Unit run
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The unit run (most commonly referred to by the unit type, such as "battalion run") is a United States military tradition wherein an entire unit of servicemembers run in an organized formation along a set route. The run is normally conducted on a military post, on streets that are closed to traffic. Common practice in many units is to conduct physical exercise before or around sunrise during the week, and thus many unit runs are conducted during that time. Distance and pace of the run can vary depending on the terrain, weather, and overall fitness level of the unit. However, since a unit's size can vary greatly in size, larger units tend to run slower. Thus, the generally-accepted purpose of the run is to develop esprit de corps rather than actually physically train, allowing even the slowest-running servicemember to participate.
Since a larger unit can be unwieldy in a single formation, it is normally divided into its constituents (such as companies for a battalion run, and in some cases, the companies further organize themselves by platoons).
A distinguishing feature of the unit run is the use of the unit's colors at the front of the formation. The Commanding Officer (or the next-ranking officer in the commander's absence) will be at the front of the column, and the colors will be just behind (and often to the left). It is common for the staff officers to run immediately behind the commander, followed by the smaller unit formations.
[edit] Purpose
The established reasons for having a unit run include:
- Allowing the commander to assess his troops' physical fitness
- Building unit esprit de corps
- Physical conditioning
Unit runs are often performed to mark an anniversary or holiday, or simply to maintain camaraderie and adhesion within the unit.
[edit] Military Traditions
Traditions vary among battalions, but the following are some of the most common.
- Carrying the colors and guidons are carried. Because the run is for purposes of morale and unit pride, the guidon bearer will often run around the formation during the course of the run, holding the guidon high.
- Military cadence is sung. The rhythmic (usually rhyming) verse that accompanies military runs is referred to as cadence, due to the fact that it is intended to keep all the soldiers running in step at the same pace. During a unit run, those servicemembers who are best at calling cadence are utilized to make the run more fun for the participants and to make a positive impression on leadership.
