Fort Benning is a great base in a beautiful area where you could normally go to experience the graduation ceremonies for a wide array of trainees.
Fort Benning, soon to be Fort Moore, doesn’t publish or provide the schedule for basic training graduation ceremonies.
However, Fort Benning notes in its basic training FAQ that family members or spouses receive a letter from the commander with important information. It will include any information you need to attend the Family Day and Graduation Ceremony.
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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.
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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.
Special Note: Click Here to find hotels at a reduced rate in the Ft. Benning area.
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.
How has Covid-19 affected boot camp graduation?
Covid-19 has led to live-streaming events to ensure people are staying safe by staying home and not traveling to base for graduation.
However, the base is now open to guests to attend graduation.
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.
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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Apparently, Fort Benning has opened access to family and friends as of Friday 14 May 2021. The following is a direct link to the U.S. Army Fort Benning website page.
https://www.benning.army.mil/index.html