JBSA-Lackland provides accessibility services for BMT graduation, but most require advance coordination. If you or a family member has mobility, hearing, or medical needs, plan ahead and contact the base at least 2 weeks before graduation.
Wheelchair & mobility
Wheelchair shuttle (Thursday)
A runs from 7:30 to 8:30 AM, taking wheelchair users from Reception Center parking to the Parade Field. One escort per wheelchair user is allowed. Reserve a spot via 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil.
Accessible parking
Standard handicap placards and plates are recognized on base. Contact the accessibility office in advance about parking arrangements. Lots fill quickly on ceremony mornings, so arrive early.
Bleacher limitations
Both ceremonies use with no ramps or wheelchair-accessible seating sections. If a family member cannot use bleachers, plan to watch from ground level near the edges. Severe weather moves the ceremony to your Airman's instead of the bleacher venue; if that happens, email 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil ahead of time so staff can plan around your mobility needs at whichever location families end up.
Hearing & medical
Hearing services
An is available at both ceremonies by advance request. Reserve via 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil.
- Wednesday:Meet at the Reception Center information desk by 7:00 AM. The interpreter will be stationed with you during the Airman's Run and Coin Ceremony.
- Thursday: Designated seating near loudspeakers is provided for families using hearing services. Confirm the meeting point when you email to reserve.
- Your assigned interpreter contacts you directly the Tuesday before graduation to confirm meeting details.
- If your Airman's graduation date changes, notify Public Affairs so your interpreter request moves with it.
Medical needs
- If someone has a medical emergency during a ceremony, flag down any uniformed personnel. JBSA-Lackland is an active military installation with on-base medical response.
- There is no dedicated first aid tent on the public ceremony grounds. Base security carries basic first aid supplies.
- Both days are outdoors with no shade and water stations are inside the Reception Center only. See “What to bring” below for the full packing list and the What to Wear guide for season-specific prep.
Plan ahead
Before you go
2-week deadline
All accessibility services require coordination at least 2 weeks before your graduation date. Email 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil with your graduation date, requested services, and a contact phone number.
What to request
- Wheelchair shuttle (Thursday Parade, 7:30–8:30 AM, one escort included)
- ASL interpreter (both days, confirm meeting location)
- Any other mobility or sensory accommodation needs
What to bring
- Portable phone charger (long waits between events)
- Seat cushion for metal bleachers
- Sunscreen, hat, or cold-weather layers depending on your week
- Full water bottle (water stations are inside the Reception Center)
- Any prescription medications you may need during the 4–5 hour ceremony window
Quick reference
- Wheelchair shuttle: Thu 7:30–8:30 AM (1 escort)
- ASL interpreter: Wed + Thu (advance request)
- Accessible parking: contact base in advance
- Deadline: email 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil at least 2 weeks before graduation
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a handicap shuttle for BMT graduation?
- Yes. A wheelchair shuttle runs on Thursday only from 7:30 to 8:30 AM, transporting wheelchair users from Reception Center parking to the Parade Field. One escort per wheelchair user is allowed. To reserve in advance, email 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil at least 2 weeks before graduation.
- Can I request an ASL interpreter for BMT graduation?
- Yes. Email 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil at least 2 weeks before graduation to request an ASL interpreter. On Wednesday, meet at the Reception Center information desk at 7:00 AM. On Thursday, you'll have seating set up near the loudspeakers.
- How many guests can attend BMT graduation?
- Recent policy has allowed up to 6 adult guests (18+) per trainee who don't already have a military or DoD ID, but that count isn't published anywhere on the official site and is set by BMT policy, it can vary by week. Your Airman's welcome letter from the BMT Commander is the authoritative source for your specific week. Children under 17 don't need a pass and don't count toward the limit. DoD-issued ID holders (including Coast Guard CACs, but not non-DoD federal PIV badges) can enter independently. There's no published per-Airman seating limit for outdoor ceremonies, but bleacher capacity is the practical constraint, so arrive by 6:00 AM for the best seats.
- Is there seating at BMT graduation?
- Both ceremonies use metal bleachers. Wednesday seating is at the Pfingston Reception Center. Thursday seating is on the parade field. Bleachers are uncovered with no shade. In summer they can reach surface temperatures above 130°F. In winter, wind chill makes metal seats bitterly cold. Consider bringing a small seat cushion and dressing in layers.
- Is there accessible seating at BMT graduation?
- No dedicated accessible seating exists at either ceremony. Both the Coin Ceremony and the Graduation Parade use metal bleachers with no ramps or wheelchair-accessible seating sections. If a family member cannot use the bleachers, the standard accommodation is to watch from ground level near the edges of the bleacher area instead. Standard handicap placards and plates are recognized for parking on base; accessible parking fills quickly on ceremony mornings, so contact 37TRW.PA.INBOX@us.af.mil in advance and arrive early. A separate wheelchair shuttle also runs Thursday only between Reception Center parking and the Parade Field. It moves people between locations rather than providing seating, so ground-level viewing next to the bleachers remains the option during the ceremony itself.