Jacks Valley

Jacks Valley (sometimes written "Jack's Valley") is a 3,300-acre (13 km²) training complex on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy used for military field training. Although the area is used year round by various military units and some civilian groups, the primary use of Jacks Valley is during the second half of Basic Cadet Training (BCT) each summer, when the new cadets (or "basic cadets" as they are known during this first summer) train in a field encampment environment. The basic cadets march to and from Jacks Valley, and while they are there, undergo one of the most physically demanding parts of their training at the Academy.

Basic cadets tackle a problem on the Leadership Reaction Course

While at Jacks Valley, basic cadets complete several courses to include the Obstacle Course; the Leadership Reaction Course, at which small groups are required to work together to solve problems and cross obstacles; the Confidence Course, with high obstacles and particularly challenging obstacles that are not normally completed for time; and the Assault Course, a physically and mentally strenuous course where cadets are put through combat like situations with simulated small arms fire, artillery explosions, and obstacles. They also take part in small arms training, tear gas training, and self aid buddy care.