How to Count in Military Cadence

The tough drill sergeant barking out marching orders to a jogging group of cadets is an image anyone who's ever watched a military film is familiar with. These commands, known as military cadence, aren't merely a form of encouragement but also a tool used to help runners perform. The pace and pattern wedges runners into a zone in order to run better.

Instructions

1. Listen to military cadences at Vet Friends website and get a feel for their structure. Listen to CDs or MP3s of taped cadences and find the pattern. While the untrained ear might not pick up on the details, there is a specific goal and rhythm for each cadence.

2. Count your cadences in a similar pattern or beat. This lets the runners know what count is coming. This helps them stay in order and all run at the same pace.

3. Read the lyrics to popular cadences. You will find that many tell a story or are at least fun. This is no accident as it keeps the runners' minds off the grueling work they are performing.

4. Keep the beat simple. Most cadences are a 1-2 and 1-2-3 count. Muddling up the count with complex cadences tends to fail at entertaining and pacing the runners, and will make the entire job more difficult.

5. Have a drill sergeant or a private run alongside the group to maintain the pace. Having someone run with the group and deliver the cadence is an indispensable asset. It works to keep soldiers motivated and working hard.

Resources

• Military cadences