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— Graduation guides · Army

Fort Sill graduation.

What families should know before graduation at Fort Sill, Fires Center of Excellence, Lawton, Oklahoma. Checked against official sources in September 2026.

Family Day at Fort Sill
Fort Sill graduation

— The basics

BranchArmy
WhereLawton, Oklahoma
Training hereArmy Basic Combat Training with the 434th Field Artillery Brigade
How long10 weeks of Basic Combat Training

Official information: Visitor welcome center, 434th Field Artillery Brigade graduation. Schedules and rules change, so check there before you travel.

— Getting on base

Before you drive through the gate.

— On the day

What helps on graduation day.

— Questions families ask

The questions parents post the week before Fort Sill.

Where should families stay for Fort Sill basic training graduation?

Fort Sill sits in Lawton, Oklahoma, and the post points visitors to Lawton and nearby communities. On-post lodging is the IHG Army Hotel, which Fort Sill lists for families. Graduations run nearly every week, so book as soon as your soldier's battery letter gives you the date. Source

Do I need a visitor pass to get on Fort Sill for graduation?

Yes, for every adult without a DoD ID card. Children riding with you do not need one. Pre-register at pass.aie.army.mil at least 24 hours ahead and up to 30 days early, or get it same day at the Visitor Welcome Center, 6701 NW Sheridan Road just outside Bentley Gate, (580) 442-9602. The center can issue one pass good for your whole visit so the background check runs once. The 434th says Family Day and graduation guests are vetted at Key Gate East and West and should go only to the event areas. Source

Which gate do we use for Fort Sill graduation?

The 434th says Family Day and graduation guests are vetted at Key Gate East and Key Gate West and should go straight to the event areas. If you need a same-day pass, the Visitor Welcome Center is at 6701 NW Sheridan Road just outside Bentley Gate. Graduation is on Polo Field, and families can stay with their soldier on the field until noon, so bring chairs and a cooler with no alcohol. Source

What ID do I need to get on Fort Sill for graduation?

Everyone must show a REAL ID license or ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a DoD ID. VA cards are no longer accepted. If your license is not REAL ID, bring a second government photo ID. Expired passports and non-citizen visitors are not covered on the official pages, so call the Visitor Welcome Center at (580) 442-9602 before you travel. Source

What time is Fort Sill basic training graduation and Family Day?

Family Day is the day before graduation. After the morning event, trainees in good standing get a pass from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and must be back at the battery by 8 p.m. Graduation is outdoors on Polo Field, and families may stay with their trainee on the field until noon; bring chairs, blankets and coolers with no alcohol. In bad weather it moves indoors to the Creek Chapel Complex or Sheridan Theater at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. depending on how many batteries graduate. Exact dates and arrival times come in the battery's letter on the 434th Field Artillery Brigade site. Source

What can my soldier bring back on post after Family Day at Fort Sill?

The 434th says do not buy your trainee, or let them buy or use, contraband: tobacco, drugs, alcohol, electronics, body spray, perfume, piercings, tattoos or pornographic material. Trainees on pass may not drink, use tobacco or drive, and cannot use a cell phone while walking in uniform. Your battery's welcome letter lists the exact rules, so read it before you shop. Source

How do I find my soldier's unit and mailing address at Fort Sill?

New soldiers spend 7 to 10 days at the 95th AG Reception Battalion before joining a training battery, so allow about two Sundays for the first call with their battery and address, and do not mail anything to Reception. If you need help, call 434th Brigade Public Affairs at (580) 442-2052, weekdays 8 to 5, with the soldier's full name and ship date. For a true family emergency, call the Red Cross Hero Care line at 1-877-272-7337 any time. Source

Is there a livestream of Fort Sill basic training graduation?

Yes. The 434th Field Artillery Brigade livestreams graduations and recordings sit in the Fort Sill YouTube playlist named Fort Sill Basic Training Graduations. The stream is free; anyone asking for a credit card to watch is not official. Source

How do I find my old Fort Sill basic training battery from years ago?

Request your service record, which lists your training unit, from the National Personnel Records Center. It is free for veterans and next of kin. Old Fort Sill yearbooks are not on an official Army page, but the volunteer Military Yearbook Project hosts scanned platoon photos by year and battery. Source

— The photos

Ten photos you will want forever.

  1. The moment they are released to you
  2. The first hug, and keep shooting
  3. A close up in uniform
  4. With a drill instructor or training leader, if they will stand for it
  5. The whole family in one frame
  6. With the grandparents
  7. With their battle buddy or shipmate
  8. Holding the certificate
  9. A selfie, both of you
  10. The walk back to the car

More on photos and video at Fort Sill

Then turn them into cards.

Every photo from Fort Sill becomes a numbered keepsake card, front and back, with the unit, the base and the date. You get a video and one page the whole family can open, and every card has a code on the back that opens it. Graduated a while ago? It is not too late.

See your first 3 cards freeFind their class page

— Sources

Checked in September 2026 against these official pages. CardMyService is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any branch.