Noon Meal Formation

From USAFA Folklore

Noon Meal Formation is the main military formation of the day. All squadrons form up on the Terrazzo and march to Mitchell Hall for lunch. It is also a rather significant tourist spectacle, and tourists would generally line the Chapel Wall to watch the formation. For most of the Academy's history, Noon Meal Formation has been held every day, Monday through Friday, except in severe weather. Post 9/11, the frequency of Noon Meal Formations was reduced drastically out of security concerns, but in recent years has increased once again.

There are many formalities that take part at Noon Meal Formation that do not take place at less formal formations. In the past, squadron guidons and unit colors were carried at the Noon Meal Formation, though more recently, the squadron colors have not been carried. The squadron commander and flight commanders normally carry sabres, and if it is appropriate for the uniform, all cadets wear service caps. Marching for Noon Meal Formation is also normally done to musical accompaniment. For many years, either the Air Force Academy Band or the Drum and Bugle Corps played. In ____, as a cost-saving measure, it was decided that the Drum and Bugle Corps could fill the role of the band instead.