Experiencing Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Winter: Cold, Wet, and Miserable

Basic training at Fort Leonard Wood during winter can be a challenging experience for recruits. The cold temperatures, potential snow, and icy conditions present unique challenges that require adaptability. In this article, we explore what it's like to undergo basic training in winter at Fort Leonard Wood and how the implementation of the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) has impacted the training regimen.

Challenges of Winter Training at Fort Leonard Wood

Patrolling the Fort Leonard Wood camp during winter can be a cold and dreary affair. Recruits must adapt to outdoor training in harsh conditions, which often includes wearing appropriate cold-weather gear and adjusting training schedules to accommodate weather-related issues. Physical training sessions may be modified to ensure safety while still maintaining fitness standards.

Winter at Fort Leonard Wood is known for being extremely cold, wet, and miserable. According to Recruit DOL, the weather can be harsh, with snow and icy conditions making life uncomfortable. Recruits must balance warmth with mobility, and the layers of cold-weather gear can sometimes hinder their movement, especially if they get too warm and sweaty during activity.

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) at Fort Leonard Wood

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) was officially implemented across all basic training locations, including Fort Leonard Wood, starting in 2020. By the winter of 2023, recruits had been participating in the ACFT as part of their training. The ACFT is designed to assess a soldier's physical fitness in a more comprehensive way than the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), with a focus on strength endurance and overall physical readiness.

Historical Perspective from Personal Experience

Colonel CJ shared his personal experience of basic training at Fort Lost in the Woods, Missouri, during the 1970s. He noted that the winter months there were dry and cold with moderate snow. Recruits in this era faced similar challenges, with the nickname "Little Korea" reflecting the harsh conditions. The base is located in the Ozark Mountains, so trainees quickly learned to deal with the cold, often having to stand guard duty in the snow.

Recruits in the past had to manage layers of clothing, including long underwear, regular fatigues, a field uniform (cotton or blend trousers with a woolen shirt), a field jacket with a liner and pile cap, trigger finger mittens, and rubber boots over combat boots. The layers provided warmth but also reduced mobility. Even with all the gear, trainees could still get hot and sweaty, leading to rapid changes in body temperature when they stopped moving.

Winter Training during the 1970s

Recruits during the 1970s faced additional hardships due to the winter climate. The mornings at the firing range were freezing cold, but by afternoon, the sun would warm up, creating a stark contrast in temperatures. This fluctuation led to numerous cases of walking pneumonia, with trainees hacking and coughing as they marched back from the range. Ambulances followed the groups to assist those who fell ill.

One recruit, through sheer luck and support from family, managed to survive a bout of walking pneumonia. He used a weekend pass to return home, where his mother provided a home remedy that miraculously cleared his lungs. This experience taught him a valuable lesson about resilience and the importance of physical fitness in the face of challenging conditions.

Surviving Winter Training

Nietzsche's famous quote, "Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger," rings true for those who undergo basic training at Fort Leonard Wood during winter. Recruits must learn to endure the harsh conditions and emerge stronger and more resilient. While the experience can be tough, the skills and discipline gained during winter training are invaluable.

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) further enhances this training by focusing on strength endurance and overall physical readiness. Ensuring that recruits are physically fit for combat not only improves their chances of survival but also enhances the effectiveness of military operations.

Conclusion

Basic training at Fort Leonard Wood during winter is a test of endurance and resilience. Trainees must adapt to severe weather conditions, manage layers of clothing for warmth and mobility, and maintain their physical fitness. The implementation of the ACFT has added an additional layer of physical preparation for soldiers, emphasizing strength and endurance.

Those who successfully navigate the challenges of winter training at Fort Leonard Wood are better prepared for the demands of military service, embodying the spirit of resiliency and perseverance that has defined soldiers for generations.