Fort Sill is a U.S. Army post located in Lawton, Oklahoma. It is where thousands of soldiers complete their basic combat training (BCT) and advanced individual training (AIT). If you have a loved one who is graduating from Fort Sill, you might be wondering how to plan your trip. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to make your Fort Sill Graduation trip memorable. We will cover the following topics:

• Knowing the graduation dates and schedules
• Booking your travel and accommodation
• What to expect on the graduation day

How to Find Out the Graduation Dates and Schedules for Fort Sill Graduations

The first step to planning your trip is to find out when and where the graduation will take place. Details depends on the unit and the training cycle of your soldier. You can find this information by contacting your soldier directly or visiting the Fort Sill website. Here are some tips to help you find the graduation dates and schedules:

• Contact your soldier: The best way to get the most accurate information is to ask your soldier directly. They will receive a letter from their unit with the graduation details. You can also ask use their unit name and number, which will help you find their Facebook page and website.
• Check their unit’s Facebook page: Most units have their own Facebook page, where they post the graduation details. There are also photos and videos of the training activities. You can search for the unit name and number on Facebook, or use the Fort Sill Graduation Dates page.

Once you have the graduation dates and schedules, you can start planning your travel. In the next section, we will give you some tips on how to book your travel.

How to Book Your Travel and Accommodation

The next step to plan your trip is to book your flight, hotel, and car rental. Depending on your budget and preferences, you have different options to choose from. Here are some tips to help you book your travel and accommodation:

Book your flight:

The nearest airport to Fort Sill is Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport (LAW), which is about 15 minutes away from the post. However, this airport has limited flights and may be more expensive than other nearby airports. Other options include Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City, which is about 90 minutes away. If you don’t mind short road trips Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is about 3 hours away. You can compare the flight prices and schedules using online tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Alternatively you can contact Adventure Travel, a local travel agency that specializes in Fort Sill graduations, and they will help you find the best airfare deals in town.

Book your Lodging:

There are many options near Fort Sill including our own Cameron Getaway, which is a nearby and affordable vacation rental. Some of the hotels are Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Candlewood Suites. You can book your hotel online using websites like Booking.com or Hotels.com.

Book your car rental:

If you are flying to a different airport than Lawton, you will need to rent a car to get to Fort Sill. You can book your car rental online using websites like Expedia or Kayak. There are rental cars available at the airport. You can find the car rental companies and their contact information on the Lawton Airport website.

Once you have booked your travel and accommodation, you can start preparing for graduation day. In the next section, we will tell you what to expect on graduation day and how to make it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

What to Expect on Fort Sill Graduation Day

The graduation day is the most exciting and rewarding part of your trip. You get to see your soldier march on the field and receive their diploma. There are some things you need to know and prepare before you attend the ceremony. Here are some tips to help you expect on the graduation day:

Arrive early:

The graduation ceremonies will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. at the Fort Sill Polo Field. You will access the post through Key Gate West. We highly recommend that guests carpool to mitigate limited parking. You should arrive at least an hour before the ceremony to avoid traffic and find a good spot to watch the graduation.

Bring the essentials: You should bring the following items to the graduation ceremony:

• Valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport, to enter the post.
• Copy of your soldier’s graduation letter, which has their name, unit, and graduation details.
• Camera or a phone to capture the memorable moments.
• Water bottle and a snack to stay hydrated and energized.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun or rain.
• Jacket or a blanket to keep yourself warm in case of cold weather.

Enjoy the ceremony:

The graduation ceremony will last for about 30 minutes, during which you will see your soldier march on the field with their unit, recite the Soldier’s Creed, and receive their diploma. You will also hear speeches from the commanding officers and the guest speaker. Families can cheer and clap for their soldier and their unit, but please refrain from shouting or whistling. This may distract the soldiers or disrupt the ceremony.

Spend time with your soldier:

After the ceremony, you will be allowed to spend time with your soldier on the Polo Field until noon. You can hug them, congratulate them, and take pictures with them. Families can also enjoy some food and drinks from the food trucks, the USO, or the SFRG that will be available on the field. You can also find some seating areas to relax and chat with your soldier.

Conclusion:

Fort Sill graduations are a proud and joyous occasion for the soldiers and their families. They mark the completion of a challenging and rewarding training program that prepares them for their military careers. By following these tips, you can make it a memorable and enjoyable experience.