Your Soldier is about to graduate Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina — congratulations. This free guide walks you through everything you need to plan the trip: what happens on Family Day and graduation, the new visitor pass rules, and where to stay, eat, and get around.
Graduation Week at a Glance
- Family Day: usually Wednesday, around 9:00 a.m. — a short ceremony, then an on-post pass to spend the day with your Soldier.
- Graduation: usually Thursday on Hilton Field, 9:00 a.m. (spring/summer) or 10:00 a.m. (fall/winter).
- Visitor pass: starting August 1, 2026, every visitor age 18+ needs a pass to get on post.
- Can't travel? Ceremonies livestream on the official Fort Jackson Facebook page.
Exact dates change by battalion. Always confirm with your Soldier and the official calendar.
Start Planning
Hotels Near Fort Jackson
Where to stay, military discounts, and why grad-week rooms sell out early.
Rental Cars
Pick up at Columbia airport — you'll want a car on base.
Airport Transfers
Getting from CAE airport to Fort Jackson and your hotel.
Graduation Schedule
The typical week, ceremony times, and how to confirm your dates.
Family Day
What to expect on the day you finally see your Soldier.
Visitor Pass Rules
The new 2026 requirement and how to get on post smoothly.
Things to Do in Columbia
Fill the rest of your weekend around the ceremony.
Packing List
What to bring for the ceremony and the South Carolina weather.
Gifts for Your Soldier
What they actually want after 10 weeks of training.
About Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson is the U.S. Army's largest Basic Combat Training installation, training roughly half of all new Soldiers each year. Basic Combat Training runs about 10 weeks, ending with Family Day and a graduation ceremony on Hilton Field. The post sits just east of downtown Columbia, about 20–30 minutes from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fort Jackson graduation?
Basic Combat Training graduation is typically held on a Thursday, following Family Day on Wednesday. A new class graduates roughly every few weeks year-round. Your exact date depends on your Soldier's battalion — confirm it with your Soldier and the official Fort Jackson graduation calendar.
Where is Fort Jackson graduation held?
The graduation ceremony is held on Hilton Field at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, weather permitting.
Do I need a pass to attend?
Yes. Beginning August 1, 2026, all visitors age 18 and older must have a visitor pass to access Fort Jackson, including for Family Day and graduation. See our visitor pass guide for details.
How early should I book a hotel?
As early as you can. Hotels near Fort Jackson fill up quickly during graduation weeks because every family in the graduating class needs rooms at the same time. Booking several weeks out gives you better rates and locations.