Pinnacle

From USAFA Folklore

Pinnacle is an Academy training event started in 2005, to be part of a series of progressive training milestones, to include Commandant's Challenge, Pinnacle, and Recognition. The goal of these events is to build teamwork, promote leadership, and create a sense of accomplishment for every cadet. Occurring in (what time of the year?), Pinnacle is specifically designed to exemplify the skills cadets have sharpened throughout their training at USAFA and signal a transition to the next phase of a cadet’s career.

Pinnacle incorporates various events to test cadets' endurance and to honor those who have given their lives in service to the nation. Elements of Pinnacle training include a cumulative competency test over professional military lessons, a SAMI, a parade, and the Line Challenge, a demanding obstacle course coupled with a formation run.

One of the most important aspects of Pinnacle is the 7.6-mile Heritage March. The purpose of this march is to reflect on and honor those people who have served before us as we acknowledge the responsibility and the burden of command all cadets will face in the future.

In other words, Pinnacle is a lame substitution for Recogniton. Most cadets see the class of 07 and 08 as nobodies because they were never recognized and only went through Pinnacle.

(Taken largely from USAFA press release, 19 Apr 06)