Fort Benning Infantry Graduation
Fort Benning Graduation Day Guide
Use this guide to quickly find everything you need for your Fort Benning Infantry graduation visit.
Graduation Information & Quick Links
Find What You Need—Fast
Whether you’re planning your trip weeks in advance or checking details on graduation morning, these quick links will take you directly to the information families need most.
Confirm Soldier Info
Travel & Stay In Columbus
Time & Arrival
Driving Directions
Walking Directions
Security & Restrictions
Accesibility
Photos
Watch Online
Visit The Museum
FAQ
Confirm Your Soldier’s Graduation Information
Verify Your Graduation Details Before You Travel
Graduation dates, ceremony times and other unit-specific information are provided directly by your Soldier’s company and the U.S. Army. Because schedules and ceremony details can change, always confirm the most recent information provided by your Soldier before making final travel plans or arriving for graduation.
The National Infantry Museum does not publish individual company graduation schedules on this page.
Confirm These Details Before Graduation Day
- Graduation date
- Ceremony start time
- Ceremony location
- Family Day information
- Weather or rain-plan updates
- Soldier pass or liberty information
- Any unit-specific family instructions
- Installation access requirements, if applicable
- Keep Your Graduation Information Handy
Save your Soldier’s graduation letter, email, text or other official company communication to your phone before traveling. This will give you quick access to the most accurate information if questions arise on graduation morning.
Important: Information on this page is intended to help you plan your visit to the National Infantry Museum and Inouye Field. Your Soldier and their company should always be considered the primary source for specific graduation details.
Graduation Hotel Accommodations
Travel and Stay in Columbus
Traveling to Columbus for your Soldier’s graduation?
Several convenient accommodations are available for families visiting Fort Benning and the National Infantry Museum.
Hampton Inn Columbus/South-Fort Benning
Located adjacent to the National Infantry Museum campus, the Hampton Inn offers convenient access for families attending early-morning graduation ceremonies.
Hampton Inn Columbus-North
Another convenient option for families traveling to Columbus for graduation.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus
Convenient accommodations with access to the Columbus and Fort Benning area.
Explore More Columbus-Area Accommodations on VisitColumbusGA.com
Graduation Time & Arrival Information
Plan to Arrive Early
Fort Benning One Station Unit Training graduation ceremonies are regularly held at Inouye Field, directly behind the National Infantry Museum.
Graduation Start Times*
- April to September – 9:00 a.m.
- October to March – 10:00 a.m.
*Important: Graduation times and locations are subject to change. Always confirm the ceremony information provided directly by your Soldier’s company before traveling.
When Should I Arrive?
Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the scheduled ceremony. Graduation mornings can bring heavy traffic and large crowds. Give yourself enough time to:
- Enter the museum campus
- Find parking
- Walk to Inouye Field
- Complete security screening
- Find your seating before the ceremony begins
TIP: Arrive early! Graduation ceremonies begin promptly.
Driving Directions to the National Infantry Museum
Directions from I-185
Take I-185 South from Columbus to Exit 1B.
Travel west on US 27/280/431—Victory Drive—for approximately one mile, then turn left onto Legacy Boulevard.
Continue approximately 1.5 miles. The entrance to the National Infantry Museum will be on your right.
Graduation mornings can bring heavier-than-normal traffic near the museum, so allow additional travel time.
Leaving After Graduation
Guests may use either Legacy Boulevard or South Lumpkin Road to return to Victory Drive.
Parking-To-Graduation Walk
Allow Time to Walk to Inouye Field
Parking your vehicle is not the final step.
Graduation ceremonies take place at Inouye Field behind the National Infantry Museum, and guests should allow enough time to walk from their parking location to the stadium and complete security screening.
Estimated Walking Time
Main Museum Parking:
Allow approximately 5–10 minutes to reach Inouye Field.
Overflow Parking:
Allow approximately 10–15 minutes to reach Inouye Field.
Walking times are estimates and may vary depending on your parking location, walking pace, crowd size and security screening.
Graduation Security & Restrictions
What to Know Before You Arrive
For the safety of Soldiers, families, staff and museum visitors, guests should be prepared to complete security screening before entering graduation areas.
Security procedures may vary based on the ceremony or current security requirements.
