In 1984 and ‘85, our unit guidon bearer in Hanau, West Germany’s Fliegerhorst Kaserne was nicknamed Alley Oop. He was a tall, lanky fella who could run forever and was perfect for taking his place at the front of the unit on every run.

I was a sergeant first class and headquarters platoon sergeant. I enjoyed calling cadence for the unit during our morning physical training (PT) runs. Most of the calls were traditional. The person calling cadence kept the unit in step by counting in a loud command voice which could get pretty boring during a long run at “double-time.” There are cadence calls which are familiar to most Army personnel.

“Ain’t no use in going home. (Repeated by the troops in unison to the cadence of the march.)
Jody’s got your girl and gone. (Repeated)
Ain’t no use in goin’ back. (Repeated)
Jody’s got your Cadillac. (Repeated)
Am I right or wrong? (You’re RIGHT)
Am I going strong? (You’re RIGHT)
Sound off (1-2) Hit ‘em again (3-4)
Bring it on down (1-2-3-4 — 1-2-3-4)”

This one is called a “Jody Call,” and there are many of them. Some are not polite enough to be used in the streets of the garrison, but you might hear them on the long road to the rifle range. I won’t repeat any of those here.

I did write an original cadence call which seemed to satisfy the troops and keep them going. I’ve often wondered if anyone used my original “Alley Oop” cadence call after I left to go home and retire in 1985.

“Alley Oop was a fighter, some folks say. (Repeat)
He could whip the whole tribe and only take one day. (Repeat)
If we had a guidon for Alley Oop to hold, (Repeat)
He’d want to put the flag on a telephone pole. (Repeat)
He’d swing it to the left and swing to the rear, (Repeat)
He’d swing it all around and keep the roadway clear. (Repeat)
If the Cobras had to go; if they had to fight, (Repeat)
Alley Oop, on foot, could keep them all in sight. (Repeat)
He could rearm, refuel, and check their glass. (Repeat)
P.O.L. and Armament could go on pass. (Repeat)

At any time during the cadence call some of the troops might get out of step with the rest of the unit. If that happened, I’d just do a “numbers call.” Once everyone was back in step, I’d continue the “Alley Oop” call.

I must have done that call a few times, because tonight, after more than 37 years of not calling cadence, it jumped into my head, and I was able to rattle it off with only a couple of hesitations. It was a good memory for me.

If you’ve never heard 150 (or more) troops sounding off with a cadence call on an early morning run, you’ve missed a special treat.