FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2024) – Thousands of Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers are heading home for the holidays during the annual Holiday Block Leave period.

Holiday Block Leave is a unique program where basic combat training and advanced individual training are paused, giving Soldiers in training the option to reconnect with their families and friends during the holiday season.

While the break in training is a welcome relief for trainees, it is critical for the drill sergeants and cadre who have one of the most demanding jobs in the Army.

For those Soldiers who plan on staying at Fort Leonard Wood during the break, the installation’s Directorate of Family, Morale, Recreation and Welfare, as well as many other community supporters, have planned several opportunities for Soldiers to enjoy the season’s festivities.

Activities for Soldiers staying on post include paintball, bowling, sports, movies and holiday meals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see all of Fort Leonard Wood’s Holiday Block Leave photos, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortleonardwood/albums/72177720322691920/with/54216847136.

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About Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood is a thriving and prosperous installation that has evolved from a small basic training post more than 75 years ago to a premier Army Center of Excellence that trains more than 80,000 military and civilians each year.

Fort Leonard Wood is home to the U.S Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and three U.S. Army schools: the U.S. Army Engineer School; U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School; and the U.S. Army Military Police School. In addition to training engineer, CBRN and military police specialties for the Army, Fort Leonard Wood also provides gender-integrated in-processing and Basic Combat Training for new Soldiers.

Fort Leonard Wood also hosts and trains with the largest Marine Corps Detachment and Air Force Squadron on any Army installation as well as a large Navy construction detachment.