Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of this milestone.
Family Day
Family Day is typically held on the Wednesday before Graduation. The ceremony begins at 9:00 a.m. on Hilton Field and lasts approximately one hour.
The day starts with the battalion commander addressing families about the transformation their Soldier has undergone over the last 10 weeks. You'll have the opportunity to meet the drill sergeants and watch demonstrations of skills your Soldier learned during training. After the ceremony, you'll finally get to see your Soldier in person.
Following Family Day, your Soldier will receive an on-post pass, meaning they can move around the installation but cannot leave the base. They must return to their barracks by 6:00 p.m.
Graduation Day
Graduation typically takes place on Thursday, the day after Family Day — unless there is a Federal Holiday. The ceremony is also held at Hilton Field and lasts approximately one hour.
Graduation times vary by season:
Spring/Summer: 9:00 a.m.
Fall/Winter: 10:00 a.m.
After the ceremony, your Soldier will receive an off-post pass for the day and must return to the barracks by 8:00 p.m. Soldiers being transported to AIT by family members will need to sign in at their AIT location by Friday evening.
Watching the Livestream
Can't make it in person? Fort Jackson streams all graduation ceremonies live on YouTube — completely free.
The livestream starts approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony begins.
Watch on the official channel: Fort Jackson YouTube
Scam alert: The ceremony is always free to watch. If anyone asks for credit card information to view the livestream, that is not an authorized channel.
Getting on Base
Plan to arrive early. Traffic can get very heavy as families all arrive at the same time. Gate 4 opens at 6:00 a.m. on both Family Day and Graduation Day.
All guests 18 and older must present a valid ID to access the base. Make sure you have the following in your vehicle:
Driver's license
Proof of insurance
Vehicle registration
Motorcycle Safety Foundation card (if arriving by motorcycle)
Fort Jackson Family Day and Graduation pass (if required — check with your Soldier, as pass requirements may change)
Once through the gate, follow the blue line painted on the road — it will lead you directly to Hilton Field.
Directions to Gate 4:
Traveling north on I-77:
Take Exit 13 (Decker Boulevard)
Turn right onto Percival Road
Turn right onto Boyden Arbor Road
Traveling south on I-77:
Take Exit 15 (Percival Road)
Turn right onto Percival Road
Turn left onto Boyden Arbor Road
Important Reminders
Always confirm dates and times with your Soldier directly. Schedules can shift due to Federal Holidays, inclement weather, or other circumstances.
Seating at Hilton Field is arranged by company. When facing the field: Alpha is on the far left, followed by Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, and Foxtrot on the far right. The same arrangement is used for both Family Day and Graduation.
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