Your Airman is about to graduate Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) at the 737th Training Group, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland — congratulations. This free guide walks you through everything you need to plan the trip: how the Airman's Coin Ceremony and graduation parade work, base access, and where to stay, eat, and get around San Antonio, Texas.
Graduation Week at a Glance
- Airman's Coin Ceremony: held near the end of Week 7, when trainees receive their coin and officially earn the title of Airman.
- Graduation events: the Airman's Run, Retreat, and the formal Parade round out graduation week, with family invited to attend.
- Base access: guest policies and ticketing can change between your Airman's arrival and graduation week — always confirm current rules before you travel.
- Can't travel? Check with the 737th Training Group / JBSA-Lackland for current livestream or recording options.
Dates and guest policies change by flight and squadron. Always confirm with your Airman and official JBSA-Lackland channels.
About JBSA-Lackland & the 737th Training Group
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is home to the 737th Training Group, which runs Basic Military Training for every enlisted Airman in the U.S. Air Force — it's the only location for Air Force BMT. Training runs about 7.5 weeks and ends with the Airman's Coin Ceremony and graduation parade, where trainees officially become Airmen. The base is in San Antonio, Texas, about 20–30 minutes from San Antonio International Airport (SAT).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Air Force BMT?
Air Force Basic Military Training runs 7.5 weeks of training (about 8.5 weeks including Zero Week in-processing), all at the 737th Training Group, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.
Where is Air Force BMT graduation held?
Graduation week events, including the Airman's Coin Ceremony, Airman's Run, Retreat, and the formal Parade, are held at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas.
Can family attend Air Force BMT graduation?
Yes. Guests are welcome at graduation week events. Ticketing and access details can change, so always confirm current guidance with your Airman and JBSA-Lackland before you travel.
How early should I book a hotel for BMT graduation?
As early as you can. Hotels near JBSA-Lackland fill up during graduation weeks because every family in the graduating flights is booking the same nights. Book early for better rates and locations.
