Air Force Basic Training Graduation

Air Force Basic Training Graduation is an Airman or Guardian’s first step into their career, a huge accomplishment and an unforgettable moment for them and their family and friends. To take the stress out of your trip, here’s all you need to know for Air Force Basic Training graduation.

Where is Air Force Basic Training Graduation?

Air Force Basic Training Graduation is held at JBSA Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. When traveling to graduation, San Antonio International Airport (SAT), a quick 20-minute drive to the base, is the most accessible airport to fly into.
If you are driving your vehicle, a rental, or arriving by Uber or Lyft, please click the link below for detailed information on gate entry procedures and event parking:

https://www.basictraining.af.mil/Home/BMT-Graduation-Information/Parking/

What do I need to get on to JBSA Lackland?

Each trainee must complete a Visitor Access Request Letter (VARL) for all anticipated guests to receive passes. Guests must have their Visitor Access Pass (VAP) and a picture ID to enter JBSA Lackland. 

VARL forms are obtained from your trainee’s recruiter and should be completed before the trainee departs for Basic Military Training (BMT). However, in some unique and rare situations, your trainee may contact you while in BMT for information on completing a VARL form.

Once processed, passes will be mailed to visitors around the 3rd week of training. You must have your visitor pass and a proper form of ID on you when entering the installation. 

If you do not receive your VAP, contact your trainee through a Sandboxx Letter or during an authorized telephone call. You must have a VAP or a valid Department of Defense (DoD) ID to access the base. Due to JBSA Lackland security procedures, you may experience delays getting on base or be denied access.

Each visitor must have a pass issued in their name and a picture ID card (government-issued) in their possession while at JBSA Lackland. Passes are NOT transferable. 

If you did not receive a Visitor Access Pass before arriving at JBSA Lackland, you must visit the Luke East Gate Visitor Center, open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The BMT Reception Center cannot verify guest lists or visitor pass issuance. You may check with your trainee during an authorized telephone call on the status of your pass or passes.

Also, vehicle insurance and registration will be requested if you arrive by car.

Air Force Basic Training Graduation Dress Code

The Airman or Guardian in training will be dressed in their dress uniforms. You can dress casually or in your Sunday best; there’s no official dress code.

We recommend checking the weather in advance. JBSA Lackland is in Texas, so it tends to be warmer, but that can also mean rain showers, so be prepared for all weather scenarios when packing.

All Air Force graduation ceremonies occur outside, so you must endure the elements. Graduation will occur indoors only in extreme weather conditions, so bring an umbrella and some sunscreen; you can never be too prepared!

How Many Can Attend Air Force Graduation

Each trainee is allowed to list up to 6 guests on their VARL to attend the graduation events. Children under 18 or those with DoD ID cards are not included in this number, so this should allow most of your future Airman or Guardian’s loved ones to attend.

Air Force Basic Training Graduation Schedule

https://www.basictraining.af.mil/Home/BMT-Graduation-Information/Schedule-of-Events

What Happens After Air Force Basic Training Graduation

All Airmen and Guardians will depart Lackland the day after graduation (usually Friday).
An Airman in the Guard or Reserve will go to Tech School when an opening is available.

Air Force Basic Training Graduation Gifts

It is not required to get your Airman a graduation gift. If you choose to gift your Airman, we encourage you to look at our basic training gift guide. Our gift guide is filled with ideas from current service members who shared the best/most practical Basic Training Graduation Gifts.

The feeling you will get when you see your New Airman for the first time will be more than you could ever imagine. It is truly a special day and time to enjoy and celebrate with your Airman and family.

Safe travels, and congratulations to you and your soon-to-be new Airman!