Preparing for Fort Benning graduation is an incredibly exciting time, and with the right information, you can make the most of every moment! From travel and accommodations to the full schedule of events, having a plan in place ensures you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your Soldier’s incredible achievement. To help you get ready, we’ve pulled together the most frequently asked questions from families just like yours—so you arrive confident, prepared, and ready for an unforgettable experience.
When is Fort Benning Graduation?
Basic Combat Training typically lasts 10 weeks, while Infantry and Armor OSUT extend to 18 weeks—and it all leads to this moment. Graduation usually takes place on Thursday or Friday of the final week, and you’ll receive official details directly from your Soldier’s unit. Pro tip: plan to arrive the day before Family Day so you don’t miss a second of the excitement, including your first reunion and time together!
Located just outside Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning is surrounded by great spots like the National Infantry Museumand the scenic Columbus Riverwalk. Whether you fly into Columbus (just 15 minutes away) or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (about 90 minutes away), your journey will be well worth it.
For getting on to base, all guests over the age of 18 will need to present a valid form of identification. Please ensure you have a REAL ID. If you are driving onto the base, make sure you have your proof of insurance and driver’s license. If you’re renting a car, your rental agreement will serve as your proof of insurance. Look for a letter from your Trainee or command with detailed information on their particular graduation details. There are no tickets or limitations on the amount that can attend graduation events at Fort Benning so invite as many friends and family as you like!
To get access to Fort Benning, you will need to register for a Visitor pass. Please visit the following link to register for your visitor pass.
https://pass.aie.army.mil/steps/branch_selection
Schedule Of Events
There are several different units and training tracks that graduate at Fort Benning. It is important to verify the dates with your Soldier and you can also check the following links to stay up to date on the latest details.
194th Armor Brigade (19D, 19C, 19K MOS’s)
197th Infantry Brigade (10 Week BCT & Infantry OSUT)
198th Infantry Brigade (Infantry OSUT)
Basic Training (10 Weeks) Graduation
The Turning Green Ceremony / Family Day, and Graduation mark some of the most powerful and emotional milestones of the Basic Training journey at Fort Benning. During the Turning Green Ceremony, your Trainee is officially recognized for completing Basic Training and their transformation into a Soldier—they will don the Army patch with pride for the first time. Family Day soon follows, offering that long-awaited reunion where you can see firsthand the confidence, discipline, and growth your loved one has achieved. Normally they are given a pass for the day and will have to be back that evening to prepare for graduation. Then comes Graduation Day—the moment it all comes together. Standing tall in uniform, your Soldier marches across the field having earned the title of United States Soldier. It’s a day filled with pride, tradition, and celebration, marking not just the end of Basic Training, but the beginning of a lifetime of service and purpose.
Infantry OSUT
First up is the Turning Green Ceremony, which happens at the 10 Week mark and signifies that your Trainee is now a Soldier. There are several locations this ceremony may be hosted at. It is important to verify with your Trainee where the ceremony will be located. The ceremony will start in the morning and the unit will host a Family Brief the hour before the ceremony to go over the do’s and don’t for their weekend pass. They will also let you know when your Soldier has to be back after the pass is over, normally it is Sunday evening. During the Turning Green Ceremony, your Soldier will be allowed to have a their family or friends put on the coveted Army patch for the first time. This is a powerful momement as it signifies that they are no longer Trainees and have earned the prestigous title of U.S. Army Soldier.
The next major milestone will be the Turning Blue Ceremony and the Graduation. The Turning Blue Ceremony is where your Infantry Sodlier gets to don the prestigious Infantry Blue Cord for the first time. This will be the day before the official graduation ceremony. Friends and family are encouraged to attend this ceremony and even participate in helping your Soldier put on their Infantry Cord. They will then be given a pass for the day to visit with visiting fmaily and friends. They will have to be back that evening for the most important milestone to date, Graduation!
Graduation Day is a day like no other! Be prepared to be in awe of the pagentry and displays of professionalism as your Sodlier walks across the parade field as an Infantry Soldier in the United States Army. Once the ceremony is over, your Soldier will be granted a pass for the day.
