FM 7-22 Clearly states 1 Organizational Run a quarter. Who is in a Unit that Violates this?

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 01:55:50 -0400

According to FM 7-22:

The UFR elicits intangible rewards gained from running with a group, such as esprit de corps, team
building, and discipline. Unit formation runs are based on a time and/or distance that can be achieved with unit
integrity and a display of unit cohesion. Unit formation runs are organized by squad, platoon, company, or
battalion; not by ability. Keeping a large unit in step, with proper distance intervals and correct running form,
offers intangible benefits that commander’s desire. Commanders should not use UFRs as the foundation of their
PRT program. They should be performed no more than once per quarter due to the limited training effect
offered for the entire unit.

So tell me why we do it 3 and 4 times a quarter? Again with the hypocratic - "Do as I say, Not as I do"

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Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 3 at 2015 2:23 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 03 May 2015 02:23:36 -0400

One of the units I was with would have UFR's on a monthly basis. Just one of many reasons I hate to run today. 10 minute mile pace 1LT Scott D., we were never lucky enough to take a leisurely stroll around the post.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 3:57 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 03:57:53 -0400

Usually the generals and colonels like to have unit runs for special occasions (SHARP awareness, July 4, Halloween, etc.) It gives them a chance to address the formation and maybe deliver a safety speech before a long weekend like Memorial Day. Not sure how effective it is, but that is usually the intent.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made May 3 at 2015 4:16 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 03 May 2015 04:16:26 -0400

Those 101st Airborne Division runs were impressive I must say.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 4:35 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 04:35:04 -0400

What happen to the daily runs ? And the pay day runs ? We ran in boots in full field gear .
I spent much of my time at FT. Bragg . If you were a leg I guess you complained about a little run . We had runs that stretched from smoke bomb hill to old division and out long street and back .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 4:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 04:46:02 -0400

They should be performed no more than once per quarter due to the limited training effect
offered for the entire unit.

The key word is "SHOULD" in that sentence. As soon as the word should is read, that can be interpreted to mean "should your unit be available to do weekly Espirit-de-Corp Runs, then that is great! Should they be too busy training, that once a quarter is a good consolation prize."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 5:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 05:36:16 -0400

I think I would have to read this in the field manual for myself . It has always been taught that unit drills in formation build "esprit de corps" . I know things change over the past 20 plus years I have been out and retired . I can see how non Airborne units (LEGS ) could complain about not being able to double time in step as a unit . Or they would complain about a little run . We had to run 4 miles just to qualify to go to jump school . Everyone I knew just as I was asked to go Airborne in Bootcamp We had the highest PT test scores in the company .

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made May 3 at 2015 6:06 AM

MSG Greg Kelly — Sun, 03 May 2015 06:06:04 -0400

Its most likely the commander of this unit or units like this A. just likes to run so thinks it would be great to run as a unit. B. These COs think they need to be seen a lot so they perform more unit runs. C. CO is on some kind of power kick. I would like to think this one is BS but Humans do stupid shit. D. Maybe CO thinks morale in his/her unit low and is trying to build it. E. The worst thing ever some Officer or NCO is has head up the COs backside or his own and is a afraid to say Sir why are you doing this?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2015 6:44 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2015 06:44:25 -0400

FM 7-22 is doctrine and does not bind us like regulations. Doctrine is a guideline for leaders to follow and is not punitive if not followed precisely. Sounds like you have a command issue or a commander that likes to run. You know what they say...suck it up buttercup!

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made May 3 at 2015 2:06 PM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Sun, 03 May 2015 14:06:02 -0400

I miss being to run period (permanent profile due to disc issues in my back); but I DON'T miss doing Corp level runs at Ft. Lewis...nothing like watching the people who started running pass by and then starting to run in a giant slinky about 45 minutes later lol...or the 4:00 formation to stand around for 4 hours.