Jack's Valley
From USAFA Folklore
Jack's Valley is a 3,300-acre training complex on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy used for military field training.
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[edit] Basic Cadet Training
Although the area is used year round by various military units and some civilian groups, the primary use of Jack's Valley is during the second half of Basic Cadet Training (BCT) each summer, when the basic cadets train in a field encampment environment. The new cadets march to and from Jack's Valley, and while they are there, undergo one of the most physically demanding parts of their training at the Academy.
While at Jack's Valley, basic cadets complete the Obstacle Course; the Leadership Reaction Course; the Confidence Course; and the Assault Course. They also compete in the Big Bad Basic competition using pugil sticks.
[edit] Other uses
Different areas within Jack's Valley are used for the Global Engagement and Field Engineering Readiness Laboratory programs. The Academy's firing range is also within Jack's Valley and is used for Basic Cadet Training and other cadet firearms training programs.
[edit] Spelling
There is some debate over whether the location is properly spelled "Jack's Valley" or "Jacks Valley". Both versions are used on the USAFA web site, and on official USAFA literature. One story goes that the location is named after the farmer who used to own the land, Mr. Jacks.
[edit] Who was Jack?
Cleo and Zelda Jack had a 400+ acre cattle ranch on the north end of what we know as Jacks Valley. They been ranching their since 1942.
