Family Day and Graduation Visitor's Guide

Fort Jackson Access for Basic Combat Training Family Day & Graduation

Fort Jackson has several gates that provide access to the installation. On Family Day or Graduation, you may use any of the gates but it is recommended that you use Gate 2 or 4. There are blue lines painted on the road from each gate to Hilton Field where Family Day and Graduation events occur. Please follow these lines rather than using GPS navigation as these may lead you into an area of the post you are not authorized to access.

If you are visiting Fort Jackson on a different day, please refer to the general Gate Information page of the website as there are different requirements to gain access outside of Family Day and Graduation.

Locations of Fort Jackson Access Gates

Gate 1: Located on Fort Jackson Blvd. by taking Exit 10 on I-77. This gate is the furthest from Hilton Field.
              Open: 5:00 am to 5:30 pm

Gate 2: Located on Forest Drive, take Exit 12 on I-77.
                Address: 4120 Moseby St, Columbia, SC 29207
                Open: 24hrs a day, 7 days a week

Gate 4: Located on Boyden Arbor Rd. accessed by taking Percival Rd. From the south on I-77 take exit 13. From the North on I-77 take exit 15.
                Address: 6271 Boyden Arbor Rd, Columbia, SC 29223     
                Open 5:00 am – 5:00 pm

To be allowed on the installation visitors must have the following identification and paperwork. All IDs must be a physical ID. Digital IDs are not authorized for use to access the installation. 

Driving Personal Vehicle

• Driver of vehicle must have valid driver’s license
• Current, non-expired, vehicle registration
• Current, non-expired, proof of insurance

Driving Rental Car

•  Driver of vehicle must have valid driver’s license
• Rental agreement
• Current, non-expired, proof of insurance either personal or from rental company

Taxi or Uber/Lyft

• Confirm with company or uber driver that they have approval to access Fort Jackson
•  All requirements for passengers below apply to people arriving in a taxi.

For all passengers

• Passengers 18 years or older must have valid Government Issued ID.
• Passengers 17 years old or younger do not have to have an ID.
• Suspended or expired IDs do not qualify as valid IDs.
• Foreign Nationals are required to present a valid Passport.

**There are no exceptions to the ID requirements. The only form of ID accepted from a foreign government is a passport. A Canadian or Mexican license will not be accepted. Elderly guests who no longer have a driver’s license or passport must have another form of government issued, photo ID to access the installation.

Denial of access to the Installation

There are several reasons you may be denied access. If you fail to present the proper documentation and Identification, are found to be in possession of a prohibited item, or are found to have a felony conviction or outstanding warrant, you will be barred from accessing the installation.

For a detailed list of what may prevent you from being granted access please visit the Gate Information and Access Control page on our website.

Fort Jackson Traffic Regulations

While on Fort Jackson, you are expected to comply with all traffic rules and regulations and follow any directions given to you by law enforcement personnel. Please review the following rules you must follow while operating a vehicle on Fort Jackson.

1. All vehicles are subject to search at any time.
2. Post wide Speed limit is 25 m.p.h. unless otherwise posted
3. When passing soldier’s speed limit is 10 m.p.h.
4. Operation of electronic devices while driving is prohibited unless device is hands free.
5. Texting while driving is prohibited.
6. Talking on a cell phone while driving is prohibited unless in hands-free mode.
7. Do not go outside the cantonment area or visit a training range.  
8. Graduating Soldiers or other soldiers in training are not authorized to operate a vehicle.
9. If driving on the installation between the hours of 0600-0700 be aware that many roads are closed for Physical Fitness Training. Do not go around any barriers or cones. If you find yourself at a barrier you must wait until it is moved, and the road re-opened at 0700.

RVs and Camper Trailers

If you are traveling to your soldier’s graduation in an RV or with a camper trailer, please be advised of the following information:

1. Overnight Parking is not allowed except at Weston Lake Campground.
2. RVs and campers can be driven on post for Family Day & Graduation.
3. Parking attendants at Hilton Field will show you where to park.
4. Most, but not all, major attractions at Fort Jackson have space to park an RV.

