Fort Jackson Graduation Dates & Schedule

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Last updated: July 26, 2026

Fort Jackson graduates a new Basic Combat Training (BCT) class roughly every few weeks, year-round. Exact graduation dates depend on your Soldier's battalion, but the week almost always follows the same shape — and this guide covers the timing, location, live stream, and how to confirm your specific date.

The Typical Graduation Week

• Wednesday — Family Day: a short ceremony around 9:00 a.m., followed by an on-post pass so you can spend the day with your Soldier. See our Family Day guide.
• Thursday — Graduation: the ceremony is held on Hilton Field, usually at 9:00 a.m. in spring and summer or 10:00 a.m. in fall and winter. After the ceremony, most Soldiers are released on pass with their families.

What Time Does Graduation Start, and How Long Is It?

The Hilton Field graduation ceremony typically starts at 9:00 a.m. (spring/summer) or 10:00 a.m. (fall/winter) and runs about one hour. Plan to arrive 60–90 minutes early for the gate, parking, and seating. The ceremony includes the pass in review, remarks, the playing of the Army Song ("The Army Goes Rolling Along"), and the presentation of the graduating class.

Where Is Fort Jackson Graduation Held?

Graduation takes place on Hilton Field, on the Fort Jackson installation in Columbia, South Carolina. You enter through a designated gate off Fort Jackson Boulevard. Every visitor 18 and older needs a valid photo ID, and starting August 1, 2026, a visitor pass. Give yourself extra time — gate traffic is heavy on graduation mornings.

Fort Jackson Graduation Dates & Calendar (2026)

Below is the 2026 Fort Jackson graduation calendar — the scheduled Basic Combat Training graduation dates by battalion. The date shown is the graduation ceremony (usually a Thursday on Hilton Field), and Family Day is typically the day before. Dates can shift for holidays, weather, or operational reasons, so always confirm with your Soldier and the official calendar before booking non-refundable travel.

Source: Fort Jackson graduation calendar. Dates are subject to change — the graduation ceremony is the date listed, and Family Day is generally the day before (holiday weeks may shift the day). Always confirm your Soldier's exact dates before finalizing travel.

How to Confirm Your Soldier's Date

• Ask your Soldier directly — they'll know their graduation date once training is underway.
• Check the official calendar — the Fort Jackson graduation calendar is updated if anything shifts.

Who Can Attend Graduation?

Fort Jackson graduation is open to family and friends your Soldier invites — there's no ticket limit for the outdoor Hilton Field ceremony, though seating is first-come. All visitors 18+ need a photo ID and, from August 1, 2026, a visitor pass tied to a background check. Visitors with certain criminal histories can be denied base access; if that's a concern, contact your Soldier's chain of command or the Fort Jackson visitor center ahead of time to confirm eligibility. You can drive someone else's vehicle onto post, but bring the registration and proof of insurance, and be ready for a possible gate inspection.

Can't Travel? Watch the Live Stream

Fort Jackson livestreams Family Day and graduation ceremonies on its official Fort Jackson Facebook page, usually starting a few minutes before the ceremony begins. If you're searching for the live stream the day of, check that page directly — it's the most reliable source for real-time coverage.