boot camp graduations

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Before leaving home, make certain your soldier has met all the requirements for graduation and will be granted pass privileges during your visit. Your soldier should provide this information no later than the eighth week of basic training. Graduating soldiers with visiting adult family members (spouse, parents, grandparents or legal guardians) may receive an on-post pass on Family Day. While on pass soldiers must remain in uniform and are not allowed to drive, drink any form of alcoholic beverage or use any tobacco product. Soldiers are scheduled to ship to their next training destination very shortly following graduation and may not be able to spend additional time with friends and family - please check your soldier's individual unit home page for more information. After graduation, Soldiers departing Fort Jackson via military-arranged transportation will begin leaving as soon as 1:00 p.m. Friends and family members are welcome to observe this departure. Soldiers remaining at Fort Jackson for Advanced Individual Training may receive a pass after in-processing at their new training units. You should check with your Soldier's individual unit for more information. Schedules may vary, so check your Soldier’s battalion web page to verify Family Day and graduation times and locations. The day before graduation (normally Thursday) is designated as "Family Day." The battalion commander meets at the Community Activities Center with family members and friends of graduating Soldiers to discuss the Soldier’s recent experiences and answer questions. Family and friends will also meet the unit's drill sergeants and observe demonstrations of Soldier skills. Most importantly, you will meet - and spend time with your Soldier. During the evening of Family Day you can join your Soldier for a buffet dinner at one of the clubs on the post. A general headcount is needed, so please let your Soldier know how many guests will attend. Tickets can be purchased at the MG Robert B. Solomon Center during Family Day activities. Graduation is the following day (Friday) at 10 a.m. (9 a.m. during daylight-saving time) on Darby Field. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will take place at the Solomon Center and the time schedule may change to accommodate more than one ceremony.