The letters are written, the countdown is on, and now there's a date on the calendar. If you're heading to Columbus for a Fort Benning graduation, this guide walks through how the week usually runs, what to take care of before you leave home, and how to keep the whole family together.
We host families for graduation weekends at Honor House, a few minutes from Fort Benning, so these are the questions we hear most.
Fort Benning or Fort Moore? Same post
The post was renamed Fort Moore in 2023 and changed back to Fort Benning in 2025. Some websites, maps and older letters still say Fort Moore. Either way it's the same installation on the south side of Columbus, and it's where the Army trains its infantry and armor Soldiers.
Two trips most families plan
Most Soldiers at Fort Benning go through One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which combines basic training and job training in one long course. That gives families two big moments to plan around.
Turning Green: the halfway mark
When the basic training phase ends, Soldiers mark it with the Turning Green ceremony. Families are welcome and encouraged to come. Many units give Soldiers some time with family around this ceremony, with check-in times set by the company, so ask your Soldier for the schedule before you book.
Turning Blue, Family Day and graduation
For infantry Soldiers, the end of training is celebrated with the Turning Blue ceremony, when they receive the infantry's blue cord. Family Day follows, and the formal graduation is held the next morning on a parade field. Infantry ceremonies are usually on Sand Hill, often at Kanell Field.
Armor Soldiers follow a similar rhythm: Family Day comes after their final field exercises, and graduation is the next morning at Brave Rifles Field.
Fort Benning posts upcoming ceremony dates and fields for each brigade, and your Soldier's commander usually sends families a letter with the details. Treat that letter as the final word, since times can shift.
Get your visitor pass before you leave home
Adults without a military ID need a visitor pass. For Turning Green, Turning Blue and graduation, Fort Benning issues special event passes by battalion. Do this a few days before you travel, not at the gate.
- Find your Soldier's battalion in the commander's letter, then look up its event code on Fort Benning's special events pass page.
- Go to pass.aie.army.mil and choose Army, then Fort Benning, then Special Event.
- Enter the code and follow the prompts.
- Bring the same physical photo ID to the gate. If your driver's license isn't REAL ID compliant, bring a passport to be safe.
Not a U.S. citizen? You can't pre-register online. Bring your passport to the Lindsey Creek Visitor Control Center, which is open around the clock.
A simple plan for graduation weekend
- The day before Family Day: Arrive, settle in and do a grocery run. Ceremonies start early, and you'll want time for the gate in the morning.
- Family Day: The ceremony comes first, then time together. If your Soldier is released for the day, a quiet house with a kitchen and a pool beats a crowded restaurant.
- Graduation morning: Get there early and dress for the weather. Ceremonies are outdoors, and Georgia weather can turn quickly.
- After graduation: Some Soldiers leave for their next assignment right away; others get time with family first. Ask before you plan the drive home.
Our suggestion: book from the night before Family Day through the night after graduation, so nobody is rushing.
"We enjoyed this home for our visit with our soldier. Absolutely recommend for day passes from Ft. Benning, easy to get to and from base."
Shiloh, a recent Honor House guest
Where to stay for Fort Benning graduation
Graduation weeks bring a lot of families to Columbus at once, and most groups need more than one hotel room. A whole house keeps grandparents, siblings and your new Soldier together, with room to spread out and a kitchen for real meals.
Honor House
Columbus, Georgia, less than 10 minutes from Fort Benning
- 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, room for up to 14
- Private heated pool, open all year
- Game room, fire pit and fenced backyard
- Parking for 5 cars, washer and dryer
- Keyless check-in after 4 PM, pets welcome
Booking direct on our site saves you 5%, and you deal with us, not a call center.
Things to do in Columbus between ceremonies
- National Infantry Museum. It tells the story of the American infantry soldier, and it sits just outside the gates, so you don't need a base pass to visit.
- The RiverWalk. Miles of paved path along the Chattahoochee, easy for every age.
- Whitewater rafting. Columbus has whitewater right downtown on the Chattahoochee, if your group wants to celebrate with something different.
- Uptown Columbus. Restaurants and shops close together, good for a graduation dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Benning the same as Fort Moore?
Yes. It was called Fort Moore from 2023 until it went back to Fort Benning in 2025. Same post, same gates, same ceremonies.
When should we book for Fort Benning graduation?
As soon as you have the date. Graduation weekends are busy in Columbus, especially for groups that want a whole house.
Do we need a pass for Family Day and graduation?
Yes, every adult without a military ID. Use the special event pass for your Soldier's battalion at pass.aie.army.mil and bring a physical photo ID.
Can our Soldier leave post with us?
That's up to the unit. Many families get time off post with their Soldier on Family Day and after graduation, but the rules are in your commander's letter. Check them before you plan meals or outings.
What should we bring?
Your physical ID, layers or rain gear, water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Ceremonies are outdoors and there's some walking.
Questions about dates or the house? Send us a message. We usually answer within the hour.