March to Jack's Valley: Best Place to View?

Nav84

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When the cadets march to Jack's Valley at 0630 on Monday, 16 July, whrere is the best place for a parent to watch and have a good chance of seeing their Basic? I read they will be marching by the B-52. Is this truly the best spot? Does it get very crowded?
 
There are plenty of parents that go to the B-52, but I wouldn't describe it as being too crowded. You could also probably catch them at the beginning of the march by the Field House.
 
Isn't the March back more interesting? I forget.

I'd say the experience is about the same, with the only difference being the basics are marching in the opposite direction...
 
I have been to both the march out and the march back... in fact, because Ilive locally, I went both times when my cadet was a Doolie and again both times when he was serving as a Squad Commander and leading his group on the march.

I think the B-52 is the best place to view the march out - there is plenty of room for all that attend on both the west side and the north side of the that area (and if you are quick enough, you might get to view both angles!)


For the march back, we were prepared to go one place when WebGuy posted that due to thunderstorms, they had changed the route, and would not be passing the B-52. We ended up on the corner of the road where you trun to go to the field house, and had an awesome, close up view. We were then able to scamble to get to the Chapel wall and see the dismissal, which is an exciting moment for all. Just a reminder that things can change, and quickly, so keep track on Web Guy and/or follow the rest of the crowd.

In my opinion, the march back is a little more exciting. More time has passed, and there have been more activities which build bonds and a sense of team among the cadets. They look and act like a unit, which is cool to observe. Also once Jack's is complete, the kids seem to sense that the end of basic is in sight, so they seem a little more relaxed - singing Jodies etc.

However, having said that, I would not want to miss the march out. I was also very impressive - you can really tell how far the cadets have come in three weeks.

Be prepared for the number of kids that get bussed to or from Jack's due to injury etc - it more than I expected.
 
Thanks for the info. Planning to watch the march. If they start out from the field House at 6:30 (is that right?) about what time do they usually get to the B52? Being that it's early I hoped to narrow the window if possible but not risk missing it either!
 
What time does the front gate open? I thought it was 8am.....so can we get on base early enough to view the march??
 
I have been to both the march out and the march back... in fact, because Ilive locally, I went both times when my cadet was a Doolie and again both times when he was serving as a Squad Commander and leading his group on the march.

I think the B-52 is the best place to view the march out - there is plenty of room for all that attend on both the west side and the north side of the that area (and if you are quick enough, you might get to view both angles!)


For the march back, we were prepared to go one place when WebGuy posted that due to thunderstorms, they had changed the route, and would not be passing the B-52. We ended up on the corner of the road where you trun to go to the field house, and had an awesome, close up view. We were then able to scamble to get to the Chapel wall and see the dismissal, which is an exciting moment for all. Just a reminder that things can change, and quickly, so keep track on Web Guy and/or follow the rest of the crowd.

In my opinion, the march back is a little more exciting. More time has passed, and there have been more activities which build bonds and a sense of team among the cadets. They look and act like a unit, which is cool to observe. Also once Jack's is complete, the kids seem to sense that the end of basic is in sight, so they seem a little more relaxed - singing Jodies etc.

However, having said that, I would not want to miss the march out. I was also very impressive - you can really tell how far the cadets have come in three weeks.

Be prepared for the number of kids that get bussed to or from Jack's due to injury etc - it more than I expected.

Thanks for the detailed post. We are going to fly in to see A-Day and we want to watch the march back from Jacks Valley. Do you happen to know what time that happens and on what day? I understand A-Day is August 7th.
 
Thanks for the detailed post. We are going to fly in to see A-Day and we want to watch the march back from Jacks Valley. Do you happen to know what time that happens and on what day? I understand A-Day is August 7th.

The USAFA BCT FAQ reflects they march back on July 28, 2012 at 1300.
 
They may come back a different way but if you listen you will know they're on their way back by the singing. last year 2015 did not comeback by the B 52 so the best place to watch was chapel wall onthe Arnold hall side.
 
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