Each time we see a cadet’s red night vision headlamp come eerily into view on the Horsebarn Hill homestretch, shouts of encouragement break the silence among those who have finished their 6-mile ruck. Hauling 35-pound rucksacks, these Army ROTC students began their training run at 0500 hours, preparation for a 12-mile ruck later in the semester — still later, post-graduation, soldiers must maintain 15-minute miles through a 12-mile ruck to pass muster and commission as officers.