Independent Family Guide · Fort Jackson, SCColumbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) · 20 min to Gate 2
A soldier embracing his parents after Fort Jackson graduation
Fort Jackson · Columbia, South Carolina

The moment they've earned.

The complete family guide to Basic Combat Training graduation and Family Day. What to expect, where to stay, and how to make the trip everything your Soldier deserves.

Step 1

Hotels near Fort Jackson

Grad-week rooms near Gate 2 sell out months ahead. Check live rates and hold a room with free cancellation.

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Step 2

Airport transfers from CAE

Columbia Metropolitan Airport is 20–30 minutes out. Book a car, shuttle or private transfer before you land.

Sort Out Your Ride
At a Glance

Graduation Week

Exact dates change by battalion. Always confirm with your Soldier and the official calendar.

Wednesday

Family Day

~9:00 AM

Short ceremony, then an on-post pass to spend the day with your Soldier.

Thursday

Graduation

9:00 or 10:00 AM

Formal ceremony on Hilton Field — spring/summer 9 AM, fall/winter 10 AM.

Beginning Aug 1, 2026

Visitor Pass

Age 18+

Every adult visitor needs a pass to get on post. Register early.

See the full schedule

Book direct with partners

We never see your card details.

Free cancellation

Hold a grad-week room now, change it later.

Same prices

Identical to booking on the partner site yourself.