Fort Benning Graduation Dates 2024 – Your Complete Schedule Guide

Fort Benning hosts multiple graduation ceremonies throughout the year, particularly in December and February, with significant events at the National Infantry Museum.

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Looking for the Fort Benning graduation dates for 2024? Planning ahead makes your trip smoother and gives you more time to celebrate your soldier’s big moment.

Fort Benning holds graduations all year, with big ceremonies often landing in December and February for programs like the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Dates shift sometimes, so you’ll want to double-check the latest announcements before you go.

Most graduations start early in the morning.

The exact time can change with the season or even the weather.

The National Infantry Museum hosts a lot of these events, and honestly, it’s a pretty meaningful spot for a ceremony.

If you plan your travel and hotel stay around these windows, you’ll get the most out of your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Benning graduations happen several times a year, especially in December and February.
  • Ceremony times can change, so check for updates before you go.
  • Planning ahead really helps your visit feel less stressful and more fun.

Fort Benning Graduation Dates 2024: Essential Information

A military graduation ceremony at Fort Benning with soldiers standing in formation, a commanding officer speaking at a podium, and guests watching on a clear day.

Knowing your soldier’s graduation date and location is key.

Understanding the types of ceremonies and where to find official updates makes planning easier.

Where to Find Official Graduation Dates

For the most up-to-date Fort Benning graduation dates in 2024, start with the official Fort Benning website.

Check out the official Fort Benning Facebook and Twitter pages.

They post announcements, reminders, and any changes to schedules.

Ask your soldier, too—they get packets with all the details for their unit.

Since dates can move around, staying in the loop helps you avoid missing anything.

Types of Graduation Ceremonies at Fort Benning

Fort Benning runs several types of graduations, depending on the training your soldier finishes.

The most common are Basic Combat Training, One Station Unit Training (OSUT), and Ranger School graduations.

Basic training and OSUT graduations usually fall between April and September at 9 a.m. From October to March, they start at 10 a.m.

These ceremonies celebrate completing training with handshakes, awards, and sometimes speeches.

There are also graduations for specialized programs like the Infantry Course with the 198th Infantry Brigade and armored training with the 194th Armored Brigade.

Each one marks a big step in your soldier’s military career.

Graduation Locations and Directions

Most graduations take place at the National Infantry Museum or at outdoor spots near Victory Pond.

These locations handle big crowds and welcome families.

If you’re coming from Columbus, Georgia, or Ft.

Moore, plan your route.

Fort Benning sits on 11th Airborne Division Road, and signs on post will point you in the right direction.

Arrive early for parking and to avoid traffic.

Check online or with your soldier for any last-minute location changes, especially if the weather looks rough.

Soldier Schedules and Family Day Details

Your soldier gets a packet before graduation.

It covers their training finish date, leave days, and Family Day info.

Family Day usually happens the day before graduation.

It’s your chance to hang out on post, snap photos, and maybe see some equipment demos.

To get in, you’ll need ID and sometimes a background check.

Check the current requirements ahead of time.

Your soldier’s packet gives you the exact Family Day and leave schedule.

That helps you book your travel and hotel without guessing.

Planning Your Visit to Fort Benning Graduation

People greeting soldiers in military uniforms at Fort Benning graduation with parade grounds and American flag in the background.

When you plan your trip to Fort Benning graduation, book travel and hotels early.

Make sure you know what family members need to bring and stay updated on any changes.

That way, you can focus on celebrating, not scrambling at the last minute.

Travel, Lodging, and Local Recommendations

Fort Benning sits near Columbus, Georgia.

Most people fly into Columbus Airport (CSG) or drive straight to the base.

If you drive, register your car at the gate.

Traffic gets heavy on graduation days, so aim to arrive early.

Hotels in Columbus fill up fast.

The Hampton Inn, Marriott, and Courtyard by Marriott are popular.

Book weeks ahead during graduation season to get a room.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

If you want something extra, downtown Columbus has good dining and fun spots for families.

What Families Need to Know Before Attending

Everyone coming to graduation should bring a government-issued ID for base entry.

Expect security checks, so leave big bags or things you don’t need in the car.

Most graduations happen on Thursday or Friday.

The military sends a packet or letter with the full schedule, maps, and instructions.

The packet covers parking, seating, and where to meet your soldier after the ceremony.

Dress comfortably but respectfully.

You’ll be outside for a while, so bring water and sunscreen for kids and older family members.

The commander usually gives remarks, and the whole thing can run about two hours.

Connecting and Staying Informed

Check the official Fort Benning Facebook and Twitter pages before your trip.

They post important updates, schedule changes, and tips.

Keep in touch with your soldier’s training unit—they often share the latest news or helpful advice for graduation day.

Social media groups connect you with other families.

People share travel tips, hotel recommendations, and what to expect, which can make the whole experience less overwhelming.

Frequently Asked Questions

A group of uniformed soldiers standing on a parade ground during a graduation ceremony at Fort Benning with military buildings and families in the background.

Here are answers to common questions about Fort Benning graduation ceremonies, tickets, and attendance rules.

You’ll also find info on dates for infantry graduations and the Army boot camp calendar.

When is the basic training graduation at Fort Benning in 2024?

Basic training graduations at Fort Benning usually happen on the last Thursday or Friday of each training cycle.

The exact dates change throughout the year.

How can I get tickets to the Fort Benning graduation ceremonies in 2024?

Tickets are typically free but limited.

Contact your soldier or their unit to find out how to get tickets, as the process can change.

What are the exact dates for infantry graduation at Fort Benning in March 2024?

Infantry graduations line up with the end of training cycles in March.

Check with your soldier or the official Fort Benning website for the exact March 2024 dates.

Are there any graduation events scheduled for August 2024 at Fort Benning?

Graduations happen every few weeks, so yes, you’ll probably see events in August 2024.

Confirm with the official schedule or your soldier for those dates.

What is the attendance policy for Fort Benning graduations in 2024?

Attendance usually needs tickets and sometimes limits the number of guests.

Health rules like masks might apply, depending on current policies.

Is there a calendar of army boot camp graduations for 2024 that includes Fort Benning?

You can find several online calendars listing Army boot camp graduations, and yes, they usually include Fort Benning.

Just a heads-up—make sure to double-check the dates with official sources since schedules sometimes change.