Fort Benning — recently reverted from Fort Moore — is one of the most iconic training installations in the U.S. Army. It is home to:
- Infantry OSUT
- Armor OSUT
- Airborne School
- Officer Candidate School (OCS)
- Ranger School
- Basic Officer Leader Courses
- Multiple specialized training programs
Every year, tens of thousands of families travel to Fort Benning to celebrate their Soldier’s major milestone — and this guide gives you everything you need to plan the trip with confidence.
Whether it’s your first military event or you’ve attended others, this is your go-to resource for travel, lodging, schedules, weather, what to wear, and how to prepare.
Where Fort Benning Is Located
Fort Benning, Georgia sits on the Georgia–Alabama border, just south of Columbus, GA. It’s known for:
- large graduation events
- multiple training brigades
- high-traffic weekends
- wide, spread-out training areas
- humid Southern weather
- strong local military community support
Families consistently describe the area as easy to navigate, affordable, and very military-friendly.
Understanding the Type of Graduation You’re Attending
Fort Benning hosts several different graduation types, and each has its own schedule:
Infantry OSUT (One Station Unit Training)
Location: Sand Hill
Length: ~22 weeks
Events: Family Day + Graduation Ceremony
Armor OSUT
Location: Harmony Church
Length: ~15 weeks
Events: Family Day + Graduation Ceremony
Airborne School (Jump School)
Location: Fryar Drop Zone
Length: 3 weeks
Events: Family Day + Airborne Wings Graduation
OCS Graduation
Location: OCS grounds
Professional, formal ceremony
Ranger School Graduation
Location: Victory Pond
Highly emotional, smaller-scale ceremony
Often early in the morning
Your unit will send specific instructions — but this guide covers everything families wish they knew in advance.
Family Day & Graduation: What to Expect
Family Day
Usually held the day before graduation.
Expect:
- Demonstrations (varies by unit)
- Briefings
- Meeting your Soldier for the first time in months
- Lots of walking
- Emotional moments
Fort Benning Family Days are typically less formal but incredibly meaningful.
Graduation Day
Held on:
- In-field parade grounds (OSUT)
- Airborne School grounds
- Victory Pond (Ranger)
- Battalion or brigade areas
Expect:
- Parking congestion
- Early arrival required
- Standing and walking in warm weather
- Large formations and marches
- Very emotional final dismissal
Bring tissues. Every family does.
Where to Stay Near Fort Benning
Here are the most popular and convenient lodging areas:
1. Columbus, GA (Most Popular)
Closest, safest, most convenient.
Areas include:
- Downtown Columbus (walkable, restaurants)
- Uptown Columbus (great food + hotels)
- Near Fort Benning Gateway (fast access to main gate)
2. Phenix City, Alabama
Often more affordable. Short drive to the base and easy highway access.
3. On-Post Lodging (IHG Army Hotel)
Closest option, but books quickly and often full during peak training cycles.
Hotel Tips
- Book as soon as you receive the graduation date
- Graduation weeks fill FAST
- Avoid extreme budget hotels far outside Columbus
Best Airports to Use
1. Columbus Airport (CSG)
Closest — small, easy, quick. Limited flights but incredibly convenient.
2. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 1.5–2 hours away
Most families fly here because:
- cheapest flights
- rental cars easy
- highway drive is simple
Fly into ATL → drive to Columbus = most common travel plan.
Weather at Fort Benning: What to Expect
Fort Benning has classic Southern weather:
Spring
Warm days, mild evenings
Bring: layers + sunscreen
Summer
Hot, humid, strong sun
Bring: breathable clothing, fans, water, hats
Fall
Comfortable, mild
Bring: light layers
Winter
Chilly mornings, mild afternoons
Bring: jacket + layers
Graduations are often outdoors — prepare for heat, humidity, or sun.
What to Wear to Fort Benning Graduation
There is NO formal dress code.
Families typically choose:
Branch Pride Apparel
- Proud Army Mom/Dad
- Proud Girlfriend/Spouse
- OSUT, Airborne, Ranger, or OCS shirts
- Unit-themed apparel
Comfortable Clothing
Graduations involve:
- walking
- standing
- sitting on bleachers
- being outdoors
Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes.
Colors That Photograph Well
- black
- OD green
- tan
- gray
- Army gold
These match the setting and look great in photos.
What to Bring
Families recommend:
- base access ID
- sunscreen
- water
- tissues
- portable fan
- small umbrella (sun or rain)
- camera/phone
- snacks
- battery pack
- bug spray (summer)
Optional but meaningful:
- small signs
- unit stickers
- flags
- matching family apparel
Food & Things to Do in Columbus
Popular spots families love:
Food
- The Black Cow
- Mellow Mushroom
- Plucked Up Chicken & Biscuits
- Trevioli Italian Kitchen
- Cannon Brew Pub
- Country’s Barbecue
Activities
- National Infantry Museum (must-visit)
- Riverwalk
- Whitewater rafting
- Chattahoochee River Park
- Local shops in Uptown Columbus
Families consistently rank the National Infantry Museum as a top experience during graduation week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tickets?
No — Fort Benning graduations typically don’t require tickets.
How early should we arrive?
1–1.5 hours before major events.
Can Soldiers leave base on Family Day?
Usually yes, for OSUT/Airborne/OCS — but NOT always.
Your Soldier’s unit will confirm.
Can we hug our Soldier?
Yes! Family Day is your reunion.
Are ceremonies outdoors?
Most are — weather varies by season.
Can siblings attend?
Absolutely.
Final Thoughts for Families
Graduating at Fort Benning is one of the proudest moments in an Army family’s life.
Whether your Soldier is Infantry, Armor, Airborne, OCS, or Ranger — this is a milestone they will remember forever.
With the right planning, you can enjoy a meaningful, stress-free, and unforgettable trip that honors their hard work and resilience.
When your Soldier marches across that field, you’ll feel every moment was worth it.