Welcome to Army Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood! Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving installation that grew from a small Army basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains about 82,600 military and civilians each year.
The fort is located in the Missouri Ozarks, in Pulaski County, Missouri. Bordering the installation to the north are the towns of Waynesville and St. Robert, Missouri.
Army Basic Combat Training, also known as Basic or BCT, is a 10-week, gender integrated entry into the US Army. This means male and female trainees train together. This training produces values-based, disciplined Soldiers, who are trained in basic skills, Warrior Tasks
Unlike high school or college, where you may have been in class and studying around six hours a day, the Army trains for about 12-14 hours a day, 6 days a week.
You’ll come to love Sundays unless you’ve managed to “earn” some extra duty time during the week. There isn’t a whole lot of sitting in classrooms, either.
So here we go… It’s time to get excited about all the amazing things you’re going to learn at Fort Leonard Wood Basic Training! Remember, it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Basic is anything but “basic.”
And while we can’t reveal too many secrets (cause where would the fun be in that), we can give you an idea of what happens in BCT:
Fort Leonard Wood Reception
The first step to becoming part of the Army team is your first week in Reception at Fort Leonard Wood. Trainees going through reception get entered into the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) and receive uniforms, medical screenings, information, and other important equipment and information necessary to start BCT.
You’ll also get your first introduction
LOYALTY, DUTY, RESPECT, SELFLESS SERVICE, HONOR, INTEGRITY & PERSONAL COURAGE.
Sandboxx Tip: Just use the acronym LDRSHIP (leadership) to help you remember!
Do you get your phone in Army reception?
There are no cell phones or other electronics allowed in Reception or any other part during Fort Leonard Wood basic training.
Basic Training Weeks 1 -3: Hammer Phase
Welcome to actual Basic Combat Training. The Reception fun is over and it’s time to start becoming a U.S. Soldier! HOOAH!
You’ll be introduced to your drill sergeants and taught what it means to actually become a Soldier. Here is where you will really learn what the Army Values mean and overcome obstacles that help build personal confidence.
You will learn everything from basic first aid training to completing 2.5 and 5-mile foot marches in full gear.
You will also learn Drill and Ceremony, which teaches trainees all about military bearing and how to conduct yourself in a military manner.
Drill and ceremony
Another highlight of this phase is the confidence tower where you’ll learn rappelling, cargo net and rope bridge navigation.
The highlight of the first three weeks though will be the Hammer. This is an extensive field training exercise. It’s designed to test your physical fitness, teamwork, and other skills like fieldcraft and individual movement techniques and
Basic Training Weeks 4-6: Anvil Phase
During weeks 4-6 you’ll begin to get into the “meat and potatoes” of your training. You may even be starting to feel more confident and like a Soldier.
This phase will include a lot of skill development building on what you’ve previously learned. You’ll also begin to develop new skills including rifle marksmanship and hand grenades – BOOM! Lastly, you’ll learn the fundamentals of land navigation, but don’t worry your drill sergeants won’t let you get too lost!
Throughout this phase, you’ll learn greater self-discipline, team building and continuing values training, all of which characterize the Anvil Phase.
Basic Training Weeks 4-6: Forge Phase
You’re almost there. This is the final three weeks of Fort Leonard Wood basic training. This phase concentrates on individual tactical training, increased leadership, self-discipline, and teamwork.
Highlights from this phase include more hand grenades, a 10-mile foot march in “full battle rattle,” (full combat gear load), and a field training exercise called the Forge.
The Forge is the ultimate test of everything you’ve learned throughout Fort Leonard Wood basic training. This includes yet another (and the longest of all) foot march of 16 kilometers marching again in full battle rattle. Other obstacles you’ll face in the Forge include:
- The Normandy Infiltration Course
- Combatives
- Equipment Move
- Resupply Mission
- Handling a mass casualty event (MASCAL)
- Pugil stick battles
- And more
Successful
Fort Leonard Wood Graduation
The final week of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood is all about the Soldier and the Family.
You’ll have an in-ranks inspection of your uniform, equipment, and general military knowledge. This will be conducted by the Battalion Commander and Battalion Command Sergeant Major.
The battalion typically conducts a battalion 2-3 mile formation run, rehearsals for the graduation ceremony, and begins out-processing and turn-in of equipment.
After completing the final training events Soldiers celebrate with Family Day. A day spent with your Family to catch up and share your experiences.
On the following day, Soldiers graduate and are sent to the next phase of their training that in almost all cases is Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Their last day at basic training is typically a
Sandboxx Tip: Even if you don’t see the purpose in something, there is a purpose behind the “why” of that something. Even if that purpose is nothing more than to confuse you. There will be times when you will want to question why you are doing something that you think is stupid or has no purpose. Remember, somewhere within that task there is a purpose so Embrace The Suck.
My son George Abbott has been in at Ft. Leonard for 4 days. I am so proud of you son. I love you and know you’ll be an amazing soldier!
Love Mom
Proud of you Kav. Can’t wait to see you after you graduate.
My grandson is in basic training for 3 weeks now I am so proud of him. Tyler James Wright we love you very much and we are so proud of you.
