Graduating from basic training is a milestone worth celebrating. For military recruits and their families, this day marks the culmination of weeks of intense training, growth, and preparation for service. It’s not just a formal ceremony but a deeply emotional celebration of hard work and dedication.
It marks the completion of the transition from civilian to military service member. Then again, it also marks the start of a military journey. Here's everything you need to know about basic training graduation for each branch of the U.S. military, from what to expect during the event to how to plan for the big day.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation
Graduates of Navy boot camp, also known as Recruit Training Command (RTC), undergo an intense, nine-week program designed to transform civilians into Sailors. Here’s an overview of what happens on their basic training graduation day.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Uniform
Sailors will wear their Dress White or Dress Blue uniforms depending on the season of graduation (summer or winter). The crisp and sharp uniform is a symbol of pride and professionalism, setting the tone for this significant milestone.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Location
Graduation takes place at the Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. The RTC is the Navy's only boot camp, so every Sailor passes through there. Guests are typically welcomed to attend the ceremony at the Indoor Graduation Hall, but always check visitor guidelines in advance.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
Wondering what to gift a graduate? Personalized dog tags, Navy-themed hats, or other Navy gifts are popular options. You might also consider practical items like high-quality luggage or a portable charging station to help them transition to their next assignment.
Navy Boot Camp Graduation Dates / Schedules 2025
Navy graduations are generally scheduled on Fridays. Make sure to check the RTC’s official calendar for 2025 to confirm the exact dates, as they vary by unit.
Things to Do After Navy Boot Camp Graduation
After the ceremony, take some time to explore the Great Lakes area with your Sailor. Nearby attractions include the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Great Lakes Naval Museum. It’s also a great opportunity to enjoy a celebratory meal together at a nearby restaurant. Make sure to ask some of the instructors and staff about the best eateries in town.
Army Boot Camp Graduation
For Army recruits, the graduation ceremony is the culmination of a 10-week training program that tests their physical and mental toughness. Here’s some information about their basic training graduation day.
Army Boot Camp Graduation Uniform
Army graduates typically wear their Army Service Uniform (ASU) or the new Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU), signaling their readiness to join the ranks of Soldiers serving the nation.
Army Boot Camp Graduation Location
Army boot camp graduations are hosted at various locations depending on the soldier’s military occupation, such as Fort Jackson in South Carolina, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and Fort Benning in Georgia. Be sure to confirm the venue with your Soldier's training center.
Army Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
Popular gift ideas include custom challenge coins, customizable items, and Army-themed apparel. Thoughtful gifts like a shadowbox can also make for a meaningful keepsake even though early on it might have only a few items.
Army Boot Camp Graduation Dates / Schedules 2025
Graduation ceremonies are usually held on Thursdays or Fridays. Training centers like Fort Jackson provide online schedules, so mark your calendar well in advance. You can check on graduation dates by visiting the appropriate link for Fort Jackson, Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Sill, and Fort Benning.
Things to Do After Army Boot Camp Graduation
Take advantage of this special time to reconnect with your Soldier. Depending on the location, explore local attractions like museums or parks, or simply enjoy some downtime at a local café or restaurant. Maybe you might want to go somewhere that you can talk and catch up instead of dealing with the commotion of crowds. Follow the lead of your soldier to see what they prefer.
Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation
Marine Corps boot camp is often considered the most challenging of all the branches. Graduating from this rigorous 13-week training program is a remarkable achievement. Here is information on their basic training graduation day.
Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Uniform
Expect to see Marines in their sharply tailored Dress Blues, a uniform steeped in tradition and pride.
Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Location
Graduations are held at one of two locations depending on where training took place:
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (South Carolina)
- Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (California)
Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
Marine Corps flags, engraved Ka-Bars, and fitness trackers are all thoughtful gifts for new Marines. Don’t forget personalized items like custom drinkware or plaques celebrating their achievement.
Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation Dates / Schedules 2025
Graduation typically takes place on Fridays, following Family Day on Thursday. Be sure to consult the official schedule for 2025 to plan accordingly. You can find the schedules for 2025 for San Diego here and the schedule for 2025 for Parris Island here.
Things to Do After Marine Corps Boot Camp Graduation
Spend the day enjoying nearby attractions. At Parris Island, explore the Parris Island Museum. At San Diego, take advantage of the city’s famous beaches or visit the San Diego Zoo.
Air Force Boot Camp Graduation
Air Force basic training, located at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, lasts 7.5 weeks and prepares graduates to soar in their military careers. Here’s information about their basic training graduation day.
Air Force Boot Camp Graduation Uniform
Graduates will wear their service dress uniforms, which reflect precision and excellence.
Air Force Boot Camp Graduation Location
Graduation ceremonies happen at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, also known as “Gateway to the Air Force.”
Air Force Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
Consider gifts like Air Force-themed apparel, or custom leather-bound journals. Practical gadgets like noise-canceling headphones are also a great idea.
Air Force Boot Camp Graduation Dates / Schedules 2025
Graduation ceremonies often take place on Thursdays, but double-check the schedule posted by Lackland AFB for 2025.
Things to Do After Air Force Boot Camp Graduation
Explore San Antonio’s highlights, including the River Walk, The Alamo, and the Mission Trail. Relish some local Tex-Mex cuisine to conclude the day on a delicious note.
Coast Guard Boot Camp Graduation
Coast Guard boot camp is an 8-week challenge located at Training Center Cape May, New Jersey. Here’s information about their basic training graduation day.
Coast Guard Boot Camp Graduation Uniform
Graduates will don their Service Dress Blue uniforms, a symbol of readiness and preparation.
Coast Guard Boot Camp Graduation Location
The ceremony is hosted at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May. It’s a proud moment in the life of every Coastie and their families.
Coast Guard Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
Gift ideas include hats, shirts, or customized water bottles with a Coast Guard theme.
Coast Guard Boot Camp Graduation Dates / Schedules 2025
Graduation dates typically fall on Fridays. Be sure to check the official website for up-to-date details for 2025 schedules.
Things to Do After Coast Guard Boot Camp Graduation
Explore the charming Cape May area with your Coastie. Relax on the beach or visit the Cape May Lighthouse for stunning views.
Space Force Boot Camp Graduation
The newest branch of the U.S. military, the Space Force, holds its basic training graduation as an extension of Air Force basic training.
Space Force Boot Camp Graduation Uniform
Guardians wear the Space Force-specific uniform, showcasing their pride in being pioneers of the military's newest branch. Here’s information about their basic training graduation day.
Space Force Boot Camp Graduation Location
Like the Air Force, Space Force graduations are held at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.
Space Force Boot Camp Graduation Gift Ideas
Space-themed memorabilia, gift cards, or even books about space exploration make perfect gifts.
Space Force Boot Camp Graduation Dates / Schedules 2025
Graduation dates mirror those of the Air Force, typically taking place on Thursdays. Stay updated with the official Space Force schedule which you can find on the Air Force’s aforementioned website.
Things to Do After Space Force Boot Camp Graduation
Enjoy the same guest-friendly amenities and attractions in San Antonio as with Air Force graduations.
What to Wear to Boot Camp Graduation
Attendees should aim for a business casual look, respecting the formality of the ceremony. Consider wearing comfortable shoes since you may be walking or standing for extended periods. And don’t forget your camera to capture the special moments of basic training graduation day.
Celebrate the Journey Ahead
Graduating from basic training is an unforgettable experience for military recruits and their families. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of resilience, discipline, and the commitment to serve.
Be sure to mark your calendar, pack the perfect gift, and, most importantly, show up ready to cheer them on as they step into an exciting new chapter of their military career!