What Do You Need To Know About Your Soldier’s Graduation?
If this is your first time attending military Graduation at Fort Benning, please read on.
Before Graduation, soldiers get a small break at the end of the 9th week of training. This small break is also a huge milestone for your soldier’s accomplishments. This event is called Turning Green and is also known as Family Day. Turning Green Ceremony signifies that the soldiers have officially earned the title U.S. Army Soldier.
Where Does Turning Green Ceremony Occur?
The ceremony takes place at Fort Benning at the solder’s training company. Family members will receive a letter with instructions about Graduation and when to get to the ceremony location.
Each company has different rules. Turning Green Ceremony starts as early as 7:00 am, and it lasts approximately an hour. The Turning Green Ceremony start times are: 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am.
TIPS: leave early, set up two or three alarms to wake up, be on time.
IMPORTANT: To access Fort Benning, you must present a Gov. ID. – drive license or a passport. If you are driving, you must have vehicle registration and proof of insurance. You also need to have the official graduation letter, your soldier’s name, rank, and roster number.
If you have all of that handy, you are good to go!
What Is Family Day And Family Day Pass?
Family Day Pass is your time with your soldier after the Turning Blue Ceremony. After the ceremony, soldiers can leave Fort Benning and spend a relaxing day with their family and friends.
Family Day Pass is a weekend event. The day after the Turning Green Ceremony, your soldier has another day with you. Rules for each company are different, so some companies may require soldiers to be back as early as 4:30 pm, and others allow a return time of 7:00 pm. You will know the returning time for your soldier before attending the event – the details will be enclosed in the graduation letter. If not, your soldier will know when to return to his training company.
What Comes Next?
Next is the Turning Blue Ceremony and finally, Graduation. The Turning Blue Ceremony occurs before Graduation and celebrates the final portion of the soldier training. It usually starts at 10 am and is followed by Graduation the next day. At the Turning Blue Ceremony, friends and family can pin the Infantry Blue Cord on their soldier’s shoulder. The Infantry Blue Cord is a United States Army decoration worn over the right shoulder of all qualified U.S. Army infantrymen.
You Are Ready To Attend Graduation
Where: Basic Training Graduations take place at the National Infantry Museum. The ceremonies are usually held outside.
Duration: 1 hr
Dress code: Casual, be sure to dress appropriately for the local weather.
Parking: Parking is at the National Infantry Museum and is FREE.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are available at the National Infantry Museum and are easily accessible.
Concessions: Concessions are available at the lobby of the museum.