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.
Everything you need for graduation week.
Hotels
Where to Stay
Best areas near JBSA-Lackland and San Antonio — and why grad-week rooms book out fast.
Arrivals
Airport & Transit
Flying into San Antonio (SAT), rental cars, and the drive to Lackland.
Schedule
The 7.5-Week Arc
A phase-by-phase look at BMT, and how to confirm your Airman's graduation date.
The Ceremony
Airman's Coin Ceremony
What the coin ceremony, Airman's Run, and Parade actually look like.
Local Guide
San Antonio & Beyond
The River Walk, the Alamo, and a celebratory weekend with your Airman.
Gifts
For Your Airman
What they'll actually want heading into technical training.