“What’s one classic U.S. Army running cadence that particularly motivated you during your service? How did it impact your performance and what makes it stand out in your memory?”
Here is what 4 thought leaders had to say.
Army Cadence Builds Endurance Through Shared Experience
One classic U.S. Army running cadence that stuck with me was “I Don’t Know, But I’ve Been Told.” It’s simple call-and-response rhythm kept the group connected during long runs, breaking down mental barriers when fatigue set in. What made it stand out was how it turned running into a shared experience—no one was alone in pushing through. That camaraderie boosted my pace and helped me maintain focus on the collective goal, not just my own struggle. The cadence’s steady beat also helped regulate breathing, which improved endurance. It wasn’t just a chant; it became a mental anchor in tough moments, reminding me that persistence and teamwork were key. This made a lasting impression on how I approach challenges, whether on the field or in business.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Military Cadences Teach SEO Success Principles
While I didn’t serve in the military, I’ve worked with many veteran clients who’ve shared how cadences like ‘Airborne Ranger’ built mental toughness and team cohesion during grueling training. The rhythm and repetition create a psychological anchor that pushes you through physical barriers, much like how consistent SEO processes help teams push through algorithm updates and ranking fluctuations. What strikes me about military cadences is their focus on collective achievement rather than individual glory—’We are the mighty, mighty Rangers’ builds unit identity just as strong brand messaging builds customer loyalty. The call-and-response format keeps everyone synchronized and accountable, similar to how we use regular check-ins and reporting to keep SEO campaigns on track. The best cadences combine motivation with practical pacing, teaching soldiers to maintain sustainable effort over long distances rather than burning out early. This mirrors successful SEO strategy: steady, consistent optimization beats sporadic bursts of activity every time. That’s how visibility in search is achieved.
Wayne Lowry, CEO, Scale By SEO
Coffee Roasters Apply Military Rhythm to Business
While I didn’t serve personally, I’ve learned from veteran customers that ‘Airborne Ranger’ was incredibly motivating—much like how our morning cupping ritual sets the tone for our entire roasting day. The rhythm and repetition create focus and unity, similar to how consistent brewing techniques build muscle memory in baristas. What strikes me about military cadences is their power to synchronize individual effort toward collective goals, exactly like coordinating our roasting schedules with cafe demand. The call-and-response format builds camaraderie and pushes through fatigue—I’ve applied this principle during long roasting sessions, using music and team check-ins to maintain energy and quality standards. Both require discipline, timing, and shared commitment to excellence. Whether marching in formation or pulling perfect espresso shots, rhythm creates reliability. That’s how balance is delivered to each cup and business.
Rory Keel, Owner, Equipoise Coffee
C-130 Cadence Drives Infantry Performance Forward
A timeless U.S. Army running cadence that has always resonated with me is “C-130 Rolling Down the Strip.” Its infectious rhythm and energizing beat never failed to inspire, driving me to push my limits and excel during long-distance runs.
The lyrics of this cadence talk about a C-130 aircraft taking off from the strip, reminding soldiers that they too need to keep moving forward and pushing through any challenges they may face. As someone who served in the infantry, I found this message to be very relatable as we were constantly on the move and facing physical and mental obstacles.
The impact of this cadence on my performance was significant. Whenever I found myself struggling during a run, I would think back to the lyrics and use it as motivation to keep pushing forward. It reminded me that I was part of a larger team and we were all working towards the same goal.
Geremy Yamamoto, Founder, Eazy House Sale