Whether your trainee just left for basic training or is nearing the end, graduation will be here before you know it. Below you’ll find help in planning your trip to see your soon-to-be Soldier at Fort Jackson.
Where is Fort Jackson?
Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, South Carolina. There are three common airports that families will fly into for Graduation day festivities:
- Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) 25 minutes away from Fort Jackson
- Augusta Regional Airport, GA (AGS) 1 ½ hours to Fort Jackson
- Charlotte International, NC (CLT) 1hr 45minutes away from Fort Jackson
Hotels For Graduation
There are many hotels on and around the base for you to stay in, and is recommended to book your hotels in as much advance as possible, as vacancy fills up fast. When booking your travel plans try to make sure your reservations can be refunded as 10% of trainees will not graduate on time.
How do I get on base at Fort Jackson?
For both Family Day and Graduation day you will need to go through Gate 4. Gate 4 will be open beginning at 5am.
Going North on I-77:
- Take Exit 13 Decker Boulevard
- Go to the stop light
- Turn right onto Percival Road
- Proceed to the stop light
- Turn right onto Boyden Arbor Road
Going South on I-77:
- Take Exit 15 Percival Road
- Turn right onto Percival Road
- Proceed to the stop light
- Turn left onto Boyden Arbor Road
Once you get through the gates there will be a blue line for you to follow in your car that will take you directly to Hilton Field where you will get to see your Soldier for the first time.
What do I need in order to get on base at Fort Jackson?
To get on base, all guests, 18 and older, will need to present a valid form of identification. Unless you are military personnel and have a military id you will need the following with you when you arrive at Fort Jackson for graduation:
- Drivers license
- Driver’s Proof of Insurance
- Vehicle Registration
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation Card (if arriving by motorcycle)
- Fort Jackson Family Day and Graduation Pass
