For many families, the National Guard and Reserves represent a path of service that blends military commitment with civilian life. But what families don’t always realize is that Guard and Reserve Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines attend the same Basic Training as Active Duty recruits.
And that means one thing:
Their graduation is every bit as meaningful, emotional, and life-changing.
At Oak & Liberty, we’re honored to support Guard and Reserve families with officially licensed military apparel that helps you celebrate this milestone with pride. Whether your loved one serves one weekend a month or full-time, graduation marks the moment they earned the right to wear the uniform — and that deserves to be recognized.
This guide explains everything families need to know, from training locations to travel tips to apparel for the big day.
Where National Guard & Reserve Recruits Attend Basic Training
Regardless of branch or component, Guard and Reserve recruits train alongside Active Duty. Locations depend on branch:
Army National Guard & Army Reserve – BCT Locations
Army Guard and Reserve Soldiers attend Basic Combat Training at one of four installations:
- Fort Jackson – Columbia, SC
- Fort Benning – Columbus, GA
- Fort Leonard Wood – Missouri
- Fort Sill – Lawton, OK
These locations mirror the Active Duty training environment, including:
- Drill Sergeants
- 10-week training cycles
- Field training
- Confidence courses
- Weapons qualification
Graduation is held at the same parade fields Active Duty families use.
Air National Guard & Air Force Reserve – BMT Location
All Air Guard and Air Force Reserve enlisted recruits attend:
Lackland Air Force Base — San Antonio, Texas
The home of Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT).
They graduate in the same two-day ceremony:
- Airman’s Coin Ceremony
- Parade field graduation
- Family Day reunions
The experience is identical to Active Duty.
Navy Reserve – RTC Great Lakes
All Navy Reserve enlisted members begin their journey at:
Naval Station Great Lakes — Illinois
The only Navy Recruit Training Command.
They participate in the same:
- Pass-In-Review graduation
- Indoors, early morning
- Highly ceremonial and emotional event
Just like Active Duty Sailors.
Marine Corps Reserve – MCRD Parris Island or San Diego
Marine Reservists attend the same legendary boot camp as Active Duty Marines:
-
MCRD Parris Island — East Coast
-
MCRD San Diego — West Coast
Graduation is a major family event with:
- Motivational run
- Family meet & greet
- Parade ceremony
- Photos with Drill Instructors
- First Liberty after training
Understanding the Guard & Reserve Path After Graduation
One of the biggest differences families experience:
Active Duty leaves after graduation
…but
Guard and Reserve often go home briefly
before starting:
- MOS school (Army)
- Tech school (Air Force)
- A-School (Navy)
- SOI/MCT (Marines)
This means graduation is often the first homecoming, and families cherish it even more.
What Families Can Expect at Guard & Reserve Graduation
Even though each base has its own style, most graduations include:
Family Day
Your first hug after many weeks. Emotional. Overwhelming. Unforgettable.
Graduation Ceremony
Marching, formations, speeches, traditions, and the moment they officially become Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, or Marines.
Liberty Time
Depending on branch and base, your recruit may have limited on-base liberty or supervised time.
Base exploration
A chance to walk the grounds, visit the PX/BX/NEX, and take photos at iconic spots.
What Families Typically Wear to Guard & Reserve Graduations
There is no official dress code for families attending BCT, BMT, or RTC graduations.
Most choose:
- Comfortable clothing
- Proud Mom / Proud Dad / Proud Family apparel
- Soft tees or hoodies
- Branch-specific shirts
- Layers (especially for early-morning ceremonies)
- Apparel that photographs well
Graduation days are long, emotional, and filled with photos — comfort and pride matter.
Our apparel is designed for exactly that experience.
Why Graduation Means So Much for Guard & Reserve Families
This milestone often carries even more layers of meaning:
- Many Guard/Reserve families are new to military life
- Training can feel geographically distant
- Families often don’t know what to expect
- Recruits leave home but return to their communities
- Graduation feels like both a welcome home and a new beginning
Your loved one has:
- proven their commitment
- shown resilience
- earned their uniform
- joined a proud tradition
- taken an oath to defend their country
That deserves to be celebrated with the pride it commands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guard & Reserve Training & Graduation
Do Guard and Reserve recruits go to the same boot camps as Active Duty?
Yes. They train at the exact same installations with the exact same standards.
Do Guard families get to attend graduation?
Absolutely. The ceremonies are identical to Active Duty.
How long is training?
- Army: ~10 weeks BCT
- Air Force: ~7.5 weeks BMT
- Navy: ~8–10 weeks
- Marines: ~13 weeks
What should families wear to graduation?
Comfortable, respectful apparel — most families proudly wear branch-themed shirts.
Does Oak & Liberty have apparel for Guard & Reserve families?
Yes. All of our Army, Navy, and Air Force apparel is perfect for Guard & Reserve families celebrating graduation.
Will my loved one come home after graduation?
Many Guard/Reserve members return home briefly before heading to job training, but this varies by branch and unit.
Celebrate Your Guard or Reserve Member With Apparel That Honors Their Service
Whether your loved one is joining the Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Navy Reserve, or Marine Corps Reserve — this milestone deserves apparel that reflects your pride.
Explore our Army, Air Force, Navy, and Proud Family collections
Oak & Liberty is honored to stand with Guard and Reserve families across every state and every branch.