2-60th IN graduation

What families ask

Common questions for Fort Jackson graduation week.

Which gate should I use for Fort Jackson graduation?

Use Gate 2 off Forest Drive at I-77 Exit 12. It is open 24 hours. For Family Day and graduation, physical U.S. government-issued photo ID is accepted without REAL ID. Foreign nationals must bring a valid passport; Canadian and Mexican driver's licenses are not accepted. Visitors age 18 or older without DoD credentials also need an AIE visitor's pass, including Family Day and graduation. For other visits, REAL ID-compliant identification is required. U.S. citizens in the 50 states can apply online for Visitor Pass, not Special Event. Non-U.S. citizens and residents of U.S. territories are vetted on arrival; follow the official visitor guide. Gate 4 has limited hours; check the current garrison guide before travel.

Is there a dress code for Army graduation?

There is no formal dress code for family members attending Army BCT ceremonies, but business casual is the widely accepted standard. Avoid shorts, flip-flops, or anything you'd wear to the beach. Graduation parades are formal military events and dressing respectfully is expected. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended: you will walk a lot, parade fields are grass or gravel, and bleachers may require climbing. Summer graduations mean breathable layers; winter graduations can be cold and windy on an open field.

Can I send mail to my Soldier before graduation?

Yes, but use only the exact address supplied by your Soldier or unit. Fort Sill's 434th Field Artillery Brigade FAQ says families should wait for the Soldier to provide the mailing address because company and platoon details are required for delivery. Package restrictions and delivery timing are unit controlled, so do not copy an address format from another Soldier or an unofficial group.

Is Army graduation live-streamed for family who can't attend?

Often, yes. Many Army training brigades live-stream graduation (and sometimes Family Day) on the unit or installation Facebook page, and the video usually stays up afterward so relatives in other time zones can watch on replay. It is not guaranteed at every post or for every cycle, and the stream quality varies. Find your Soldier's specific brigade or battalion Facebook page (the unit shares it in the family letter) and follow it a couple of weeks out. That is where the stream link, start time, and any weather changes get posted.

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