The following items are not allowed on Fort Jackson. If you are found to be in possession of these items while accessing the Installation, you may have the items confiscated, be denied entry, or if necessary, detained.

1. Weapons of any type to include:
   • Guns
   • Knives
   • Batons
   • Pepper Spray
2. Explosives
3. Ammunition
4. Alcohol
5. Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
   **If you are from a state that has legalized Marijuana, it is illegal to possess it on a federal installation.
6. Items containing images or words that are offensive.

Hilton Field is the main parade field where Family Day and Graduation Ceremonies are conducted. If there is inclement weather your soldier’s battalion will release information regarding alternate plans for these events.

Getting to Hilton Field

There are blue lines painted on the road that lead from each gate to Hilton Field. We ask that you follow these lines rather than utilizing GPS navigation as these systems can lead you into areas you are not authorized to enter.

Once at Hilton Field, parking attendants will direct you where to park your vehicle.

If you or someone traveling with you has a serious health issue or physical disability, there is accessible parking and seating available. You must have a registered parking placard for people with a disability from your home state’s DMV to park in the accessible area.

Screening Procedures

There are several safety procedures in place at Hilton Field. All bags will be searched, and all visitors will pass through a metal detector. Additionally, law enforcement and emergency personnel are onsite.

Be prepared to stand in line to be admitted to the stands at Hilton Field. We encourage you to show up early to ensure you have a seat and to avoid missing part of the ceremony.

Seating

Once inside the gates at Hilton Field you will see unit cadre and signs identifying the best places to sit to view your soldier’s company. 

Please note, seating fills up quickly and you are not allowed to save seats for others who have not yet made it through the screening process.

Should the main stands fill up, there are overflow bleachers at the far right of the field by the vendor area. There is currently no limit to the number of friends and family members that can attend these ceremonies. If you have a large group, it may be necessary for you to sit in seperate areas as the stands fill up. 

Once inside the stands please continue to follow all directions given by the unit and law enforcement personnel.

Accessibility

Our goal is for everyone to be able to view and participate in the Family Day and Graduation events. There is accessible parking for those with serious health issues or physical disabilities. You must have a registered parking placard for people with a disability from your home state’s DMV to park in the accessible area.  The front row of the bleachers is also reserved for people with accessibility issues. Ramps are located at both ends of the bleachers for those requiring the use of a wheelchair.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at Hilton Field. You will also not be allowed to leave them unattended in your vehicle. If you travel with pets, please make arrangements for them off post or be prepared to stay with them in the parking lot during the ceremony.

Only ADA service animals are allowed to access Hilton Field.

Facilities

There are restrooms at either end of the bleachers that are available.

Vendors

A variety of vendors are on location at Hilton Field with various memorabilia, souvenirs, apparel, and refreshments for you to purchase. Additionally, some Unit’s Soldier Family Readiness Groups (SFRG) will have a booth set up offering various items. The vendor area is located inside the gates of Hilton Field to the far right of the stands.

Gifts and Signs

Please do not bring signs, banners, or balloons into the stands as these may obstruct the view of other people behind you. Your soldier will not be able to see them from the field. Please do not bring air horns or other noise makers either.  

Typically, on Family Day, Graduating Soldiers are granted a one day, on-post pass for the afternoon. During this time, visitors may leave post and re-enter. However, your soldier cannot go off-post with you and must remain on the installation in accordance with the guidance given by their unit. It’s important to check with your soldier’s unit to get the specific details for this pass as it varies from battalion to battalion.

