FAQ:
I'm lost what do I
do? My son is there in basic training, and I have not heard a
thing.
You soldier will be in contact with you
during his time here. They will let you know when they
graduate, where to go and what to do. First and
foremost, don't worry they are in good hands.
Fort Jackson is located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Located in the center of the state, the city is
accessible by interstate highways I-20, I-26, and I-77.
I-95 and I-85 are also a short drive away. Fort Jackson
is located on I-77 at exit #12.
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.
Where are your nearest
Airports?
The nearest airport is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport
located about 25 minutes from Fort Jackson. Another air
travel option is Charlotte, North Carolina which is
about one and a half hours away by car.
What Airport do you
recommend?
When you fly into smaller airports it
would probably connect from a larger airport, and you would
then be paying for that connecting flight. Unless you live
close enough to drive, I recommend flying into Columbia
then Renting a car.
I need a room on Fort
Jackson!
The Fort is an Army Base not a City and
doesn't have places like,
Columbia Joins
the Main Gate of Fort Jackson and is where most people get rooms while
visiting Fort Jackson, SC.
Will we get to see
my soldier much at all during graduation?
Graduating soldiers with visiting adult family members
(spouse, parents, grandparents or legal guardians) may,
at their commander's discretion, receive an on-post
pass on Family Day and an off-post pass following
Graduation. It is absolutely vital that your Soldier
return from pass at the specified time. 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. Please check your soldier's individual
unit home page for more information.
Soldiers will
normally ship to their next training location on
Saturday. This travel is by military provided or
arranged transportation.
Family
members, spouses, and relatives may transport Soldiers
to their next training destination. There are
restrictions/limits, however. Please contact your
Soldier's company to determine eligibility.
Soldiers
remaining at Fort Jackson for Advanced Individual
Training may receive an overnight pass after
in-processing at their new training units. You should
check with your Soldier's individual unit for more
information.
The day before graduation (normally Thursday) is
designated as "Family Day." Family Day activities begin
at Hilton Field at 9 a.m. The battalion commander
meets 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 during
Family Day activities.
Graduation is the following day at 9 a.m.
(Spring/Summer schedule) or 10 a.m. (Fall/Winter
schedule) on Hilton Field, unless otherwise indicated.
See your Soldier's unit page for the correct time and
location. 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.
Fort
Jackson is located in Columbia, South Carolina. The city
is located in the center of the state and is accessible
from three major highways – I-20, I-26, and I-77. I-95
and I-85 are a short drive away. Fort Jackson is located
at exit #12 off of I-77. The nearest airport is the
Columbia Metropolitan Airport located about 25 minutes
from Fort Jackson. An option is to fly into Charlotte,
North Carolina which is about one and a half hours away.
Due to
the heavy training demands placed on your soldier, please
make your own transportation and
lodging arrangements. Please note that our
installation strictly enforces all traffic rules and
regulations. Also, please be advised that civilians
are not authorized to utilize any facilities on post, unless
accompanied by a service
member.
If for
any reason there is an emergency at home and you need to
contact your soldier, please call the
RED CROSS
through your local chapter, hospital, or law enforcement
agency. The RED
CROSS maintains an efficient 24-hour worldwide notification
service. Be
sure you have your soldier’s social security number and
address to avoid a delay in service. There is no
charge and most importantly, such notification
gives us the ONLY official confirmation that the
commander needs to grant emergency leave if demanded by
the situation.
For non-emergency contact, or for further assistance,
please write,
call, or e-mail the Company
Commander.
On a personal note,
you can eat anywhere on Fort Jackson without an Id, but you
will not be able to buy gas, or shop the PX or Commissary.
Relevant abbreviations, variants, misspellings: s.c.
garner garner's va hospital v.a. dorn medical center
army training center camp military base united states
usa us u.s. u.s.a. america american fortjackson
ftjackson accomodation accomodations accommadation
accommadations hoteles southcarolina fortjackson
bestwestern bw confort day inn extendedstay stayamerica
extendedstayamerica hamton holliday inn hollyday
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