Bringing only essential personal items can help make the screening process faster.
Before You Leave for Graduation
Please remember:
- Oversized bags are prohibited on the museum campus.
- Smart bags are prohibited.
- Guns, knives, pepper spray and other weapons are prohibited.
- Pets are not permitted inside the museum or near the stadium.
- Pets may not be left unattended inside vehicles.
- Trained service animals are permitted.
- Guests and personal belongings may be subject to security screening.
TIP: Travel light! Bringing fewer personal items can help speed up security screening.
Accessibility & Mobility Assistance
Accessibility Assistance for Graduation Guests
The National Infantry Museum campus is designed to welcome guests with mobility needs.
Accessible Parking
Designated accessible parking is available near the front of the museum for vehicles displaying the appropriate placard or license plate.
Passenger Drop-Off
Guests with limited mobility may be dropped off at the traffic circle directly in front of the museum entrance before the driver parks.
Graduation Transportation Assistance
Golf cart shuttle assistance may be available during graduations for visitors who have difficulty walking between parking areas and Inouye Field.
Please speak with a security officer or volunteer when you arrive if assistance is needed.
Wheelchairs
Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available at the National Infantry Museum Information Desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important: Photos are taken on graduation day only. All photo sales are final.
Fort Benning Graduation Photos
Order Your Soldier’s Graduation Class Photo
Commemorate one of the proudest moments of your Soldier’s journey with an official 11×14 graduation class photo, taken on graduation day. Choose a printed photograph or digital download.
Printed Graduation Photo
$15 — Tax Included
- Official 11×14 class photoOrder Digital Graduation Photo
- Preorder online or purchase on graduation day
- Available for pickup after the ceremony
- Printed photographs are not shipped
Digital Graduation Photo
$25 — Tax Included
- High-quality digital class photo
- Delivered by email
- Typically sent within 1–2 business days after graduation
- Available for graduations held January 1, 2025 or later
Watch Graduation Online
Watch Your Soldier’s Graduation From Anywhere
Can’t attend graduation in person?
Family members and friends can watch Fort Benning Infantry graduation ceremonies through the National Infantry Museum Facebook channel.
Graduation videos can also be watched again and shared with family and friends after the ceremony on our YouTube channel.
Visit the National Infantry Museum
Make Graduation Part of a Memorable Museum Visit
Your Soldier has just become part of the proud legacy of America’s Infantry. After graduation, take time to explore that history together at the National Infantry Museum.
Many Soldiers visit the museum during training and may even be able to share parts of their experience with family members as you explore.
Discover:
- The Last 100 Yards
- Infantry galleries spanning more than 250 years of history
- Fort Benning and Columbus Connections Gallery
- Vietnam Memorial Plaza
- Global War on Terrorism Memorial
- World War II Company Street
- Memorial Walk of Honor
- Giant Screen Theater
- Virtual Reality experiences
- Infantry Gifts and museum merchandise
Fort Benning Graduation FAQs
Frequently Asked Graduation Questions
What do I wear for graduation?
Check the weather as graduations are held outdoors unless altered by your Soldier’s unit. Additionally, we are a family friendly establishment, and visitors will not be allowed entry wearing clothing with profanity or words disparaging individuals or groups based on sex, race, religion, or national origin.
Am I allowed to bring balloons for my Soldier?
We encourage families to bring whatever flags, balloons, leis, etc with which they wish to celebrate this milestone. Note: Helium filled balloons are not allowed on campus due to Fort Benning restrictions.
Am I allowed to take video or photos during graduation?
Yes, we welcome personal video or photography and also encourage you to purchase the official Inouye Field graduation picture offered by the Museum Foundation.
Am I allowed to bring my registered weapon to graduation?
No, per campus regulations, firearms, knives and pepper spray are NOT permitted.
Can my service animal join me at the stadium?
Yes, only service animals are permitted in the museum and on campus, including the stadium. Pets are NOT allowed and will not be permitted to remain in vehicles unattended.
We’re Honored to Celebrate With You
Graduation is an unforgettable milestone for Soldiers and the families who supported them throughout their journey.
The National Infantry Museum is honored to welcome you to Inouye Field, celebrate your Soldier’s achievement and help you discover the proud legacy of America’s Infantry.