There is no dress code for families, but both graduation events are outdoors in San Antonio. Metal , uneven terrain, and unpredictable weather mean what you wear matters more than how you look.

How to dress

Wednesday is at the Pfingston Reception Center (concrete, partially covered). Thursday is on the parade field (grass, dirt, fully exposed). See the Getting There guide for venue photos and directions.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes with traction.Metal bleachers are slippery. Thursday's parade field is grass and dirt, often dewy in the morning. Skip heels and sandals.
Weather-appropriate layers.Mornings start cool even in summer. You'll sit on metal bleachers for 1 to 2 hours. Bring a light jacket you can stuff in a bag.
Hat and sunglasses. Both ceremonies are outdoors with no shade. A wide-brim hat is better than a baseball cap for sun protection.
Sunscreen.Apply before you arrive. You'll be in direct sun for hours. Reapply at the Reception Center between events.
Seat cushion or small blanket. Metal bleachers are brutal in every season. Hot in summer, freezing in winter. A folded blanket works as a cushion and warmth layer.

What NOT to wear

High heels or wedges. Grass sinks, grates catch, you will walk a lot between parking and venue.
Open-toe sandals or flip-flops. Long walks on concrete and uneven ground.
Anything you cannot move in. You will climb bleachers, walk across a field, and rush the floor during .

Season guide

January – February

40–60°F

Bundle up. Morning bleachers are frigid metal. Bring a blanket or seat cushion. Layers you can shed as it warms toward midday.

March – May

65–85°F

Best months. Light layers for cool mornings, comfortable by mid-morning. Sunscreen and hat for Thursday parade field.

June – September

90–100°F+

Extreme heat. Metal bleachers exceed 130°F surface temp. Light colors, sunscreen, hat, water bottle. Consider a small cooling towel.

October – December

45–80°F

Variable. Cold fronts can drop temps 20 degrees overnight. Check the forecast the week before and pack layers.

Squadron colors

Many families wear their trainee's to the Coin Ceremony on Wednesday. This helps you spot each other in the crowd during , the emotional rush when families find their Airman on the floor.

320th TRS

Gators · Red

321st TRS

Warthogs · Gray

322nd TRS

Eagles · Blue

323rd TRS

Mustangs · Maroon

324th TRS

Knights · Purple

326th TRS

Bulldogs · Dark Blue

331st TRS

Wolfpack · Black

Your Airman will tell you their squadron in a letter during training. Not required, but it is a fun tradition.

Check your ceremony-day forecast

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Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to BMT graduation?: There's no dress code for families, but both ceremonies are outdoors. Wednesday is at the Pfingston Reception Center on concrete with metal bleachers. Thursday is on the parade field, which is grass and dirt. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip, weather-appropriate layers, and skip the heels. Metal bleachers get scorching in summer and frigid in winter. Bring a seat cushion if you have one.
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.
What is the weather like for BMT graduation in San Antonio?: San Antonio weather varies dramatically by month. January and February are cold (40 to 60°F) with wind chill on metal bleachers. March is unpredictable with 30-degree swings possible. April and May are the best months (65 to 85°F). June through September is extreme heat (90 to 100°F+) with high humidity. October through December are pleasant but variable with sudden cold fronts. Both ceremonies are fully outdoors with no shade.
Should I wear my Airman's squadron colors to graduation?: Many families wear their Airman's squadron color to the Coin Ceremony on Wednesday for the Tap Out moment. It isn't required, but it's a fun tradition. The seven BMT squadrons and their colors: 320th TRS (Gators) Red, 321st TRS (Warthogs) Gray, 322nd TRS (Eagles) Blue, 323rd TRS (Mustangs) Maroon, 324th TRS (Knights) Purple, 326th TRS (Bulldogs) Dark Blue, 331st TRS (Wolfpack) Black.
What is Tap Out at BMT graduation?: Tap Out happens at the end of the Coin Ceremony on Wednesday. Families are invited onto the floor to find their Airman and "tap" them on the shoulder. This is the first physical contact since shipping to basic training. The moment is chaotic and emotional. Many families wear their squadron color to help spot each other in the crowd.

What to Wear