods, way back. I lived in a snow bank for two months. While I have no desire to see it ever again, I'll never forget two remarkable days at a motel in Waynesville. It had an indoor - outdoor pool; and that's all I'm going to admit to.

 

[zoglog]

I went to basic at ft Leonard wood. I'm still here for ait. I'm a 21e which is a 12n. So he is in the same place I am! Is he in alpha or hotel? I graduate the 19 though so I'm almost done! I was in a basic training unit that was 21 b and it was nuts! Engineers hooah!

 

[Bert]

congrats on a fine son . My boy is at Ranger school now at Ft. Benning . They grow up so fast.