What company and battalion my best friend is there too
My son-in-law graduated Fort Leonard Wood and now my Granddaughter is there becoming the best Soldier she can be. My Grandson-in-law is serving in the U S Navy. Love my Army and Navy Military family ❤️
My Son Joseph left today oct 12,2021 for boot camp Good luck best wishes
Love
Mom
My grandson is there now in Basic and we are very proud of him. I am one proud grandma
Fifty years ago, today, I was graduating from Basic Trainig at Ft6Leonard Wood. Best thing that happened to me. Prepared me a lot for life!
I graduated from AIT at Leonard Wood in Dec.1966 as a ( MOS ) Combat Engineer and have never regretted.
My son left on August 3rd 2021, he spent his 21 birthday in basic training, joining the Army was what he wanted to do every since graduating from HS, I love and miss everything about him.
My son arrive at Fort Leonard Wood September 24th. Just after his 18th birthday! Wishing him success now and in the future! I am one proud mom! Sending him my blessings and to all!
Sept 14th
My daughter (24 yrs old) left this morning to Fort Leonard Wood. She went to college in Colorado to become a teacher and then at the last minute decided to change her course and join the guard. So proud of her along with a lot of emotions! I wish her and all the others the best! 🙂
My boyfriends Josh and Andrew have departed yesterday. I miss them dearly. But they will make me proud and they will come back as not only men, but soldiers of the U.S. Army 🇺🇸
Barbara Hiranpradist says
August 8th, 2021
To my nephew, Alexander Damasevitz, who is entering Basic Training at this time. You have been waiting for the Army and the Army has been waiting for you! My prayers are with you each and every day. Much ❤️
My son Israel left July 27 for Basic Training , I wish you success in everything you do. God bless you every single day dear son.
My first born grandson and grandchild graduated on July 8th. I am so very proud of him. I watched him come into this world and now I get the chance to see him make a difference in this world. Deion I love you more than words can say. Bigmomma
My granddaughter Gill Deno is in basic training. You go girl !! We are so proud of you!!!
My Granddaughter, Grace Francis, is making us proud at Fort Leonard Wood right now. Keep gettin it done, girl!!!
My son Brandon left last Tuesday for Basic Training, we are very sad not having him at home but extremely proud of him, stay strong son, you got this, never forget how much we love you ❤️
I salute you Trainee aka Pvt. Camacho. We at home are more than PROUD. You are the prominent soldier. The family is ecstatic to see the MAN, SOLDIER, you’ve become! The Camacho family loves you, so for always. Ret. TSgt. Camacho
Mu son was given medical discharge before he even went to basic. We have not heard anything. Anyone know contacts that may be able to tell us something?
Call the RED CROSS give the R.C. his SSN. If no response, then contact your state senator. If their staff doesn’t return any information. Tell those SOB’s they will be fired. Next contact: IG, MEO, OR JAG!
My son went 06/22/22
May God be his strength an his Courage
May bless him an his fellow brothers an sisters of the army
You got this Brax
Hi Kenzie I love yo
I came though in 06/06 … and it’s easy… hell the new guys got it better then the no sugar bs we had ….. drill sergeant day and drill sergeant leak … was on point … hard but got u ready for Active duty …
Proud of my son, Freddie B. Morris, III. Stay strong and safe. Love you.
My son Daniel Ferrer started basic on April 7, 2021. You are loved and missed . Keep positive and strong each challenge is making you that much closer to your goals. This is empowering you and pushing you to better yourself for God, country yourself and family. It’s a no fear nation because of soldiers like you are becoming. I love you son. Love mom (Myriam)
Congratulations on your decision, ladies and gentlemen!! Make the most of this experience–it will most likely pay dividends for the rest of your lives. Went through in ’70–remember it like it was yesterday–well, almost!!
My on T.S. Brady started 2/18/21. You are loved and missed huge dude. Keep positive and strong each challenge is making you that much closer to your goals.this is empowering you and pushing you to better yourself for God, country yourself and family. It’s a no fear nation because of soldiers like you are becoming. I love you huge dude. Love mom
You’ve got this son!!!!! I’m behind you every step of the way. Hang in there and keep your chin up, stand strong and proud and let that Bostwick blood show. I love you, Mom
My son started in October. He is loved & missed so much.
My fiance just started today there. he is loved and missed by me and the puppies!
My son Billy Wayne Brown went and started his basic training. I miss and love him so very much. Serving his county is his dream, and I just want to wish him the best of luck!
Mi hijo Benjamin sanchez matos de Puerto Rico comenzo su entrenamiento basico el 27 de octubre del 2020 le deseamos lo mejor a todos y muchas Bendiciones
My son Jordan Wiser started by on September 8, 2020. Wish him the best of luck and that we love him and proud of him. Stay strong.
My son PFC Miele, Anthony. Started Basic as the third generation of ARMY. His Dad a former ARMY Ranger. We wish him well and Hoorah!
My brother started his BT on 9/8/2020. I wish him the best of luck and keep your chin up soldier we all love you.
Grandson just started basic training.
Our granddaughter just started on 09/03/2020 also. I wish them both much success in all they do not only now, but in the future also!!!
My son started basic on 8 September 2020. Blessings to him and to all!
I have twin boys at fort Leonard Wood rt now, go baue boy’s, go army!