Branch: U.S. Army
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas
Installation Type: Fort
Status: Active

Overview

Fort Leavenworth is located on the western bank of the Missouri River in Leavenworth County, Kansas, within the city of Leavenworth, approximately 25 miles northwest of Kansas City. Established in 1827, it is the oldest continuously operating Army post west of the Mississippi River. Known as “The Intellectual Center of the Army,” Fort Leavenworth is home to the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), where mid-career Army officers and international military students are educated in operational art and joint warfighting. The installation also hosts the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks, the only maximum security military prison in the Department of Defense.

Mission & Units

• Primary Mission: Educate and develop Army and joint force leaders through the Command and General Staff College and associated schools, and host the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks.
• Major Units: Combined Arms Center (CAC); Command and General Staff College (CGSC); Command and General Staff School (CGSS); School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS); Army University
• Tenant Units: U.S. Disciplinary Barracks (USDB); Battle Command Training Program (BCTP) elements; Foreign Military Training Unit; Mission Command Center of Excellence; Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL)

Location & Access

• Nearest Major City: Kansas City, MO/KS — approximately 25 miles southeast; Leavenworth city is immediately adjacent to the installation
• Nearest Commercial Airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI) — approximately 30 miles southeast
• Gate Access: Multiple access control points. Valid CAC, military ID, or visitor pass required. Main gate and Sherman Gate provide primary access. Visitors require sponsor and visitor pass from the Visitor Control Center. The USDB area has additional restricted access.

Population

• Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 4,000-5,000 (plus large student population cycling through CGSC — approximately 1,100 U.S. students and 100+ international military students annually)
• Family Members: Approximately 5,000-7,000
• Civilian Employees: Approximately 3,000-4,000
• Total Installation Population: Approximately 12,000-15,000

Key Facilities

• Medical: Munson Army Health Center — provides comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and specialty referrals; inpatient care referred to Leavenworth and Kansas City area civilian hospitals (University of Kansas Medical Center)
• Commissary: Yes — full-service commissary on post; also serves a large retiree population from the Kansas City metropolitan area
• Exchange (PX/BX/NEX): Yes — Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) main store with food court and retail; well-stocked exchange serving permanent party and student population
• Fitness & Recreation: Multiple fitness centers; indoor and outdoor pools; golf course (Trails West Golf Course); bowling alley; historic Frontier Club officers’ club; youth sports; outdoor recreation; the scenic Missouri River bluff setting offers running trails and outdoor activities
• Schools: DoDEA schools on post — Mark Twain Elementary, Eisenhower Elementary, Muncie Elementary, Leonard Wood Middle School; high school students attend Leavenworth High School off post; Kansas City metro area offers extensive private school options
• Childcare: Child Development Center on post; School Age Services available; waitlists are common; early enrollment recommended upon receipt of CGSC or permanent party orders
• Veterinary Services: Fort Leavenworth Veterinary Treatment Facility — provides preventive care, vaccinations, wellness exams, and dental care for privately owned pets of eligible beneficiaries; appointments required
• Legal Assistance / JAG: Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Fort Leavenworth — legal assistance by appointment; walk-in powers of attorney available; tax assistance (VITA) available seasonally; CGSC student legal needs are well-served given the concentration of lawyers on post

Housing

• On-Post Housing: Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities; historically distinctive housing stock including a range of Victorian-era and historic homes alongside more modern units; many historic homes on the “Main Post” area are highly desirable; condition varies by neighborhood
• Average Wait Time: CGSC student housing is typically available with minimal wait; permanent party wait times vary by grade and bedroom requirement — can range from weeks to several months for specific historic homes
• Off-Post Housing: Leavenworth city offers affordable and convenient off-post options. Average rent ranges from approximately $1,000-$1,700/month for 2-3 bedroom homes. Kansas City suburbs (Lansing, Basehor, Tonganoxie) offer additional choices. Kansas City itself provides urban options at greater distance.
• BAH Rate Reference: Check current BAH rates at the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website.

PCS & Newcomer Info

• Sponsorship Program: CGSC student sponsorship is coordinated through the school’s student division; permanent party soldiers contact gaining unit S1 for sponsor assignment. The school maintains an active welcome program for incoming students and their families.
• In-Processing: Report to the Soldier Support Center or, for CGSC students, to the student in-processing location on first available duty day. The well-organized CGSC welcome process includes extensive family orientation and community introduction.
• EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program): Army Community Service EFMP office on post; Kansas City metro area provides excellent medical and educational resources for special needs families; enrollment required before PCS; contact ACS for Kansas City-area provider networks and resources.

Local Area & Quality of Life

• Climate: Humid continental climate. Summers are hot and humid (highs frequently in the 90s°F); winters are cold with snow and ice; spring and fall are pleasant with moderate temperatures. Severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes are possible in spring and early summer.
• Cost of Living: Low to moderate — Leavenworth and the Kansas City metro area offer affordable living; housing costs are well below national averages; the Kansas City metro provides urban amenities at relatively low cost.
• Nearby Attractions: Kansas City, MO — World War I Museum and Memorial (National), Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals), Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs), exceptional barbecue scene; Historic Leavenworth Frontier Army Museum on post; Atchison, KS (birthplace of Amelia Earhart) — approximately 20 miles north.
• Spouse Employment: Good employment market in the Kansas City metropolitan area; major sectors include healthcare, financial services, technology, federal government, manufacturing, and education. Leavenworth city offers limited local options but the Kansas City metro is readily accessible.

Contact & Resources

• Official Website: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth/
• Main Installation Phone: (913) 684-4021
• MWR Website: https://fortleavenworth.armymwr.com/
• ACS / Fleet & Family / Airman & Family Readiness: Army Community Service (ACS), Fort Leavenworth — (913) 684-2891; located in the Family and MWR complex on post

Last updated: 2026-02-22
Sources: U.S. Army Installation Management Command (home.army.mil/leavenworth), Combined Arms Center Public Affairs, Command and General Staff College, Army Community Service Fort Leavenworth; Joseph L. Jordan, Attorney at Law