Infantry Graduation is held on Inouye Field, adjacent to the National Infantry Museum, and may be moved indoors or to another location if the weather is supposed to be inclement.
Armor OSUT
First up is the Turning Green Ceremony, which happens at the 10 Week mark and signifies that your Trainee is now a Soldier. There are several locations this ceremony may be hosted at. It is important to verify with your Trainee where the ceremony will be located. The ceremony will start in the morning and the unit will host a Family Brief the hour before the ceremony to go over the do’s and don’t for their weekend pass. They will also let you know when your Soldier has to be back after the pass is over, normally it is Sunday evening. During the Turning Green Ceremony, your Soldier will be allowed to have a their family or friends put on the coveted Army patch for the first time. This is a powerful momement as it signifies that they are no longer Trainees and have earned the prestigous title of U.S. Army Soldier.
Graduation Day is a day like no other! Be prepared to be in awe of the pagentry and displays of professionalism as your Sodlier walks across the parade field as an Armor Soldier in the United States Army. Once the ceremony is over, your Soldier will be granted a pass for the day.
For Armor Soldiers at Fort Benning, Graduation takes place at Brave Rifles Parade Field, located on 10208 7th Cavalry Road, Fort Benning, GA.
There are a lot of rules regarding Family Day for your Soldiers. They are permitted to leave base, but must stay within a roughly 25-mile radius of the base in the Phoenix/Columbus city area. Your Soldier will be informed of all the rules regarding their pass to spend time with you, and it is important that they follow all rules. Soldiers who don’t report back on time or violate other rules can face serious repercussions, so ensure that you leave with ample time to get back on base.
Sandboxx TIP: Arrive early!
Depending on weather and other variables, graduation times may vary. We recommend you arrive at least 30-45 minutes early, if not earlier. The Fort Benning MoCE Band will be playing so you will not be bored. Graduation will start on time and will involve a number of different demonstrations and marches where your new Soldier will show off their drill skills. The ceremony usually takes less than an hour.
Fort Benning Map
When going on to base for graduation, there will be plenty of soldiers and staff on hand to direct you in the correct direction so a map won’t be necessary. However, if you would like to have one on hand, you can download it from the Official Fort Benning website.
What should I wear to graduation?
There is no official dress code for graduation. You can wear anything from casual to your Sunday’s best. Your new Soldier will be wearing their Army dress uniform so you may want to keep this in mind when choosing your attire. The walk to the stadium for graduation can be quite long, so wearing comfortable shoes is a wise choice, especially if you’re inclined to break out in a sprint when you see your new Soldier.
Fort Benning Graduation takes place mostly outside and the weather in Georgia is unpredictable. It’s probably best to check a few days in advance when planning what to wear. There is nothing worse than sitting at graduation shivering in the cold or sweating from the heat. You will likely be sitting on bleachers, so it’s advised to bring something to sit on, as the bleachers are either freezing in the cold or quite hot in warm weather.
Graduation etiquette is easy to follow. There are no rigid procedures, and most rules are common sense. Listen to the various speakers, if signals to clap or stay silent are given, you should follow them. Treat the other families and loved ones with respect. You are all there to celebrate your loved ones and their journey into the U.S. Army.
Are there accommodations for those with disabilities?
The entire base is accessible, and wheelchairs are provided at the Infantry Museum. Trams also run from the carpark to Inouye Field for graduation. Service dogs are permitted at all graduation ceremonies and events. If you require additional accommodations, you should contact Fort Benning directly.
Make the Most of Every Moment
Capture the memories, cheer loud, and celebrate big—this is your Soldier’s moment, and you’re a huge part of their success. Whether you’re attending in person or watching via live stream from the National Infantry Museum, you won’t miss a beat. Dress comfortably, plan for the weather, and get ready for a day full of emotion, pride, and celebration.
The moment you see your Soldier for the first time—standing taller, stronger, and more confident than ever—will be something you carry with you forever. This is more than a graduation… it’s the beginning of their journey as a United States Soldier, and a proud moment for your entire family.