Family Day (the day before graduation)
WednesdayMost branches hold a family event the day before: a short ceremony, then time with your recruit on base. Check your unit's schedule.
- FreeChattahoochee Riverwalk.
- EatCountry's Barbecue
Fort Benning basic training graduation graduation: family guide to Columbus, Georgia (Fort Benning)
Every Thursday, all yearColumbus, Georgia (Fort Benning), United States
Every week, families fly to Columbus, Georgia (Fort Benning) for Fort Benning basic training graduation, often with two days and no plan. This guide covers base access basics, where to stay, what to do after the ceremony and the area if your recruit has to stay close.
Know before you go
- The post was renamed Fort Moore in 2023 and back to Fort Benning in 2025; maps may show either name.
- Infantry and armor One Station Unit Training graduations are usually on Thursdays and Fridays, with Family Day the day before.
- Bring a REAL ID-compliant photo ID and check the base visitor rules: everyone in the car is screened.
- Hotels near the base fill on graduation weeks. Book as soon as your recruit's graduation date is confirmed.
Airport to Fort Benning (formerly Fort Moore)
Columbus (CSG) has a few flights; Atlanta (ATL) is 1.5 hours.
Main gate off I-185; allow time for vehicle checks.
Public transport directions to Fort Benning (formerly Fort Moore)
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Victory Drive chains | Closest to the gate. |
| Mid-range | Uptown Columbus | Riverwalk and restaurants. |
| Splurge | Callaway Gardens | Resort 40 minutes north. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Hampton Inn Columbus-South/Fort Benning
- Mid-range: Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place
- Splurge: The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Graduation day
ThursdayThe ceremony is in the morning. Many graduates leave the base with family right after.
- Easy outingNational Infantry Museum
- EatUptown Broadway restaurants
The day after
FridayIf your graduate has leave, take a full day out. If not, see the area on your own.
- Half-dayFDR Little White House and Pine Mountain
- Family pickCallaway Gardens
Arriving early
Flights and hotels near bases fill up. Arriving a day early gives you a free day.
- Free ideaNational Infantry Museum (free).
- Rain or heat backupColumbus Museum.
Family-friendly picks
- Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Uptown Broadway.
4 tours worth booking for Fort Benning
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Callaway Gardens | Full day | Families |
| FDR Little White House and Pine Mountain | Half day | Everyone |
| Chattahoochee whitewater rafting | Half day | Families |
| National Infantry Museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Columbus Museum.
Getting around on event days
- You need a car; graduation ceremonies are on post with ID checks.
Day trips from Columbus, Georgia (Fort Benning)
- Callaway Gardens: 40 minutes
- Atlanta: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Fort Benning.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Fort Benning basic training graduation?
Fort Benning basic training graduation takes place every thursday throughout the year.
How do I get from the airport to Fort Benning (formerly Fort Moore)?
Columbus (CSG) has a few flights; Atlanta (ATL) is 1.5 hours. Main gate off I-185; allow time for vehicle checks.
Where should I stay for Fort Benning basic training graduation?
For most visitors the best base is Uptown Columbus: Riverwalk and restaurants.
What else can we do around Fort Benning basic training graduation?
Good short outings in Columbus, Georgia (Fort Benning) include Chattahoochee whitewater rafting, National Infantry Museum, FDR Little White House and Pine Mountain. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Fort Benning basic training graduation?
Family-friendly picks: Chattahoochee whitewater rafting, National Infantry Museum, Callaway Gardens. Coca-Cola Space Science Center.
How far is Fort Benning (formerly Fort Moore) from Columbus, Georgia (Fort Benning) centre?
About 12 km in a straight line. Main gate off I-185; allow time for vehicle checks.
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