After your Soldier completes Basic Combat Training (BCT), they move on to Advanced Individual Training (AIT) — the next stage where they learn the skills and knowledge needed for their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
And while AIT isn’t always talked about as much as Basic Training, it’s a major milestone in your Soldier’s career — one that deserves recognition, support, and celebration.
If your Soldier is approaching AIT graduation (or you’re planning ahead), this guide explains everything families need to know:
- what AIT is
- how long it lasts
- what graduation looks like
- where graduations happen
- what to wear
- what to expect
- how AIT differs from Basic Training
- how to celebrate your Soldier’s accomplishment
What Is AIT?
Advanced Individual Training is where Soldiers learn the technical and professional skills needed for their MOS — their specific job in the Army.
AIT training includes:
- classroom instruction
- hands-on job training
- physical fitness
- discipline & professionalism
- leadership development
- skill certifications (varies by MOS)
It is less restrictive than Basic Training and prepares Soldiers for the real day-to-day responsibilities of Army life.
How Long Is AIT?
AIT length depends entirely on MOS.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Short AIT:
4–10 weeks, Examples:
- 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist
- 92G Culinary Specialist
- 11B Infantry OSUT (combined with Basic)
Medium AIT:
10–20 weeks, Examples:
- 88M Motor Transport Operator
- 68W Combat Medic
- 12B Combat Engineer
Long AIT:
20–52+ weeks, Examples:
- 35-series Intelligence
- 25-series Communications
- Cyber Operations
- Aviation Maintenance
Families often get regular updates from their Soldier as training progresses.
Where AIT Happens (Major Locations)
AIT occurs at various Army installations, depending on MOS:
Fort Sam Houston
• Medical (68W, 68 series)
Fort Jackson
• HR, Finance, Religious, and Logistics MOSs
Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee)
• Culinary, Ordnance, Logistics, Supply, Maintenance
Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon)
• Cyber & Signal (25 & 17 series)
Fort Huachuca
• Intelligence (35 series)
Fort Sill
• Artillery (13 series)
Fort Leonard Wood
• Engineers, Chemical, Military Police
Fort Benning
• Armor, Infantry, Cavalry Scouts (OSUT)
Fort Eustis
• Aviation Mechanics & Support
Each location has its own graduation traditions.
Is There a Ceremony for AIT Graduation?
Yes — but the style varies.
Unlike Basic Training, which is formal and highly structured, AIT graduations range from:
- full-parade field ceremonies
- indoor events
- company-level formations
- casual recognition ceremonies
- certificate presentations
Some MOS schools have elaborate traditions, while others keep graduation small and intimate.
Your Soldier will know what to expect long before you arrive.
Should Families Attend AIT Graduation?
Absolutely — if you are able to.
Even though AIT graduations may be smaller, they are still meaningful:
- Your Soldier has mastered their MOS
- They’re entering the operational Army
- It’s the end of training life and the beginning of real service
- These ceremonies are often more personal and more emotional
Many families say AIT graduation photos are their favorite because their Soldier looks confident, skilled, and ready for the next chapter.
What to Wear to AIT Graduation
There is no formal dress code — families dress the same way they do for Basic Training graduation:
Proud Army Family Shirts
- Army Mom
- Army Dad
- Proud Army Family
- MOS-themed items (where appropriate)
Comfortable Clothing
Outdoor weather varies by location.
Walking Shoes
Almost every base requires walking between parking and ceremony areas.
Layered Clothing
Morning chill → midday heat is typical.
Photo-Friendly Colors
Army black, gold, olive, and gray photograph really well.
What Happens After AIT Graduation?
This depends on:
- MOS
- unit assignment
- orders
- training calendar
- deployment schedules
After AIT, Soldiers may:
- ship directly to their first duty station
- receive transition leave
- do a short hometown recruiter assistance program (not always offered)
- begin onwards travel immediately after graduation
Your Soldier’s cadre will explain the exact plan.
Family Day at AIT (Not Always Available)
Some AIT locations host a Family Day the day before graduation — many do not.
If your Soldier’s MOS school includes Family Day, expect:
- a short ceremony
- time on base
- restricted movement
- casual interaction
Always follow your Soldier’s unit information; every schoolhouse is different.
How AIT Graduations Differ From Basic Training Graduations
More relaxed
You’ll see smiles. A lot of them.
Less formal
Some are indoors or held at the battalion/company level.
More personal
Smaller crowds mean closer interactions.
Your Soldier has their phone
Communication during AIT is far more open.
Different liberty rules
Some MOS schools allow off-base liberty; some restrict it.
What Families Should Bring to AIT Graduation
- Base access paperwork
- Valid ID
- Comfortable shoes
- Phone or camera
- Power bank
- Water & light snacks
- Sunscreen (outdoor graduations)
- Tissue for emotions (still happens!)
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Gifts — optional, but meaningful (patches, challenge coins, letters)
Frequently Asked Questions About AIT
Is AIT graduation as big as Basic Training graduation?
No — it’s smaller, but still deeply meaningful.
Can my Soldier leave base after AIT graduation?
Often yes, but not always. It depends on orders.
Can siblings and extended family attend?
Yes — all are welcome.
Do I need tickets?
No — but ID is required for entry.
Should families wear Army apparel?
Absolutely. It’s extremely common and looks great in photos.
Will my Soldier travel immediately after graduation?
Many do, depending on their next assignment.
Celebrate Your Soldier’s Achievement With Proud Army Apparel
AIT graduation is the moment your Soldier becomes fully trained in their chosen career — and families proudly celebrate that milestone.
👉 Shop Proud Army Family & Graduation Apparel
👉 Explore Division & Unit Collections (82nd, 101st, 1st Cav, etc.)
👉 Browse Army Mom, Dad & Supporter Designs
Oak & Liberty is honored to support Army families as they celebrate each step of their Soldier’s journey — from Basic to AIT to their first duty station.