Fort Benning, Georgia: What to Know and Expect when Visiting

It has been years since I have been on an Army post; not since 9-11. So when I headed for Georgia to Fort Benning, I hoped I had what I needed in order to visit my brother. If you are headed to your soldier's Army graduation or to visit, here are a few tips for preparation.

Bring Proper Identification

It seems a little common sense to mention this but you will need more than just your current (not expired!) driver's license. When you arrive on post, the first thing you will do is stop at the Provost Marshal's office to get a pass. You will need your driver's license, car registration and insurance card (if you are driving your own vehicle.) If you are driving a rental, be prepared to offer your paperwork and or hotel information.

Once you have received your pass, display it on the driver's side window and proceed to the first security checkpoint. The security officer will request identification for all occupants of the car over the age of 16. Keep it handy because sometimes you will be going through more than one checkpoint.

Remember that on an Army post, you have agreed to be searched at any point just by being on post.

Follow the Signs

For the most part, if you are visiting Fort Benning, it will be for a soldier's graduation or beret ceremony. When you receive your pass, the provost will give you directions. After you reach the security checkpoints, follow the signs provided by the side of the road. Usually the security officer will point out which colored sign to follow.

The beret ceremony is usually held in front of your soldier's starship, or barracks. There will be designated parking and usually a large crowd headed to the bleachers that are set up for the occasion.

The graduation ceremony is usually held on Pomeroy field. The parking lot is a short walk from the bleachers (which are covered). Do be careful though as you will be walking over gravel.

Vendor Booths

When you attend your soldier's beret ceremony, you will see tented booths set up along the path. The soldiers have already had their platoon, Class A, and ACU pictures taken and you can order them from these sellers. There will also be a place to put in your order for a video recording of your soldier's upcoming graduation. Bring cash as most of these booths are not set up to take credit cards or checks. For the photos, you will pay in advance and receive your completed order the following day at graduation. Photos generally run $20+.

At graduation, you will see far more vendor booths set up on Pomeroy field. The first booths are devoted to photos and you can pick up your orders at this time. The videos will be mailed to you directly. The following are souvenir booths where you can purchase Army proud sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, et cetera. Again, bring cash.

Bring Your Own Water

In the summer, Fort Benning is very hot and humid. Be sure to drink a lot of water as you are out in the sunshine. While waiting for the ceremonies, I did not see opportunities to purchase water. They did have a couple of water jugs and cups set up at tables but you may want to bring your own bottled water. The ceremonies do not last any longer than an hour but the heat is intense.

Beret Ceremony

The field is not covered and you will most likely be sitting in bleachers or folding chairs set up under the blazing sun. It will be hot, but you will not be sitting there long. The ceremony usually lasts about 20 minutes.

Be on the alert for your soldier's arrival. He will be marching with his assigned platoon but it may not necessarily be in the order you expect. My brother was assigned with 1^st platoon but they marched second because 4^th platoon was the "honor" platoon.

Donning of the berets will not last more than a few seconds so be ready to snap a picture fast.

Graduation Ceremony

Ask your soldier (if possible) where his platoon will be standing in the graduation ceremonies. Pomeroy field is very large and if you are sitting on the wrong side, you may miss him. As it is, you most likely will not see your soldier very clearly unless he is on the front row. Binoculars may be a good item to bring with you or a camera with a good telephoto lens. The soldiers will march past the grandstands at one point in the ceremony so have your camera ready to shoot.

Prepare yourself and your children for loud noises. There was a tactical demonstration at the ceremony we attended complete with tanks, rifle fire, smoke grenades and other assorted loud noises.

Enjoy the ceremony. The speakers will share interesting tidbits about the history of the post, the unit, et cetera.

Once you are prepared to leave, pay attention to posted speed limits and signage. Leaving post is fairly easy and you should hit major highways right away.