Rifle run

From USAFA Folklore

A rifle run is a type of training session conducted in BDUs and carrying rifles. Fourth class cadets are taken on a run by their Training Staff. The runs typically go along Three Bears, the powerlines, or the overlook. Depending on the situation, the formation may carry a guidon.

Usually, an entire flight or squadron of Fourth Class Cadets go on the run and they are expected to run in formation and stay in step the whole time. The formation usually breaks down once difficult obstacles such as the Three Bears are reached.

Sometimes, a single cadet will be called out to run circles around the rest of the formation while the formation runs along. This is called "orbits" or "satellites" and can become especially exhausting.

When the formation crosses roads or intersections, one or two appointed cadets ("Road Guards") fall out and stop traffic so that the formation may cross safely.