A Guide to Family Day and Graduation at Fort Leonard Wood
Attending graduation events at Fort Leonard Wood for your loved one's basic military training is a memorable experience. To help you plan and enjoy these special days, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect for Family Day, Graduation Day, and subsequent events.
Overview of Events
Family Day
Family Day typically occurs the day before Graduation Day. It is designed for loved ones to reconnect with soldiers and provides ample time for bonding. The day includes:
Schedule: The ceremony usually starts in the morning. Visitors can spend the day with their soldier until around 7 PM.
Activities: Families are allowed to go off-base, visit nearby hotels, dine out, and enjoy quality time together.
Graduation Day
Graduation ceremonies generally take place in the morning following Family Day. This event marks a significant milestone for the soldiers, as they wear their newly issued dress uniforms. Families are invited to:
Attend the ceremony, usually scheduled early in the morning.
Spend additional quality time with the soldier after the event.
Shipping Day
The day after Graduation is known as Shipping Day. On this day, soldiers are processed based on their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) and transferred to their respective Advanced Individual Training (AIT) locations.
Date Management and Verification
General Guidance for Scheduling
While Family Day and Graduation generally follow a structured schedule, specific dates may vary depending on the training unit and external factors. For example:
Graduation dates are often set early in the training cycle but may shift due to holidays or larger unit sizes.
It is recommended to rely on official communications from your soldier or the training command for accurate dates. Platforms like Sandboxx or unit-managed social media pages, such as Facebook, are also commonly used for updates.
Additional Resources for Confirmation
For the most reliable and detailed schedule, consult:
The official training unit’s communication or posted schedules.
The linked calendar and event details on the official graduation schedule website: Basic Military Training Graduation.
Updates shared directly by your soldier.
Common Questions About Date Accuracy
Is Sandboxx reliable for trends in graduation schedules? Sandboxx provides general trends and early information on graduation dates. However, these dates may be adjusted by the command later on. Always trust the dates directly communicated by your recruit.
Typical timeline for Family Day and Graduation? Family Day invariably takes place a day before Graduation, offering flexible off-base time for the day. Graduation starts early and transitions smoothly to relieve subsequent movements (like AIT preparation).
Tips for Families
Plan travel and accommodations ahead once you receive confirmed dates.
Monitor official platforms for any late-breaking changes in schedules.
Consider the soldier’s preferences or needs during Family Day to make the most of the limited time available.