Fort Benning Graduation Dates For 2026: Schedule & Info

Fort Benning (officially back to this name after the brief Fort Moore period) hosts One Station Unit Training (OSUT), basic combat training, and other graduations nearly every week.

Graduations are typically on Thursday and Friday mornings at Inouye Field, right next to the National Infantry Museum.

These ceremonies celebrate Soldiers completing infantry, armor, cavalry, and related training cycles.

Important note: The U.S. Army does not publish a complete public calendar of all Fort Benning graduation dates for 2026 (or any year). Dates are managed at the battalion and company level and shared directly with families via official letters or unit communications, usually 2–4 weeks in advance. Schedules can change due to weather, training adjustments, or other factors.

Typical Ft. Benning Graduation Details for 2026

Days: Almost every Thursday and Friday (multiple units may graduate on the same day).

Times (seasonal, weather permitting):

October – March: 10:00 AM
April – September: 9:00 AM

Location: Inouye Field Parade Field (adjacent to the National Infantry Museum). Ceremonies may move indoors if needed.

Family Day / Turning Blue: Usually the day before graduation (Wednesday or Thursday), depending on the unit.

Visitor Access: You’ll need a visitor pass for most events. Check the official Fort Benning gate info page for special event codes by battalion (e.g., 198th Infantry Brigade, 194th Armored Brigade).

For the most accurate and up-to-date Fort Benning graduation dates:

1. Ask your Soldier: They receive official details from their chain of command.
2. Facebook: Join active Facebook groups like Fort Benning Army Basic Training/OSUT Support — Families and units post weekly schedules (often Monday/Tuesday for the upcoming Thu/Fri events).
3. Visit official sources:

• National Infantry Museum graduations page (for general logistics, parking, and tips).
• Fort Benning official site (benning.army.mil) — Check brigade pages (198th Infantry, 194th Armored) or the Special Events Visitor Pass section.

For other programs (e.g., Ranger School, Airborne, NCO Academy), check specific unit pages.

Graduations are a proud milestone. Plan ahead, arrive early for parking/seating, and enjoy the moment!

If you’re searching for “Ft Benning graduation 2026” for a specific unit/company, share more details in the comments or contact the unit directly for the latest.

Related Article – 9 Army Basic Training Graduation Gift Ideas

Fort Benning Graduation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is Fort Benning located?

Fort Benning is located in the very beautiful state of Georgia and is just about 12 miles from Columbus with Atlanta being around 90 miles.

The Fort is in a somewhat secluded area, but you have plenty of options when it comes to actually getting there from anywhere in the country.

Both Atlanta and Columbus Airports are popular places to fly in for graduation with shuttles operating from both airports to the base.

The base is rather easy to find and you will enjoy many of the local attractions near Fort Benning.

Related Article – Fort Jackson Basic Training Graduation Dates

Where should I stay for Ft. Benning graduation?

We want you to have as much information as possible to ease the stress of planning. Many people want to stay somewhat close to the post when going to graduation as it makes the commute easy for the event.

However, it is hard to know where to stay unless you have already been to the post before.

These are 5 of our favorite options nearby that will accommodate should you have the chance to stay for graduation at Fort Benning.

Baymont by Wyndham

This simple hotel offers all the amenities you need for a quick stay when attending graduation at Fort Benning.

You can find nightly rates of around $70 when you book early and the location is 13 miles away from the base.

Econo Lodge

If you want an option that is as close to the base as possible, this hotel will be great for those who don’t want to drive far to get to graduation.

You can get rooms at around $75 a night at a distance of 7 miles from the base.

Mainstay Suites

This option offers a little more creature comforts and amenities for those looking to stay comfortable during their time in Georgia.

You can find rooms at around $64 a night with a distance of 8.2 miles to the base.

Howard Johnson by Wyndom

This popular chain has a hotel near the base that provides a nice pool and includes breakfast for those staying to attend graduation.

You can find rooms starting at $75 dollars a night at a distance of 10.4 miles from the base.

Microtel Inn & Suites

Enjoy a modern design and newer amenities with this location that has nice rooms for families looking to attend graduation events.

Enjoy this hotel at around $106 a night with a distance of 8 miles from the base.

Where can I rent a car?

Many people want to come in from the airport and don’t feel like relying on shuttle services only.

You can find many great options for rental cars in the Columbus area.

Our favorite car rental companies include:

• Avis
• Hertz
• Enterprise
• Budget

How do I get tickets to the graduation?

Getting tickets to the graduation ceremony at Fort Benning usually starts weeks in advance like any other service graduation event.

Your trainee will send you the information in a letter before their graduation event with detailed information about their particular event.

These events have no formal tickets, as anyone with the right identification is allowed to attend the event.

How many people can attend the graduation?

In traditional graduations at the Fort, there is no limit to how many people can attend the event.

This means you are free to invite as many friends or family to the event to enjoy the celebration together.

Check-in with your trainee to see if they have updated anything at the base to adjust graduation.

Related Article – Air Force Basic Training Graduation Dates

How do I get onto the base at Ft. Benning?

Getting onto the base at Fort Benning is a pretty easy process once you get to the base itself.

You will need to enter through the security checkpoint where you will present them with your identification and vehicle registration before being given your guest pass.

You will then take your guest pass and wear it throughout your time on the base to show who you are.

What can I expect to see / happen at the graduation?

The graduation day at Fort Benning is rather simple compared to some of the other branch locations.

You will often have the option to go to a Family Day before graduation where the families of the trainees will get to meet and eat together while also learning more about life at the base.

The ceremony itself for graduation is actually rather short and is the most formal part of the day when your trainee officially graduates.

You’ll get a letter with all the specific information about your trainee’s graduation day in advance of the date itself.

What do you wear to a Fort Benning graduation?

There is no formal dress code for the graduation event, but you want to dress for the warmer Georgia weather and look nice to show respect to your trainee.

Where can I watch a live stream of the graduation?

If you’re unable to attend the graduation in person, you can still live stream the graduation here on the National Infantry Museum’s Facebook page.

Related Article – Navy Boot Camp Graduation Dates

Conclusion

Whether you can attend the ceremony or must stay home and watch online, it’s definitely an occasion worth celebrating. After all, your trainee has been through some tough days to make it this far.

Make sure you take the time to honor and share appreciation with your trainee as this day is really all about them.

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