While on post, there is a lot to see and do. There are museums, a bowling alley, parks, picnic shelters, restaurants, shopping, mini golf and more. For more information check out the following websites:

     Fort Jackson Website:  https://home.army.mil/jackson/index.php/my-fort/facility-hours

     Fort Jackson Family & Morale, Welfare, & Recreation Website: https://jackson.armymwr.com/

     Fort Jackson AAFES: https://www.shopmyexchange.com/company/storeDetails.jsp?storeId=1030404

Below are some guidelines as you explore everything Fort Jackson has to offer.

Parks and Picnic Shelters

While there are a lot of food options on Fort Jackson, many people choose to bring their own food and have a picnic on post with their soldier. There are various picnic shelters and parks that are available on a first come, first served basis.

You may bring your own grill to cook out. Both propane and charcoal grills are authorized on Fort Jackson.

Be considerate

If you bring a portable speaker do not play music at a level that would disturb other people. Also do not play music that contains obscene or otherwise objectionable lyrics. Fort Jackson regulations prohibit music that is heard from 150ft away from the source.

Pets

Pets are allowed on Fort Jackson; however, most are not allowed inside government buildings. The only animals allowed inside facilities on Fort Jackson are ADA service animals.

All pets must remain on a leash and under their owner’s control.

Unauthorized Areas

Only certain facilities are open to the public.
Visitors are not allowed inside any battalion footprint unless otherwise authorized.
Visitors are not authorized to visit any of the training ranges, barracks, or housing areas.

Graduation Day

On Graduation Day, typically soldiers are granted a one day off-post pass that allows them to leave post with you. However, they must stay in uniform and stay within 25 miles of Fort Jackson. There are lots of restaurants, parks, shopping, museums, and other attractions in the City of Columbia.

Again, check with your soldier’s Battalion to get the exact details and regulations regarding the off-post pass.

If you arrive in town on Tuesday or if you don’t plan to leave until Friday, and you are not staying in an on-post hotel, it is possible to access Fort Jackson on those days. However, you will be required to obtain a visitor pass from the Visitor Control Center at Gate 2 or Gate 4. In order to be granted this pass you will have to pass a background check. This pass will allow you access for one day and should be kept with you at all times. Many facilities on post are only available to official ID card holders however you will be able to access the parks, food court, and public outdoor areas.

Please note, a visitor pass to the installation does not allow you to see or spend time with your soldier. Unless your soldier also has an on-post pass from their unit, you will not be permitted in or around their place of duty.

A visitor pass does not allow you to access any of the unauthorized areas listed above without an escort.

If you are staying at an on-post hotel and arrive on Tuesday, your Hotel reservation will serve as your visitor pass to access the Installation. 

There are many options near Fort Jackson where you can book lodging. There are also a few options on post that you may be able to book for your time here. Please be aware, active-duty soldiers are given priority at the on-post hotels and even if you have a reservation the hotel may cancel it at any time to accommodate an active-duty soldier on orders to Fort Jackson.

Also note, if you are booking hotels online, many off-post hotels will say “Fort Jackson” in their name or location. This just means that they are in the proximity of Fort Jackson. The only hotels on post must be booked through www.IHG.com/armyhotels/

The four on post hotels are:

•     Candlewood Suites Building 10046, phone number: (803)973-5090
•     Candlewood Suites Building 10050, phone number: (839)895-7900
•     Holiday Inn Express Fort Jackson Inn, phone number: (803)782-9802
•     IHG Army Hotels Dozier Hall, phone number: (803)782-9802

Weston Lake Campground

Weston Lake Campground has RV hook ups and a limited number of rustic cabins available for rent. However, while it is technically on Fort Jackson, it is only accessible by first going off-post. Therefore your soldier may not go with you to Weston Lake Campground on Family Day.  For more information visit: https://jackson.armymwr.com/programs/weston-lake# or call Weston Lake at (803)751-5253.

Victory Travel

If you need assistance arranging travel and lodging, you can also contact Victory Travel by visiting: https://jackson.armymwr.com/programs/victory-travel-center or calling (803)751-1400.