Fort Jackson Basic Training Graduation

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