Where is Fort Sill basic training
Fort Sill is in Southwest Oklahoma, in the valley of the Wichita Mountain range. Fort Sill is located about 90 minutes south of Oklahoma City, or as it is often called, “The City”, and 45 minutes north of Wichita Falls, Texas.
What is the weather like
One thing to remember about the weather in Oklahoma is that you can experience all four seasons in one day. If your Soldier is fortunate enough to graduate in the spring or fall, you will have mild temperatures around 80 F. However, be prepared for the wind. “Ooooooklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin down the plains.” This is also the “rainy” season, so make sure to have an umbrella ready.
If your Soldier will graduate in the summer months (May through late September), bring sunscreen because the temperature can exceed 100 F.
If you will be coming to Fort Sill in the winter, dress warmly. The temperature can get down into the 20s, though there is not much snow.
What airport is closest to Fort Sill
When flying in for the Fort Sill graduation, you have two airports to choose from:
- Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport (LAW): Approximately 10 minutes from Bentley Gate on Sheridan Road, commonly known as the Sheridan Gate.
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC): Located in Oklahoma City.
Consider the options when planning your flight to Fort Sill. While the Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport is much closer, flying into that airport tends to be more expensive and only offers service to and from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport. This may add an extra stop to your itinerary.
If you are flying into Oklahoma City, Will Rogers World Airport, you will need to make transportation arrangements to drive to Fort Sill. There are many car rental companies located at the airport.
What hotels are near Fort Sill
Lawton is the neighboring town and has approximately 31 hotels to choose from, but do not delay booking your room as the hotels tend to fill up fast. It is very possible that there can be more than one Army basic training graduation happening on the same day.
Any hotel you choose in Lawton will be within 20 minutes of Fort Sill, even if you encounter every red light.
Fort Sill graduation visitor pass
If you are staying off base at a local hotel when visiting your Soldier basic training graduation, you will need to access Fort Sill through Key Gate, located off Interstate 44. There will be guards at the gate and they will instruct you where to go for Family Day and Graduation. If you are a United States citizen, please have a valid identification with you. If you have rented a car to get on Fort Sill, make sure you have your rental agreement and proof of insurance available, as you are subject to vehicle inspection.
If you are not a United States citizen, you must register for a visitor pass. You can register and request your visitor pass before you arrive at Fort Sill on the Fort Sill website.
If you plan to get your pass when you arrive at Fort Sill, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time. The Visitor Center can be quite busy.
Do not forget to bring your smile because you will be issued a visitor pass with your photo on it. Guard this identification closely because you must present it when going through the gate every time you enter Fort Sill.
Fort Sill graduation Family Day
You are not required to have tickets to attend Family Day or the Graduation. There is no limit to the number of people that can attend these events. Keep your Family Day and Graduation schedule handy.
Family Day is a glorious day. You will finally get to see your new Soldier for the first time in weeks. You will receive all the scheduled details, such as times and locations, in your graduation packet that will be mailed to you. Generally, events will begin between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., and you will meet at the Battery or Company building.
Family Day is a very enjoyable event. Your Soldier will get to show off all that they have learned, such as weapons demonstrations, drill and ceremony, and physical fitness. Have your cameras ready.
After all the drills have concluded, you will receive instructions on passes, graduation times and locations, and where your Soldier can and cannot go.
You will then be able to take your Soldier out into Lawton or stay on Fort Sill. The Soldiers usually have to sign back into their Battery around 8 p.m. Whatever you do, do not be late.
Fort Sill graduation ceremony
Graduations are held at the Cache Creek Chapel Complex, unless otherwise stated. This information will be in the graduation packet, so keep that packet safe when you receive it. It is recommended that you arrive about 30 minutes before the graduation to get a good seat.
Your new Soldier will be in full military mode, so keep in mind that they will not be able to socialize with you before or during the ceremony.
After the entrance of the Soldiers, they will recite the Soldiers Creed, acknowledge the distinguished guests, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and sing the Army Song, “The Army Goes Rolling Along.”
Then comes the exciting part. Each Soldier will call out their name and hometown as they walk across the stage. The Battery Commander will then speak to you and your Soldier. After this, the Soldiers will exit the ceremony.
After graduation
Your Soldier will receive instructions on their next steps. Your Soldier may receive a pass to spend the day with you or be instructed to report for AIT.
AIT, or Advanced Individual Training, is where your Soldier will learn their job, called their MOS (military occupational specialty). If your Soldier is a 13 or 14 Mike, they will stay at Fort Sill for this training. This is where your Soldier will learn why Field Artillery is known as “King of the Battle.”
If your Soldier is a 13 or 14 Mike and is instructed to report to AIT immediately following graduation, you will find out if they will be permitted to take a pass for the weekend.
Be patient, as it can take some time for your Soldier to complete their in processing. You will have to attend a briefing that will give you instructions on a pass and what the next steps for your Soldier will be. A pass is at the discretion of the AIT unit that your Soldier is assigned to.
If your Soldier is not attending AIT at Fort Sill, they should be allowed to spend the day with you before reporting back to Fort Sill to receive their next duty assignment and prepare to ship to the next location.
Fort Sill graduation live stream
Fort Sill offers live streaming of graduation ceremonies, so you can watch the event even if you are unable to attend in person.
Fort Sill graduation tips
- Try to remember to walk on your Soldier left side. Your Soldier is required to salute an officer quickly with their right hand. Walking on the right side can cause your Soldier to accidentally bump you.
- You are representing your Soldier. Conduct is key. You do not want to embarrass your Soldier or possibly get them into trouble.
- In the military you learn to “hurry up and wait.” The Army works on its own schedule and schedules are always subject to change.
- Rules are strictly enforced. Be mindful not to encourage your new Soldier to break any rules. Always respect post regulations. Your Soldier will help you with this.
- While there is no specific dress code, you should dress in something nice but comfortable. Heels are not recommended because the parade field is not “heel friendly.”
- Do not be alarmed by the loud “booms.” Many Soldiers will tell you, “that is the sound of Freedom.” This is artillery going off on one of the ranges during field training.
- “Reveille” and “Retreat.” Reveille is played at 6 a.m. and Retreat is played at 5 p.m. on Fort Sill. If you happen to be on post and outside, you will notice everything stops. You will hear a cannon fire signaling the beginning of the song. During this time, please stop, stand still, remove your hat, place your hand over your heart, and face the Flag. If you do not see the Flag, face the direction of the music. If you happen to be driving, pull to the side of the road and follow the same steps. Reveille is the raising of the American Flag at the beginning of the work day. Retreat is the lowering of the American Flag at the end of the work day.